Historic Lyon: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local

Lyon , France

Historic Lyon: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local

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About this experience

Join a Local for a two-hour exclusive journey through Lyon, a can't-miss experience that invites you to admire historic landmarks, relive storied pasts, and dive into the city's rich culture.

• Discover Lyon’s past with the guidance of a Local.
• Uncover how Place Bellecour has defined Lyon's history.
• Experience a personalised tour, tailored to your interests.
• Get curated recommendations for further city discovery.
• Enjoy a private and intimate tour, exclusively for your group.

Immerse yourself in Lyon's heritage and let its history become part of your own journey.

Available options

3 Hours - Private Tour

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available

2 Hours - Private Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available

What's included

Exclusive Private Tour

Tailored Itinerary

Local Host

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

A stunning architectural marvel on Fourvière Hill, offering panoramic views of Lyon and representing the city's religious heritage.

Stop 2 Pass by

A testament to Lyon's medieval past, featuring Gothic and Romanesque elements.

A remarkable mural in Rue de la Martinière, showcasing the city's historical figures and Lyon's rich cultural tapestry.

Bartholdi Fountain in Place des Terreaux, created by the designer of the Statue of Liberty, is an artistic symbol of Lyon's connection to French sculpture and art.

Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, located in Place de la Comédie, stands as a significant example of Lyon's historical architecture and its role as a political center.

Stop 6 Pass by

Opéra National de Lyon, also in Place de la Comédie, represents the city's prestigious cultural scene, housed in a building that blends historic and modern architecture.

Le Coin Vert in Place des Jacobins is a charming spot in Lyon, reflecting the city's vibrant street life and community spaces.

Stop 8 Pass by

Place Bellecour is one of the largest open squares in Europe, a central point in Lyon known for its grandeur and the statue of Louis XIV.

28 Rue de la Charité is notable for its historical significance in the Presqu'île district, embodying the architectural and urban diversity of Lyon.

MHL - Musée d'Histoire de Lyon in Place du Petit Collège offers insights into Lyon's rich history, from its Roman origins to the present day.

What's not included

Personal Expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

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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

This tour is hosted by an independent local.

This is an exclusive private tour.

The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.

Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.

Entry tickets for transportation, museums, and monuments excluded.

Not recommended for guests with impaired mobility

Meeting point

We will meet at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière for a journey back in time through Lyon.

Important notes

Your Local Host will reach out to you within 24 hours before the experience to confirm the meeting location and discuss any further details.

The itinerary and stops may vary depending on the travellers’ preferences, walking pace, and weather conditions.

This is a walking tour showcasing city highlights and does not include entry tickets to public transportation, monuments, or attractions.

Have your ticket with you to show the Local Host at the beginning of the Experience.

Please arrive 15 min before the start of the experience. The experience starts on time, and for organisational reasons, there can be no waiting.

This Experience is performed by a Local Host. Local Hosts have in-depth knowledge and offer authentic insights into their city or area. Localbini.com is the leading platform connecting travellers with locals for authentic city experiences.

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.