Things to Do in Lyon

Hi! My name is Paul, and I’d love to take you on a walk through two of my favorite neighborhoods in Lyon — Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon.

We’ll start in Place des Terreaux, surrounded by the majestic Hôtel de Ville and Bartholdi Fountain, before walking into Croix-Rousse, the historic heart of Lyon’s silk industry. As we wander through the old traboules, the hidden passageways, you’ll hear about the lives of the silk workers — the canuts — and how their struggles and revolts inspired thinkers like Karl Marx.

You’ll also discover how Joseph-Marie Jacquard’s invention — a loom that used punch cards — helped inspire the first ideas behind modern computing.

I’ll tell you about Jean Moulin the leader of the French Resistance, and how Leynaud, a poet and friend of Albert Camus, left his mark on the city’s wartime story. 

From the ancient Roman amphitheatre, we’ll enjoy a sweeping view over the city, and I’ll tell you the difference between a Roman theatre and an amphitheatre.

As we head down toward Vieux Lyon, we’ll stop at the Fresque des Lyonnais, where you’ll meet the city’s most famous sons and daughters — from the Lumière brothers to Paul Bocuse. 

Then we’ll slip into the old town, with its hidden courtyards and secret passageways tucked behind unmarked doors.

We’ll finish in the lively heart of Vieux Lyon — just in time for lunch, if you’d like some local recommendations!

It’s a relaxed, story-filled walk through Lyon’s layered history — from Roman stones to silk threads to the digital age.

 ✨ We've designed a single 2h tour that brings together Lyon's two most iconic historic districts — Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse — in one immersive experience. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of the city’s identity and plenty of personalized tips to keep exploring.

It’s the perfect tour if you’re only in Lyon for a few days and want to experience the very best of the city in one go.

🥖 Discover Lyon with Real Locals – History, Food & Hidden Corners
We’re the LyonExplorer team – a small group of locals who truly love this city. Some of us were born here, others moved here after falling in love with Lyon (and yes, the food played a big part!). We’re not actors or scripted performers – just passionate guides who enjoy meeting new people and sharing what makes Lyon special: its stories, hidden corners, favorite places to eat, and the little details you won’t find in guidebooks. Think of it more like a walk with a local friend than a traditional tour. 

🗺️ What to Expect:
In about 2h, we’ll take you through some of the most iconic and surprising parts of the city: 

• Walk through the secret traboules of Vieux Lyon
• Stroll up to Croix-Rousse for great views and a cool artistic vibe
• Hear stories about Lyon’s silk weavers, Roman origins, and quirky legends
• Spot colorful street art and peaceful courtyards you might miss on your own
• Get our local tips for restaurants, wine bars, and hidden gems
• And pick up a few fun Lyonnais expressions along the way

 
📍 Practical Info:
 

• ⏰ Duration: around 2h
• 🌐 Languages: English, French, Spanish
• 📌 Meeting point: Place des Terreaux, in front of the Bartholdi fountain
• 👟 Easy pace, relaxed vibe

 
✅ Book now – and tip whatever you feel the tour is worth.
 It’s free to join. You decide the value at the end.
 

Hi! My name is Paul, and I’d love to show you my city.

Join me for a walk through Vieux Lyon, where every corner has a secret and every stone has a story. Together, we’ll wander the cobbled streets, slip through hidden traboules, and uncover Lyon’s mix of beauty, darkness, and deliciousness.

Along the way, you’ll learn how Michelin stars really work, spot the modern gargoyle watching over the cathedral, and hear about the dishes you might want to avoid in a traditional bouchon (yes, some involve intestines).

I’ll tell you about the Butcher of Lyon, the Resistance, and how justice finally caught up with him in Bolivia.

But it’s not all dark — we’ll also talk about the silk merchants, the chefs like Paul Bocuse who made Lyon the gastronomic capital of France, and the city’s rebirth into one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural centers.

We’ll finish in the elegant heart of Lyon, near landmarks like the Théâtre des Célestins and the Hôtel-Dieu, where the past meets the present.

It’s a relaxed walk — full of stories, history, and a few local secrets you won’t find in any guidebook.

🎭🎨 Lyon through art: murals, theaters, and the city's creative soul.

Can you imagine walking the streets of Lyon and capturing its essence in incredible photographs? This is your chance. I invite you on a unique art tour, where you'll not only discover the city's history and architecture, but also learn specialized travel photography techniques , ideal for capturing the most authentic and visually stunning moments.

We'll begin our adventure at the iconic Place des Terreaux , where art and history merge. As we explore, you'll discover giant murals and outdoor masterpieces . Here, you'll learn how to use your camera (or smartphone) to capture the light, colors, and perfect compositions that make Lyon a living canvas. I'll teach you tricks on how to find the perfect angle , take advantage of natural light , and play with shadows to transform any image into a work of art.

This isn't just a sightseeing tour. It's a sensory and photographic experience , where every step will help you hone your skills and see Lyon in a completely new way. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, I guarantee you'll leave with incredible photos and new photographic knowledge to continue exploring the world with a more creative eye.

Welcome to the Lugdunum of the past, let's travel through its history to today's Lyon.

Once everyone is gathered:

1. We begin at the Place de la Comédie where we will discover its cultural importance. Then we will head towards the Place du Terrain.

2. We will visit the most important and representative areas of the Presqu'île of Lyon, such as monuments and buildings, enjoying their architecture, history, and colorful elements that characterize them.

3. We will see the economic and social development that this city has acquired in different periods of history, especially marked in two squares of the city.

4. We will delve into the popular and traditional old town, Vieux Lyon, where its mysteries (traboules), gastronomy, stories of resistance, and more than 4 museums will offer us an enriching experience.

5. Finally, we will end at the foot of the basilica most beloved by the Lyonnais.

Discovering Lyon with me is much more than a tour: it's experiencing the city through stories, anecdotes, and details that only a local and passionate guide can offer. I like to make each explanation a close and entertaining experience. With several years of experience here, I will help you enjoy the best recommendations while you are in Lyon and its surroundings. You will get to know from its Roman past to its vibrant present. You will notice a different tour because I not only convey information but transform and adapt each visit into a journey full of emotion, culture, and shared memory. Let's go!

Unlike cities like Paris, Rome, or Venice—where grand monuments, wide boulevards, and large crowds steal the spotlight—the Old Town of Lyon offers a more authentic, peaceful, and deeply cultural experience.

Once the capital of Roman Gaul and an economic hub for centuries, Lyon was the most influential city in Europe during its time, thanks to its commercial power, ecclesiastical importance, and strategic location. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its historical essence and a charm that makes it truly unique.

On our tour of Vieux Lyon, the Renaissance heart of the city, we’ll explore its cobbled streets, cross the traboules—secret passageways connecting courtyards and alleyways—and admire the majestic Saint-Jean Cathedral. 

Along the way, you’ll relive Lyon’s history from the Roman era through the Middle Ages and beyond. You’ll hear captivating legends, meet historical figures who shaped the city, and uncover how Lyon’s rich culture and traditions evolved over time.

Join us as we guide you through the hidden corners of Lyon, offering a truly local perspective.

🎟️ Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

On this private walking tour, you'll be able to decide what you want to visit in Lyon and have an English-speaking guide exclusively for you!

Welcome to Lyon ! a fascinating city with a great historical and cultural heritage. Through this tour you will discover many peculiarities that will surprise you.

Our meeting point will be at the Place Bellecour right next to the statue of Louis XIV. After a brief introduction of the city we will start our tour in the centre of the presqu'île; the imposing theatre of Célestins and its peculiar parking, the Jacobins square with its peculiar architecture and its luxury shops, we will cross the footbridge of l'Argue to reach the famous street of Mercière, known for its wide gastronomic offer and its bars. We will continue to the old Lyon, a medieval and renaissance neighbourhood that among its streets keeps an endless number of peculiarities and remarkable monuments such as the courthouse, the Roman archaeological garden, the church of Sain-Jean-Baptiste, the museums and of course the famous traboules that will transport us to past times. We will then cross back to the presqu'île to visit the Place des Terreaux and its iconic fountain, followed by the city hall and the famous Opera de Lyon. Finally we will finish the tour by visiting the Roman amphitheatre of the 3 Gauls.

Throughout the tour I will provide you with information about restaurants, bars, cafes and many other places of interest that this vibrant city has to offer to its visitors. Come and discover Lyon with me in the most enjoyable and dynamic way possible!

Vous souhaitez découvrir la ville de Lyon ?  S'immerger dans la culture française ?
Ceci est une visite conçue pour vous!
Nous allons vous faire découvrir cette ville aux 2000 ans d'histoire, en pratiquant votre comprehension et votre expression en français.
C’est parti les amis !