Lyon is one of the few major French cities with ice rinks open well beyond the holiday season. Two municipal facilities, Charlemagne and Baraban, welcome the public for a long season, from September to May. This feature allows families, clubs, or recreational skaters to enjoy ice skating without waiting for the Christmas markets.
Ice Rinks in Lyon and the 2030 Winter Olympics: What Changes for Skaters
You may have heard about the Alpes 2030 project. The Winter Olympics scheduled for 2030 will have direct impacts on Lyon’s infrastructure. The Charlemagne and Baraban ice rinks are officially designated as training sites for ice events, as part of the “ice pole” village set up in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite.
In practical terms, this means an upgrade of the facilities: athlete-friendly accommodations, enhanced technical requirements for ice quality, and likely reserved time slots for national teams. For the general public, these improvements should enhance the overall comfort of the facilities, although some periods will be closed for free skating.
This Olympic context transforms the two Lyon ice rinks into reference sports sites, not just winter leisure spots. When you book among the best ice rinks in Lyon, you access tracks that already meet international competition standards.
Baraban Ice Rink: 2026-2027 Season and Public Slots
The Baraban ice rink, located in the 3rd arrondissement, has confirmed its resumption of public sessions starting September 16, 2026, with a season running until May 23, 2027. It is the go-to local rink for Lyon residents who want to skate regularly.
Its schedule is adjusted according to school holidays. During school periods, public slots are more limited (priority is given to clubs and schools). During holidays, the availability expands. A practical detail to remember: the box office closes 30 minutes before the end of each session. Arriving too late means staying on the sidelines.
Why Baraban is Suitable for Families with Children
Baraban offers a more intimate atmosphere than Charlemagne. The ice surface is smaller, which reassures beginners and young children. Ice scooters (small sliding supports) are generally available for little ones who are not yet stable on skates.
Another advantage is its location. Served by public transport, the rink is easily accessible from the city center. For a family outing on Wednesday afternoons or during holidays, it’s the simplest choice.
Charlemagne Ice Rink: Large Capacity and Sports Events
The Charlemagne ice rink, in the 2nd arrondissement, operates on a different scale. Its capacity reaches 4,200 people, making it one of the largest municipal ice rinks in France.
This size allows it to host national competitions, ice shows, and hockey matches. The downside: during these events, the rink is closed to the public. Always check the schedule on the city of Lyon’s website before you go.
Figure Skating and Ice Hockey at Charlemagne
Charlemagne is also the playground for clubs. Figure skating and ice hockey have dedicated slots there. For children interested in these disciplines, it’s the place to start in a club with structured coaching.
- Ice hockey is accessible from the early years of primary school, with hockey schools offering introductions before club registration
- Figure skating welcomes beginners from ages 4-5, with group classes tailored for the youngest
- Public sessions remain the best way to test skating before committing to a regular activity
Energy Constraints of Lyon’s Ice Rinks: An Underestimated Challenge
Maintaining an ice surface consumes a lot of energy. Lyon’s ice rinks, as tertiary sports facilities over 1,000 m², are subject to the tertiary decree (decree n° 2019-771). This regulation mandates a 40% reduction in final energy consumption by 2030, and 50% by 2040.
For skaters, this constraint translates into concrete choices. Local authorities are investing in heat recovery systems (the cold produced for the ice generates heat redistributed for heating changing rooms or nearby pools). Opening hours may also be adjusted to optimize consumption.
The anticipated increase in electricity taxes for local authorities in 2026 intensifies this budgetary pressure. The price of sessions may change in the upcoming seasons, even though municipal rates remain among the most accessible in the sports leisure market.
Choosing Your Ice Rink in Lyon According to Your Profile
Lyon only offers two permanent ice rinks, but they serve very different purposes. To simplify the choice:
- Baraban is suitable for families with young children, beginners, and those looking for a nearby outing without crowds
- Charlemagne caters to skaters who want space, hockey or figure skating enthusiasts, and those who enjoy the atmosphere of large facilities
- During the holiday season, temporary ice rinks sometimes appear in shopping centers or public squares, often with synthetic surfaces
The temporary Christmas ice rinks offer a different experience from real ice. The synthetic surface glides less, slows down more, and does not provide the same sensations. For a genuine skating session, Charlemagne and Baraban remain the only serious choices in Lyon.
With the prospect of the 2030 Olympics, these two sites will improve in quality and visibility. It’s a great time to discover or rediscover skating in Lyon, before public slots tighten due to Olympic preparations.
