Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)

Lyon , France

Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)

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About this experience

10:00 AM | English

Begin your morning with a delightful journey through Lyon’s rich cultural tapestry. Our tour starts at Place des Terreaux, where you'll see the majestic Hôtel de Ville, the fascinating Museum, and the beautiful Bartholdi Fountain.

From there, we go to the bohemian charm of Croix-Rousse. Step into the world where silk workers once breathed life into the city, and wander through the intriguing Traboules—hidden passageways. Our knowledgeable guide will weave captivating stories of the past, making history come alive with every step.

Next, after admiring the vivid Fresque des Lyonnais, we walk to the old town, Vieux Lyon. Stroll along ancient streets as you admire enchanting allure of Rue Juiverie, featuring the stunning Gallerie Philibert Delorme. We conclude in the vibrant center of Vieux Lyon, arriving just in time for lunch in one of the area’s charming eateries.

Why Join Us?

Expert Guidance, Hidden Passageways and Immersive Storytelling

Available options

Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

We visit the main town square of Lyon

Stop 2

If open, we will have a look at the courtyard of the museum

Stop 3

We will visit the historic neighborhood of Croix-Rousse.

Stop 4

We visit a few of the hidden passageway, the traboules, in Vieux Lyon

We will visit this passageway with it's Village des Createurs inside, a creative business incubator.

We will have a look at one of the nicest viewpoints in the city, overlooking the old amphitheatre

We will see the amazing fresco painting with all the famous people that were born in Lyon

We will pass by this lovely gothic church

Stop 9

We will see the old jewish quarter with its lovely courtyards

We will visit the courtyard of this museum if it is open.

We will pass by the busy main street of Vieux Lyon and visit some hidden courtyards

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

68 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

659 reviews

5★

629

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at 10:00 am on Place des Terreaux. I will be standing next to the entrance to the Fine Arts Museum with a sign in my hands.

About Lyon

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a vibrant blend of Roman history, Renaissance architecture, and modern innovation. Known for its gastronomy, silk weaving heritage, and UNESCO-listed historic sites, Lyon offers a rich cultural experience with a lively atmosphere and stunning landscapes.

Top Attractions

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Vieux Lyon is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance district with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming courtyards. It's one of the most picturesque areas in Lyon and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €5-€10 for museum entries

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

This stunning basilica sits atop Fourvière Hill and offers panoramic views of Lyon. The basilica is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and a symbol of the city.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for the crypt and treasury

Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

One of the oldest and most prestigious museums in France, the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Museum 2-3 hours €10 (free on the first Sunday of the month)

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

This renowned food market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and gourmet products. It's a great place to sample Lyon's culinary delights.

Food Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary by stall

Parc de la Tête d'Or

This vast urban park is a green oasis in the heart of Lyon, featuring a lake, botanical gardens, a zoo, and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (€5 for boat rental)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Quiche Lyonnaise

A savory tart made with eggs, cream, and lardons (small strips of pork), often served with a side of green salad.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Salade Lyonnaise

A traditional Lyon salad made with frisée lettuce, croutons, lardons, a poached egg, and a Dijon vinaigrette.

Salad Contains pork and eggs

Coq au Vin

A classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine, typically with bacon, mushrooms, and onions.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Cervelle de Canut

A traditional Lyon cheese spread made with fresh cheese, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian, contains dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in Les Monts du Lyonnais Cycling along the Rhône and Saône rivers Rock climbing and via ferrata in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Parc de la Tête d'Or Boat tours on the Rhône and Saône rivers Enjoying a leisurely meal at a bouchon Exploring the historic sites of Vieux Lyon Visiting the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Lyon, with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city comes alive with outdoor events, cultural activities, and vibrant nightlife.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lyon is generally a safe city for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache

By bus

Lyon Perrache Bus Station, Lyon Part-Dieu Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Lyon Metro consists of four lines (A, B, C, D) and is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Lyon (Old Town) Presqu'île Croix-Rousse Confluence

Day trips

Beaujolais Wine Region

30 km from Lyon • Half day to full day

The Beaujolais region is famous for its red wines and picturesque vineyards. It's a great destination for wine tastings, scenic drives, and exploring charming villages.

Pérouges

20 km from Lyon • Half day

Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a rich history. It's a great destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Annecy

100 km from Lyon • Full day

Annecy is a picturesque lakeside town in the French Alps, known for its stunning lake, historic old town, and beautiful gardens. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and scenic views.

Festivals

Festival of Lights • Early December Lyon Biennial of Contemporary Art • September to December (every two years) Lyon Jazz Festival • June to July

Pro tips

Visit the Traboules of Vieux Lyon, hidden passageways used by silk merchants in the past, which can still be explored today.
Try local specialties like quiche Lyonnaise, salade Lyonnaise, and coq au vin, and sample the city's renowned wines and cheeses.
Explore the historic sites and attractions of Vieux Lyon, including the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the Roman Theatre of Fourvière.
Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region, known for its red wines and picturesque vineyards, or visit the charming medieval village of Pérouges.
Attend a performance at the Opéra de Lyon, one of the city's most renowned cultural institutions, or visit the Gadagne Museums for a fascinating look at Lyon's history and the history of puppetry.