Bicycle rentals in Lyon

Lyon rewards anyone willing to pedal. Follow the river path along the Berges du Rhône in the morning light, freewheel through the cobbled lanes of Vieux Lyon, and you will understand why locals never bother with a car for a day out. A bicycle here is not a compromise — it is the best seat in the house for a city built on two rivers.

Lyon is largely flat where it counts, and the city has spent the last decade laying down riverside lanes that link its main districts without a single tram change. You can cross from the Presqu'île to the Confluence museum, then loop back along the water, all before lunch. The hillier quarters, Fourvière and Croix-Rousse, ask a bit more of your legs, but an e-bike flattens the climb and hands you the city's best views in return.

Top 10 things to see in Lyon by bike

1. Parc de la Tête d'Or — Lyon's largest park, with wide flat paths, a lake loop and a free zoo, perfect for an easy first ride from the centre.
2. Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière — a steep climb up the hill, but the panorama over the whole city and its rivers makes every pedal stroke worth it.
3. Vieux Lyon — the UNESCO-listed Renaissance old town, its cobbled streets and hidden traboules made for a slow ride along the Saône.
4. Musée des Confluences — striking modern architecture at the point where the Rhône and Saône meet, an easy roll down the riverside lanes.
5. Berges du Rhône — Lyon's signature cycling promenade, the most scenic and popular stretch of riverside path in the city.
6. Place Bellecour — one of Europe's largest public squares, a pedestrian-friendly hub right at the heart of the Presqu'île.
7. Croix-Rousse — the old silk-weavers' hill, hillier riding rewarded with murals, covered passages and a distinct village feel.
8. Parc de Gerland — a quieter, flatter riverside park south of the centre, good for escaping the tourist crowds.
9. ViaRhôna — the long-distance Rhône Valley route passes right through Lyon, ideal for a longer out-and-back ride.
10. Île Barbe — a small, quiet island on the Saône north of the centre, a favourite detour among local cyclists.

What do you need to rent a bike in Lyon?

No licence is required to ride a bicycle in France. Rental companies do generally ask that whoever signs the contract be an adult, 18 or over, though children can ride equipment booked under a parent's name. A deposit is standard practice, usually held as a card pre-authorisation and released when the bike comes back undamaged — ask the specific operator for the exact amount. No International Driving Permit is needed for a bicycle rental.

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Lyon?

Expect to pay around 3-8 EUR per day in low season, rising to 12-20 EUR per day in high season. Premium models, including e-bikes, run closer to 20-30 EUR per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, peaking around the summer holidays.
• Rates drop noticeably from November to February, the cheapest months to book.
• Spring and early autumn sit comfortably in between, with good weather and lighter crowds.

When to book a rental bike in Lyon?

June, July and August are Lyon's high season, when demand and prices both rise, so book a few days ahead if you are visiting then. November through March is low season, with cheaper rates and fewer bikes reserved elsewhere. If you can choose, May, June and September offer the best balance: mild weather, long days and prices well below the midsummer peak.

Local traffic rules in Lyon

France drives on the right, and cyclists should keep to marked bike lanes wherever they exist. A helmet is only legally required for riders under 12, though wearing one is always a sensible idea in city traffic. Outside built-up areas at night or in poor visibility, cyclists must wear a reflective vest. Built-up speed limits sit at 50 km/h, and the blood-alcohol limit for anyone on the road is 0.5 g/l — a rule worth remembering if your ride includes a stop for wine.

The number of local partners we work with in Lyon keeps growing, so when you are ready to rent a bike in Lyon, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!