Lyon is undoubtedly the best city in France for outdoor activities. Just a stone’s throw from the Alps, ski resorts and regional nature parks, the playground is limitless. Intramuros, the capital of the Gauls, is also the place to let your hair down with a whole host of activities. Here’s a list of activities you can enjoy without moderation.
Climbing: get some height without leaving the city center
You don’t have to travel to Chamonix to practice high-flying rock climbing. Lyon offers a full range of places to climb right in the city center. You can choose between bouldering (no higher than 3 meters, without a rope) or route climbing, this time with a harness and rope to ensure your safety. Either way, both will satisfy your adrenaline needs. Lyon has plenty of climbing gyms to choose from… and a few aching forearms.
Bungee jumping at one of France’s highest sites
Located between Lyon and Saint-Étienne, the Pélussin viaduct can’t compare with the Garabit viaduct. Except that when you realize that you’re bungee jumping, the 65-meter drop immediately takes on a whole new dimension. It’s one of the highest sites open to the general public for this type of activity. You’ll also need a good dose of composure.
Push your limits with a long-distance run
Thrills also come in the form of long-distance running. From 10 km to SaintéLyon, everyone needs to set a goal and push themselves to the limit. Take the time to prepare well, leaving yourself enough margin for training. A good back-to-school resolution to erase all the excesses of the summer vacations!
The MMA phenomenon
It’s simply unique in the history of sport: in just ten years, Mixed Martial Arts has gone from small halls to the biggest stadiums and arenas in France. For all enthusiasts, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Hexagone MMA Series in Avignon on November 15. Want to get started? Lyon’s professional and supervised clubs will open the ring for you.
An XXL accrobranche
In Haut-Bugey, not far from incredible sites such as the Combe tufa waterfall, enjoy an activity like no other. With different levels of difficulty, from the simplest to the extremely difficult, the Oyoxygene accrobranche allows you to climb up to a height of 27 meters, the equivalent of a 9-storey building. It’s for experienced climbers looking for a thrill. What level can you reach?
The 1 km mega zip line in the Monts du Lyonnais
Equivalent in length to eight soccer pitches. Just 30 minutes from Lyon, in the village of Yzeron, come and defy the laws of gravity with this very, very long zip line. With a speed of around 70 km/h, 50 seconds is all it takes to put you in the shoes of a bearded vulture!
Bonus: a culinary challenge!
Who said thrills could only be found in Mission Impossible-style freefall? You can also offer a good shot of adrenalin… seated at a table, with a small napkin on your lap. Head for a good Indian or Mexican restaurant to make your taste buds sweat with a spicy dish. In Lyon, try Tigermilk or Le Karachi. And why not do both at the same time?