Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon

WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?

• 10+ Years of Professional Guiding Experience: I was one of the first independent guides in Lyon. You are getting a seasoned expert, not a scripted beginner.

• 2,000+ Five-Star Reviews: Top-rated across GuruWalk, TripAdvisor, and Viator.

• Unlock the Secret Lyon: We physically step inside the famous hidden Traboules (secret passageways) that most tourists walk right past.

• Exclusive Local Bonus: Every guest receives my free curated flyer packed with authentic restaurant recommendations, bouchon tips, and must-see attractions.

ABOUT THE WALK:

Hi, my name is Paul! I would love to take you on a journey through two of my favorite neighborhoods in Lyon: Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon.

We start in Place des Terreaux, surrounded by the majestic Hôtel de Ville and the Bartholdi Fountain, before heading up into Croix-Rousse. This is the historic heart of Lyon's silk industry. As we wander through the old traboules, you will hear gripping stories about the lives of the silk workers (the canuts) and how their revolts shaped history. You will also discover how Joseph-Marie Jacquard's punch-card loom actually inspired the very first ideas behind modern computing.

Along the way, we dive into World War II history. I will tell you about Jean Moulin, the legendary leader of the French Resistance.

From the ancient Roman amphitheater, we will take in a sweeping view over the city, and I will explain exactly how a Roman theater differs from an amphitheater.

Next, we head down toward Vieux Lyon. We will stop at the Fresque des Lyonnais mural to meet the city's most famous historical figures, from the Lumière brothers to Paul Bocuse.

Finally, we slip into the old town to explore its hidden courtyards and secret passageways tucked behind unmarked doors.

We finish in the lively heart of Vieux Lyon right in time for lunch. It is a relaxed, story-filled walk through Lyon's layered history, spanning from Roman stones to silk threads to the digital age! 

Things you will visit:

• Place des Terreaux
• Hôtel de Ville
• Bartholdi Fountain
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Place des Capucins
• Many Hidden Passageways (Traboules)
• Passage Thiaffet
• Lots of Street Art
• Montée de la Grande Côte with its Old Houses
• View of the City and Countryside
• View of the Fourvière Hill with Basilica
• Ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre
• The Famous Mural 'Fresque des Lyonnais'
• Footbridge across the Saône
• Vieux Lyon
• Place St. Paul
• Hidden passageways and Courtyards in Rue Juiverie
• Rue de Gadagne with its famous Bouchons (traditional Restaurants)
• Place de Change
• Riverbanks of the Sâone with the famous Statue
• Traboule through the Hôtel du Gouvernement
• Hidden Courtyard in Rue St. Jean

Things I talk about:

• Introduction to Lyon
• Place des Terreaux with the Hôtel de Ville and Bartholdi Fountain
• Roman Origins
• Silk 
• The Jacquard Loom and the Origins of Computers
• The Croix-Rousse Neighborhood
• Lyon as Culinary Capital of France
• The French Resistance in the Hidden Passageways
• Gentrification in the Croix-Rousse
• Street Art and the Connection to the Silk Workers
• Early Union Movements
• The History of the Fourviére Church
• The Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre
• Modern Life in Lyon
• Life in the Old Tow
• Traditional Lyonnais food in the Bouchon
• The Origins of the Passageways (Traboules)
• Restaurant and Coffee Recommendations.
• Best Things to do in Lyon