Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour
4,9 (1034)2hLyon, France
From€5
HikingHistorical
Lyon City Tour with Local Guide
5(9 reviews)Lyon, France
2hDurationEnglishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupModerateLevel
About this experience
Join a 2-hour interactive city tour in Lyon, guided by Canadian Ryan, to explore the city's top 10 sites. This experience is designed for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors. Participants will navigate through Lyon's picturesque streets, discover secret traboules, and visit vibrant squares while receiving insider recommendations for local restaurants known as "bouchons." The tour accommodates a maximum of 18 guests and is suitable for all ages and physical abilities. Before booking, note that this tour includes visits to famous landmarks such as the traboule Renaissance passages, Vieux (Old) Lyon, and Place Bellecour.
Itinerary
1
Place Bellecour
During your final stop, learn all about Lyon's largest pedestrian square. Brief explanation of King Louis XIV's links to Lyon and the troubled history of his statue. Your local guide will again provide some restaurant and shopping recommendations before taking a final group photo (sent to everyone after the tour).
2
Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon
Following introductions, bilingual guide Ryan will explain the rich history of this medieval square and its imposing 12th century cathedral. A mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, head inside the cathedral with explanations of how architects designed such an imposing structure almost 1000 years ago. Brief stop to see France’s oldest and best-preserved medieval clock; tracking time, Catholic holidays, and the stars.
3
Vieux Lyon
Explore one of Europe's largest Renassaince districts (second only to Venise). Your local guide will explain "Old Lyon's" rich history, stunning architecture, and silk trade. We will also provide some out-of-the-way restaurant recommendations.
4
Traboules du Vieux Lyon
Ryan will take you through Lyon's most famous "traboules." There are 200 such medieval passageways in Lyon. Used during the Renaissance to safely travel between buildings and avoid the crowded streets, they were later used by silk traders and (finally) the French resistance.
5
Cour D'appel De Lyon - Les 24 Colonnes
WWII history: learn about how the French resistance used Lyon's "traboule" tunnels to meet and exchange secret messages. Your local guide will also detail the sordid trail of Klaus Barbie, also known as gestapo's "butcher of Lyon." Brief explanation of how Barbie arrested French resistance hero, Jean Moulin.
6
Eglise Saint Nizier
See beautiful Saint Nizier church, a mix of Gothic and neo-classical styles. This church is also the starting point for pilgrims walking the St James Way (Santiago de Compostello) from Lyon to Galicia (Spain).
7
La Fontaine Bartholdi
Learn how this breathtaking fountain, originally destined for Bordeaux, ended up in Lyon's place des Terreaux.
8
Hotel de Ville de Lyon
City Hall. Learn all about this Baroque masterpiece and how it was a gift of Louis XIV to the city of Lyon. Explanation of the symbolism of the various statues and figures on its ornate facade.
What's included / not included
Local Guide
Bottled waterMealsPublic transportation
Additional information
Accessibility and comfort
- 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 spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Traveller reviews
59 reviews
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