Lyon Aims for River Swimming Renaissance: Ambitious Plans Unveiled

Lyon is setting its sights on a revitalized relationship with its iconic rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. Following the unfortunate cancellation of a planned Rhône swim in 2024 due to inclement weather, the city and its metropolitan area have jointly announced a comprehensive plan to make these waterways accessible for swimming once again. The ambitious project envisions a network of designated swimming areas, drawing inspiration from successful urban river bathing initiatives across Europe.

The initial focus will be the darse de Confluence, a basin located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, chosen for its relative shelter and existing infrastructure. This location, situated within the broader Confluence district, is slated to host the first official river swimming zone. The city envisions the area becoming integrated with Lyon’s existing network of municipal swimming pools, offering a unique and natural swimming experience.

According to a joint statement issued by the local authorities, the planned swimming area in the darse de Confluence is intended to mirror the popular canal de l’Ourcq model in Paris. The Parisian example provides a framework for creating safe and enjoyable open-water swimming spaces within an urban environment. Key elements of this model include carefully managed water quality, controlled access, and professional supervision.

The Lyon project aims to replicate this success by establishing two dedicated swimming pools within the darse de Confluence during the summer months, with the projected launch date set for summer 2027. These pools will be staffed by certified lifeguards to ensure swimmer safety. Furthermore, the water quality will be meticulously monitored by the Agence Régionale de Santé (Regional Health Agency), guaranteeing that it meets stringent health standards. Regular testing and analysis will be essential to maintain water quality and address any potential contamination issues.

The Confluence swimming area is conceived as a pilot project, serving as a proving ground for future expansion. The city envisions a network of river swimming locations throughout the Lyon metropolitan area. As part of their planning process, authorities have already identified twenty-one potential sites, each presenting varying levels of challenges and opportunities. Six of these locations are situated within the city of Lyon proper, offering the potential for widespread access to river swimming.

The evaluation of these potential sites is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including water quality, accessibility, and the physical characteristics of the riverbanks. Water quality is paramount, and locations must consistently meet or exceed established safety standards for recreational swimming. Accessibility is also a key consideration, ensuring that swimming areas are easily reachable by public transportation, walking, and cycling. The depth and stability of the riverbanks are also important, influencing the feasibility of constructing safe and accessible entry and exit points.

The twenty-one identified sites are categorized based on their level of constraint, reflecting the complexity of implementing swimming areas in each location. Five sites have been designated as having a medium level of constraint, indicating that they are potentially suitable for development with appropriate mitigation measures. Three of these medium-constraint sites are located within the city of Lyon: one along the Saône River and two along the Rhône River. These locations offer promising opportunities for creating additional river swimming zones in the future.

The estimated budget for the initial swimming pool project in the darse de Confluence is €2 million, excluding ongoing operational costs. This investment underscores the city’s commitment to revitalizing its relationship with its rivers and providing its residents with unique recreational opportunities. The funding will be used to construct the swimming pools, install safety barriers, create access points, and establish water quality monitoring systems.

Beyond the immediate benefits of recreational swimming, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the city’s image. By increasing public engagement with the rivers, the city hopes to foster a greater sense of stewardship and encourage responsible environmental practices. The project is also expected to enhance Lyon’s reputation as a progressive and innovative city, attracting tourists and investment.

The ambition to restore river swimming to Lyon is not without its challenges. Maintaining water quality in the Rhône and Saône Rivers is an ongoing effort, requiring continued investment in wastewater treatment and pollution control. The project also requires careful coordination with various stakeholders, including environmental agencies, boating organizations, and local residents. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to the long-term success of the river swimming initiative.

Despite the obstacles, the city of Lyon remains steadfast in its commitment to realizing its vision of a river swimming renaissance. The project represents a bold step towards creating a more sustainable and livable urban environment, connecting residents with their natural surroundings and enhancing the quality of life for all. The initial phase in the darse de Confluence will be closely monitored, with lessons learned informing future expansions and ensuring the long-term viability of river swimming in Lyon.