Saône · Rhône · Floods · History
For several weeks now, continuous rainfall has swollen the Saône River, transforming the quays into a veritable aquatic landscape. Access points are closed, the banks are impassable, and even the Terrasses de l'Île Barbe are flooded. An impressive situation… but far from unprecedented in Lyon's history.
A spectacular rise in water levels
At Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, the Saône reached 5.70 meters, compared to 3.15 meters a week earlier. A dramatic rise, accompanied by a flow rate nearing... 1,500 m³/s. In other words: a veritable waterway crossing the metropolis. A direct consequence: the river shuttle. Navigône is suspended at least until February 23, as navigation conditions have become too dangerous.The major floods of Lyon: key dates
Antiquity & Middle Ages
- 280 — Major flooding of the Rhône.
- 346 — Widespread flooding in the valley.
- 580 — Autumn flooding, Lyon and Arles flooded.
19th century
- 1840 — Historic flooding of the Saône.
- 1856 — The greatest modern flood of the Rhône. The Tête d'Or dike gives way, Brotteaux and Guillotière are flooded.
- 1860 — Another major flood of the Saône.
20th century
- 1935 — Joint flooding of the Rhône and Saône rivers, major damage.
- 1955 — Significant flooding of the Saône.
- 1980–2001 — A series of significant floods.
Why do these floods keep recurring?
The floods in Lyon result from a combination of factors: continuous rainfall, saturated soils, snowmelt upstream, and sometimes Mediterranean weather events that amplify the phenomenon. The Saône, a slow-moving and wide river, reacts differently from the Rhône: it rises more gently… but also recedes more slowly.An impressive phenomenon, but one that must be respected.
