L'Oiseau Bleu

Free parking right beside the barge was a real plus, and Old Lyon is just a short stroll away, a nice place to unwind after a busy day downtown. Breakfast aboard the barge, with that breathtaking view, was a treat. Frédéric and his wife were so welcoming and charming, and gave us great tips for seeing the city. It was a lovely find for anyone wanting a break from the sterile feel of hotels. We’d gladly come back and highly recommend it. Sandra & Christophe

We loved the room’s air conditioning, the cleanliness, the private entrance, and how kind our host was. The quiet barge is in the heart of Lyon, near Confluence, with free parking nearby and the shopping center a 15-minute walk away. Breakfast on the terrace was lovely. It was a fun, unusual night, though we wished the porthole faced the Saône and that there had been a refrigerator. Still, we had a great stay and will definitely return.

The host gave us a warm welcome, was very helpful, and had great recommendations for local spots. We spent two nights aboard the Blue Bird, where the rooms were spotless and the beds really comfortable. For a stay in central Lyon, the nightly price is affordable. A wonderful experience we’d happily repeat.

The rooms were clean and comfortable, but this wasn’t the unique experience we’d hoped for. The barge was joined directly to another one, so the portholes didn’t look out over the Saône. That made them rather pointless. Breakfast was expensive for what was served. The host’s self-proclaimed intellectual monologue during breakfast also made for an unpleasant meal. I’d have preferred a more moderate way of expressing opinions and a respectful, shared conversation with the other guests.