Lyon City Tour with Local Guide Explore Hidden Gems
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Learn how this breathtaking fountain, originally destined for Bordeaux, ended up in Lyon's place des Terreaux.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(6)
I had a fantastic tour around Lyon. Ryan is very knowledgeable, and helpful. The tour was concise and informative
Ryan is an excellent guide. His knowledge is extensive and well communicated. He was cognizant of the heat during our tour and guided us to shady and cool spots along the way. Very interesting and enjoyable tour of Lyon. Highly recommend.
What is very interesting; good knowledge of our guide about the history of the city; I recommend it.
Great overview of the area. Our guide, Ryan, was witty and knowledgeable. As an added benefit he provided a map with restaurant suggestions. It was a rainy day and he continuously checked on our comfort.
Ryan was very knowledgeable on the history and architecture of Lyon. He was professional and exuded confidence of his material. We really enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend.
This is our first time visiting Lyon. We felt the walking tour was a great introduction to this amazing city with a good mix of history, landmarks, restaurant suggestions and more. Ryan was very knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable with his informal and friendly approach. We really enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend it!! Thank you Ryan!!
Thank you for walking with me and for this very kind review. Please spread the word about beautiful Lyon.
