Lyon Map Poster: The Rhone-Saone Confluence

Why this city works as a poster

Lyon is one of the few large cities whose shape comes from two rivers rather than one. The Rhone and the Saone run down in parallel before meeting in the south, enclosing a long narrow strip of land between them. That peninsula gives the poster a strong vertical axis few cities offer naturally.

Recommended framing

Frame vertically, about 8 km north to south, with the confluence in the lower third of the poster rather than at the centre. Centred, the meeting point of the two rivers loses its force; low, it closes the composition.

Which theme to pick

A theme where water is clearly differentiated from roads works better here than elsewhere, since water is the subject. Avoid monochrome themes, which would reduce both rivers to slightly wider streets.

Where to centre the map

Presqu'ile

The strip between the two rivers, with a regular grid that cuts against the surrounding hills.

Vieux Lyon

Narrow streets at the foot of Fourviere: the linework becomes much finer, almost a texture.

Confluence

The southern tip. Framed alone at 2 km, it gives a very identifiable prow shape.