Confluence Shopping Centre, situated at 112 Cours Charlemagne in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement at the tip of the Presqu'île peninsula, is one of France's most architecturally distinctive retail complexes. The building occupies the Confluence urban regeneration quarter where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, and its exterior cladding—a pattern of multicoloured scales visible from the rivers and surrounding district—has made it a recognizable landmark in Lyon's evolving skyline.
The centre houses more than 80 stores across a compact but well-organized layout, with a brand mix that tilts toward sustainability, independent labels, and design-conscious retailers alongside the standard high-street presence. Eco-certified brands, French-made clothing lines, and concept stores with curated product selections appear alongside H&M, Zara Home, and Fnac. The programming includes regular pop-up retail spaces that rotate quarterly, giving the centre a dynamism unusual for a standard shopping complex.
The riverside terraces of the Confluence quarter, accessible from the shopping centre's lower levels, extend the experience into outdoor public space with cafés and river-view seating. The Musée des Confluences, a major science and anthropology museum with a distinctive futuristic building, is a short walk from the shopping centre entrance, making the area suitable for a half-day itinerary that combines retail with cultural visits in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Dining options within the centre include a compact food court and a terrace-level restaurant with views toward the confluence of the two rivers. Card payments are accepted at virtually all stores; tax-refund procedures follow the standard French détaxe process for eligible non-EU visitors.
Location
112 Cours Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon
45.7353, 4.8155 View on map
Highlights
- Architecturally striking multicoloured-scale exterior building at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône
- 80+ stores with a mix of eco-friendly brands, French-made labels, and standard high-street retailers
- Riverside terrace dining and outdoor public space in the Confluence urban regeneration quarter
- Walking distance from the Musée des Confluences for a combined retail and cultural half-day itinerary
- Regular pop-up retail spaces rotating quarterly, giving the centre a more dynamic character than standard malls
Tips for visiting
- Sunday afternoons are the busiest period; weekday mornings offer a quieter, more relaxed browsing environment
- The terrace-level riverside café offers views of the confluence point—worth visiting regardless of shopping plans
- Check the centre's entrance board for current pop-up retail events, which rotate quarterly
- The Musée des Confluences is a 10-minute walk; plan the combined visit as a morning-to-afternoon itinerary
- Tram T1 stops directly outside the centre at Confluences, connecting to Perrache and the city centre
Frequently asked questions
How does Confluence Shopping Centre differ from Part-Dieu Shopping Centre?
Confluence is smaller (80+ stores versus 250+ at Part-Dieu) and emphasizes sustainability-oriented and design-conscious brands. It is also more architecturally distinctive and set in a regenerated urban waterfront district rather than a commercial business quarter.
Is the Confluence area worth visiting beyond the shopping centre?
Yes. The Confluence urban district includes the Musée des Confluences, the Sucrière cultural venue, riverside promenades, and a growing cluster of restaurants and bars, representing one of Lyon's most interesting recent urban developments.
Does Confluence Shopping Centre offer tax-refund services for non-EU visitors?
Yes. Standard French détaxe applies to eligible non-EU visitors spending over €100.01 per store per transaction. The information desk at the centre entrance can provide a list of participating retailers.
How do visitors reach the Confluence Shopping Centre by public transport?
Tram T1 (Confluences stop) provides the most direct connection from central Lyon. The journey from Perrache takes approximately 5 minutes. Bus connections are also available from the Presqu'île peninsula.