Enjoy sports in Lyon

Football, or soccer depending on where you come from, is probably the most popular sport in France, with millions of passionate fans supporting their local team, from the smallest town to the largest metropolis.

Lyon is no exception, as the local team, Olympique Lyonnais (often abbreviated as OL), is a club founded in 1950 that has enjoyed impressive success, winning the Ligue 1 championship 7 times in a row from 2002 to 2008, the Coupe de France 5 times and the Trophées des Champions 8 times. Their home stadium, the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, has a capacity of over 59,000. More than just a place to watch football, it’s a real community centre for Lyon’s sports enthusiasts.

If you want to play football when you come to live in Lyon, there are many local football clubs for amateurs. Are you children interested as well? There are plenty of clubs for the youngest!

Lyon is also known for its vibrant running scene and its dedicated events attract both amateur and professional runners from all over the world.

Run in Lyon is the flagship road running event. It welcomes runners of all levels as they can choose to run 5 km, 10 km, a half marathon or a marathon. The course winds its way through the city’s most emblematic sites, such as the Old Lyon and the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers. This race embodies the spirit of the city, combining athletic challenge with cultural discovery.

In addition to Run in Lyon, the city offers a range of running events for all levels, such as the Lyon Urban Trail, which offers a unique experience combining sport and urban exploration. 8 km, 14 km, 25 km, 37 km or 12 km (hike), you have the choice of discovering the city by running a course adapted to your abilities.

Running is one of the most popular sports in Lyon. With its many parks and streets, there are plenty of places to train regularly in a great environment. If you don’t like running alone, there are several clubs that organise group training sessions. This is a great way to practise your favourite sport and meet new people.

In addition to football and running, Lyon offers many opportunities to practise your favourite sports.

Rugby

The spirit of rugby thrives in Lyon, home of the Lyon OU team. The city has several rugby clubs that welcome new members, from beginners to experienced players. Joining a club is a great way to learn the sport, improve your skills and take part in local competitions.

Watersports

If you like swimming, Lyon has 12 municipal swimming pools spread throughout the city. Some are open all year round (piscine de Vaise, centre nautique Tony Bertrand…), others only in summer (piscine de la Duchère and piscine Jean Mermoz) or in winter (piscine Charial and piscine Garibaldi).

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is the ideal place to practise watersports such as kayaking (especially with the Lyon Kayak Event) or standup paddleboarding. These popular activities offer a breathtaking view of Lyon’s architecture.

Cycling

To become a cycle-friendly city, Lyon is investing in the development of infrastructure for cyclists. Its extensive network of bike lanes (which is still being developed with the aim of connecting Lyon and cities in its metropolitan area with 12 new lines by 2026) and the introduction of Vélo’V (a bike-sharing system launched in 2005) demonstrate the importance the city council attaches to offering alternatives to the car.

If you want to explore the city on two wheels, don’t hesitate to join one of the many cycling clubs and take part in organised rides that will take you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known streets and neighbourhoods, not forgetting the region’s fantastic natural surroundings.

Lyon is located in the heart of France, in a region whose natural beauty offers a great setting for outdoor sports. With the Alps to the east, the Massif Central to the west and two rivers running through the landscape, this area offers many opportunities for discovery and amazement.

Hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts will find their paradise in the nearby mountains, where trails of varying levels of difficulty await them. From leisurely walks to enjoy the tranquillity of nature to adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descents, the region has something for everyone.

The lakes and rivers around Lyon offer great opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and even sailing, all within an hour’s drive. For those who just want to enjoy sunny days on the water, lakes such as Lac Genin, Lac d’Aiguebelette or Lac du Bourget are also popular.

Do you like skiing? With the Alps nearby, some of France’s most famous ski resorts are only a few hours away! In winter, these mountains offer the perfect conditions for world-class skiing, snowboarding, etc. The accessibility of the resorts from Lyon makes them ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. The joys of winter sports are never too far away when you live in Lyon!

Lyon is a true city of sports. If you are coming there to work or study, there are plenty of opportunities to practise your favourite sport and watch matches in a wide range of disciplines. From the passionate supporters of Olympique Lyonnais to the endurance of marathons and running events, not to mention all other sports, the city offers a rich variety of sporting activities.

Are you interested in making Lyon your new home? We are here to help you find out more about the city and how to get there!