CyclingCultureHistorical

2.5h Guided Bike Tour of Lyon Old Town

4.9(13 reviews)Lyon, France
2h30DurationEnglish, French, DutchOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This 2.5-hour guided bike tour takes you through Lyon's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will start at the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, a former 12th-century hospital, and view the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière from its hilltop. The tour includes a ride into La Croix-Rousse, known for its silk-weaving history, and a stop at a mural showcasing Lyon's history. You will also visit Place des Terreaux, see the Bartholdi Fountain, and pass by the Palais de Justice before reaching the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which features a historical clock. The tour ends at La Confluence, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. The experience is suitable for those who enjoy cycling and exploring history but may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues. A comfortable Dutch-style bike is provided, with the option to upgrade to an e-bike. The group size is small, and a local guide will share insights about the city.

Itinerary

1

Grand Hotel Dieu

This impressive landmark was built in 1184 and served as a hospital for more than 800 years! Now a 5-star hotel and shopping center, these walls hold many stories of historical accounts and legends.

2

La Croix-Rousse

La Croix-Rousse and its slopes are qualified as UNESCO heritage sites. La Croix-Rousse is the former working-class district of Lyon which housed the Canuts (or Lyon silk workers).

3

Fresque des Lyonnais

This fresque completed in 1995 represents 2000 years of history featuring 25 historical and 6 contemporary figures from Lyon. Some of the most notable depictions are the Lumiere Brothers, Antoine de St-Exupéry and the Little Prince, and Paul Bocuse.

4

Place des Terreaux

The most beautiful square in all of Lyon is home to the City Hall, Museum of Fine Arts, and the breathtaking Bartholdi Fountain. It serves as the perfect place to take photos, learn some interesting history and legends, and also take a pause and have a drink.

5

Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon

Sitting in the heart of the old town, this cathedral is an impressive structure. Built over three centuries starting in 1175 it has a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles and features a 16th century astronomical clock.

6

Place Bellecour

As the largest pedestrian square in Europe, Place Bellecour is surrounded by history, new and old. Here you can see the newly-renovated statue of King Louis the XIV, The Institute of Paul Bocuse, and a memorial to Antoine de St-Exupéry.

7

La Confluence

Finally, we’ll end our journey at La Confluence. The uniqueness of Lyon’s geography is demonstrated by the two waterways that the heart of the city is built between; at the confluence the two waters become one. This also gives a perfect view of the deconstructivist architecture of the area and the museum that sits there.

What's included / not included

BikeGuide
SnacksChild seat (max 22kgs)

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • Minimum customer height for E-bike option: 165 cm

Traveller reviews

4.913 reviews

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