On this guided tour, explore the nooks and crannies of Lyon, the ancient capital of Roman Gaul.
A moment of history, art and heritage awaits you during this guided tour of Lyon. To get to the heart of the city without getting lost in its twists and turns, your guide will show you the must-sees, so you don't miss a single morsel of this fascinating, multi-faceted city.
France's third-largest city after Paris and Marseille, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, hides many treasures.
A journey to the heart of history, to discover architecture forged over the centuries.
Must-see places in Lyon
The historical and architectural heritage is so impressive that it would take days to tell you all the stories.
But here's an overview of the must-sees.
Place Bellecour
A must-see, this is the largest square.
It's immediately recognizable by its impressive equestrian statue of Louis XIV on the throne.
Other statues were erected here: one of’Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (born in Lyon in 1900), the other by Little Prince.
It also borders the famous Carré d'Or, home to prestigious boutiques and luxury brands.
La Presqu'île
On the 1er and 2th arrondissements of the city extends to the Presqu'île, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guided tours of Lyon are certainly the best way to learn as much as possible about these buildings and this architectural beauty.
Several neighborhoods are located here: Bellecour, Terreaux, Perrache...
Visit the Saint-Nizier church, the Place Carnot, the Saint-Martin d'Ainay basilica, the town hall and more...
Le Grand Hôtel-Dieu
Impressive on the banks of the Rhône, opposite the Guillotière bridge.
Since 2019, it has been home to Lyon's Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie.
The city is renowned for its gastronomy and culinary specialties, such as the cuisine of the bouchons Lyonnais. The famous Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse, a native of Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, is featured here.
La Confluence
Where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet: the confluence.
An entire neighborhood at the southern end of the peninsula bears this name.
Today, the area is best known for its Musée des Confluences, You can also admire the marina and learn more about the former St-Paul prison and the Sucrière.
Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica
Overlooking the city from all sides, the incredible neo-Byzantine Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a true symbol of Lyon.
Access is by funicular, which takes you right up to the main porch.
Every year, the majestic building attracts over 2 million visitors.
Admission is free.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
If you thought this was just a city park without much else of interest... think again.
The Parc de la Tête d'Or dates back to 1857 and is one of the largest in France.
If it is best known for its zoo, velodrome, the botanical garden (15,000 plants!) and rose gardens are well worth a visit.
Quais de Saône
Opt for a charming stroll along the quays of the Saône, which offer a memorable and unmissable view of the city of Lyon.
Here, at the water's edge, you can gaze out over the bridges, the Croix-Rousse hill, the Fourvière hill and the medieval cathedral of St-Jean...
The slopes of the Croix Rousse
The Croix Rousse district was home to the famous silk workers. canuts.
This hill (the working hill) in Lyon peaks at 254.
Named «Pagus de Condate» in Roman times, it's full of richness and detail.
A tour of the Croix Rousse will take you from the Gros Caillou to Fort Saint-Jean, from the’amphitheatre des Trois Gaules at Maison Brunet.
Walk the famous slopes of the Croix Rousse and discover the Montée de la Grande-Côte which joins the Terreaux, the Montée des Carmélites, the Montée Saint Sébastien... Or take the Cour des Voraces, an impressive traboule.
All tours are unique, and so is your itinerary.
Take a stroll through the traboules, winding your way between buildings and old houses, and make your way to Vieux Lyon.
Traboules and Old Lyon
How can you imagine a guided tour of Lyon without crossing these mythical passages?
We even say «trabouler» to go from one district to another or from one street to another in the heart of Vieux Lyon.
Immerse yourself in the Lyon's traboules mainly located in the heart of the Old Lyon. These passageways were of great service to the population during the 2nd World War and during the revolt of the canuts. With around 500 of them, these treasures of Lyon's heritage are the quickest way to get from one street to the next.
The traboules, also known as the «Rémoulades», are difficult to access today: only about 80 traboules are open to the public.
Only... your guide knows the city like the back of his hand, with all the tips and contacts you need for a unique discovery experience.
Some of these passages lead to magnificent buildings, such as the famous Tour Rose (officially the Maison du Crible) in the heart of the Saint-Jean district of Vieux Lyon. This is an excellent example of Lyon's Renaissance architecture.
Behind each of these passages lies a whole history, a whole neighborhood life...
If you ask us, it's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a journey through time.
Tailor-made guided tour of Lyon
Our guides will adapt to your wishes and help you discover the city of Lyon as you've always dreamed of. Individual or group rates, child-friendly, in French or other languages, we offer tailor-made guided tours.
Would you like to immerse yourself in an exciting outing? Contact us for a free estimate, a booking and to organize your guided tour of Lyon.
