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Offered languages
- English
Discover the Lyon most visitors miss: walk through secret passageways between historic buildings, admire Renaissance architecture, and uncover the stories behind the city’s most famous landmarks.
Join me for a small-group walking tour of Lyon’s historic Old Town, Vieux Lyon, and the elegant squares of the Presqu’île. We’ll explore the famous traboules, narrow passageways that lead through buildings and courtyards, including some that many visitors walk straight past. Along the way, we’ll see Saint-Jean Cathedral and admire the beautiful architecture that makes Lyon so special.
You’ll discover how Lyon became a major centre of the silk industry, hear about the silk workers who shaped the city, and learn about Lyon during the Second World War, including the French Resistance.
And what would a visit to Lyon be without talking about food? I’ll introduce you to traditional local specialities, my favorite bakeries and food addresses to try during your stay.
Come discover Lyon with us!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
You will meet your guide at Place des Célestins in front of the Theater.
Your tour will end near the Gare Saint-Paul in the old town.
Itinerary
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1Place des Celestins
Meet your guide at Place des Celestins, beside the historic Theatre des Celestins, in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’ile. After a short introduction to the route, you set off on a relaxed walking tour toward the Saone river and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Your local guide points out the best photo spots along the way and shares the stories that make Lyon one of France’s most fascinating cities. Please arrive a few minutes early and wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Place Bellecour
Stroll across Place Bellecour, one of the largest squares in Europe, with the equestrian statue of Louis XIV at its center. Look up to spot the basilica of Fourviere on its hill, the landmark you can see from all over the city. Your guide explains how this vast open space became the heart of Lyon and sets the scene for the walk ahead. It is also a good place for photos, with the Saone and the Old Town just beyond.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon
Cross the Saone river and arrive at Saint-Jean Cathedral, the main church of Lyon, built over several centuries. Admire its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and carved facade, and take in the atmosphere of the square at its feet. Your guide shares why this spot was once the center of power in the city and what makes the cathedral a must-see in Vieux Lyon.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Vieux Lyon
Explore Vieux Lyon, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe. Follow narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful facades, hidden courtyards, and charming shopfronts. Your guide points out the architectural details most visitors miss and explains how merchants and craftsmen shaped this neighborhood. Along the way you will find plenty of photo stops and a real feel for local life in the heart of the Old Town.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Traboules du Vieux Lyon
Slip through Lyon’s famous traboules, hidden passageways that link streets through buildings, courtyards, and spiral staircases. Your guide shows you several of these secret shortcuts and shares what they were used for and why they are unique to Lyon. It is the kind of local detail you will not find on a map.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Walk along Rue du Boeuf, one of the best-preserved Renaissance streets in Lyon, with tall ochre facades, carved doorways, hidden courtyards, and spiral staircases. Your guide points out the details to look for and shares what made this street one of the most prestigious in the city. Today it is also known for its restaurants, so you will leave with ideas for dinner. YOur guide will give you plenty of recommendations!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Temple Du Change
See the Temple du Change, an elegant 17th-century building near the Saone in the heart of the Old Town. Your guide reveals the surprising past of this landmark and then take you to RUe Juiverie. Take your final photos, ask your guide for restaurant and sightseeing tips, and continue exploring Vieux Lyon at your own pace. The building is seen from outside.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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