Free tour

Lyon City Highlights: See Lyon's top 10 sights, explore secret passages (traboules), and learn about Lyon's rich culinary history.

4.95

Excellent(40)

Lyon

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Aidan

Registered on 14 November 2024

Bonjour! We're a father/son team of French-Canadians, and we're very excited to show you what makes Lyon so unique. Join us on a tour of Vieux (old) Lyon and the Presqu’île (peninsula), where you’ll discover secret passages (traboules), delectable bouchon restaurants, stunning architecture, and stories that bring the city to life. Who knows, you might even start feeling like a true Lyonnais by the end of it! We look forward to meeting you. Merci, Aidan (son) and Ryan (father)

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

2-hour walking tour to explore Lyon like a local. Walk through two main historical districts: Vieux (old) Lyon and la Presqu'île (the peninsula). Learn about Lyon's rich history, unique architecture, while getting lots of restaurant recommendations along the way. This is hands down the best tour if you're only in Lyon for a few days and want to see the city's main sights.

Explore Lyon with locals: history, gastronomy and secret passages

We’re a father/son team team - Canadians and native English speakers - who have lived in Lyon for over 20 years. Join us to hear personal stories about living in Lyon. We also take you through secret passages (traboules) and share our favorite "bouchon" restaurant recommendations.

The Tour:

During your 2-hour walk, you'll see:

Starting Point: In front of Louis XIV's statue (place Bellecour Lyon's 5th disctrict)
Stop 1: Place Bellecour (Lyon's main square)
Stop 2: Bonaparte Bridge and River Saône
Stop 3: St Jean the Baptist Cathedral (built in the 12th century) and its 14th century clock
Stop(s) 4: Vieux (old) Lyon and secret Renaissance passages called "traboules"
Stop 5: The river walk and criminal courts
Stop 6: Rue Mercière (street with Lyon's best "bouchon" restaurants and pastry shops)
Stops 7-8: Bartholdi Fountain and city hall
End Point: Place des Terreaux (Lyon's 2nd district)

Highlights

Explore old Lyon's secret Renaissance passageways (called "traboules")
See the city's two main squares (Bellecour and Terreaux)
Learn Lyon's rich history from its Roman origins, Renaissance silk trade, and World War II resistance fighters.
Lots of recommendations about where to shop, eat, and drink
Guides will share some typical Lyonnais expressions

📍 Practical Info:

⏰ Duration: 2 hours

🌐 Languages: English and French

📌 Meeting point: Place Bellecour (metro Bellecour), in front of the Louis XIV statue (look for your guide's red cap or beret)

👟 Total Walking Distance 3 kms (1.9 miles)

✅ Book now! Free tour but feel free to tip your guide.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Place Bellecour

The meeting point is in front of the Louis XIV statue at Place Bellecour, and I will be wearing a red cap or red beret.

Outside visit

Cathédrale Saint Jean

Outside visit

Traboules

Outside visit

Palais Justice 24 Colonnes

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.