Lyon City Tour with Local Guide Explore Hidden Gems

5.0 (9 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

9 reviews

5.0

Ryan (Canadian/Guide) — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Happy Clients — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the charm of Lyon with a local touch on this interactive city tour led by Canadian guide Ryan. Join a 2-hour tour to see Lyon's top 10 sites. Learn about Lyon's rich history from Roman times to its role in WWII, making it perfect for history buffs and casual visitors alike. Navigate the city's picturesque streets, secret traboules, and vibrant squares while also getting insider tips on local restaurants (called "bouchons" by locals).

2-hour tour (max 18 guests) featuring 10 city highlights
Explore famous landmarks like the traboule Renaissance passages, Vieux (Old) Lyon, and Place Bellecour
Learn about Lyon's famous "bouchon" restaurants with lots of recommendations provided by your local guide(s)
Suitable for all ages and physical abilities

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Culture Best Conversion Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Lyon Tours

Ages: Children (0–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local Guide

Not included

Not included: Bottled water
Not included: Meals
Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Public transportation

Itinerary

Place Bellecour

10 min Admission included

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).
Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon

15 min Admission included

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.
Vieux Lyon

10 min Admission included

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.
Traboules du Vieux Lyon

15 min Admission included

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.
Cour D'appel De Lyon - Les 24 Colonnes

10 min Admission included

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.
Stop 6

10 min

Explore Lyon's chic 2nd district and the Rue Mercière's many "bouchon" restaurants. Your local guide will explain Lyon's rich culinary history, including a biography of renowned chef Paul Bocuse. Enjoy many "locals-only" restaurant recommendations along the way.
Eglise Saint Nizier

5 min Admission included

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).
La Fontaine Bartholdi

5 min Admission included

Learn how this breathtaking fountain, originally destined for Bordeaux, ended up in Lyon's place des Terreaux.
Hotel de Ville de Lyon

10 min Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide in Place Bellecour (metro Bellecour) in front of the Louis XIV statue. Your guide will be wearing either a red beret or red baseball cap.

End point

Your tour ends in stunning Terreaux square, in the heart of Lyon's 2nd district. Place des Terreaux allows for easy access to the metro/subway, excellent restaurants, and shopping.