Things to Do in Lyon
Step into the heart of Lyon on a captivating walking tour that weaves together centuries of mystery, culture, and culinary delights. With your engaging guide, Paul, you'll explore Vieux Lyon— where every cobblestone and secret passageway tells its own story.
What to Expect:
Insider Secrets: Meander through the traboules (hidden passageways) that only locals truly know.
Cultural Tapestry: Delve into Lyon’s vibrant history—from the Renaissance splendor to its unique role in silk production.
Historic Narratives: Hear gripping tales of bravery during World War II, including the complex legacy of the era marked by Klaus Barbie and the inspiring resistance efforts.
Culinary Heritage: Explore the traditional world of Lyon’s famous bouchons and discover how culinary legends like Paul Bocuse have helped shape the city’s reputation.
Modern Marvels: Visit Lyon’s bustling city center, to see architectural gems such as the Théâtre des Célestins and the historic Hôtel Dieu.
Free Walking Tour to explore the hidden places of Lyon !
Book on GuruWalk for this 2.5 hours “Essential” tour! Just come and enjoy! The peninsula, the old district, Croix-Rousse hill… Secret passages (Traboules), abandoned church, architecture, roman ruins, street art… Recommendations for the best bakery, museums, pubs, activities, restaurants and places to visit by yourself… On this Essential Free Walking tour, I’ll guide you around the best and my favorite places. I’ll give you an overview over all the aspects of Lyon… Are you ready to explore my Lyon ?
👋 Bonjour, I'm Quentin!
I’m a local guide passionate about sharing French culture and history.
🌟 Explore the places that shaped Lyon’s soul
🤡 The most fun way to visit Lyon — for all ages!
💥 Experience the city like a local, with insider tips.
🌍 Meet new friends from around the world.
🌧️ If it rains, the tour will still go ahead, and I’ll bring some umbrellas for you.
🏔️ Enjoy stunning views as we go from the hilltop to the city center. Hopefully we only go down, making it super easy. Text me if you’re concerned!
🤓 Come as a tourist, leave as a local!
🔍 Secret Pathways once used by silk workers to transport fabrics to the city.
🎨 Le Mur des Canuts: Discover Europe’s largest mural.
🍅 Market of Croix-Rousse: Explore the rich diversity of local products.
🏺 Fall of Lugdunum: Once a key city of the Roman Empire, learn about it's dramatic decline.
🕵️ Resistance: Learn about the dramatic story of the resistance leader Jean Moulin.
👗Learn about the invention of the first automatic loom! 💥Leading to the revolts that inspired modern socialism.
🎭 A hub of creativity with street art, galleries, and theaters.
🧑🎨 Did you know the Bartholdi Fountain was meant to face the city hall? I’m not even talking about the one in Lyon…
😋 You will end the tour in the perfect spot to easily reach any place to eat.
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!
Step into Lyon's rich history and culture on this immersive walking tour of Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon.
With your engaging guide, Paul, you'll explore Place des Terreaux, where you’ll admire the impressive Hôtel de Ville, the Museum, and the famous Bartholdi Fountain. From there, we explore Croix-Rousse, once the bustling hub of Lyon’s silk industry.
As we navigate the Traboules—hidden passageways woven with stories of the past—you’ll gain insights into the lives of the silk workers. From the Roman Amphitheatre we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
We then make our way down to Vieux Lyon, the city’s most renowned historic district. Along the way, we’ll stop by the Fresque des Lyonnais, an iconic mural celebrating Lyon’s famous figures, and stroll down Rue Juiverie to marvel at the architecture of the Gallerie Philibert Delorme. We conclude the tour in the lively heart of Vieux Lyon, perfectly timed to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants.
Join me to uncover Lyon’s vibrant past and unique charm!
Feel the history and the beauty of Lyon with a passionate professional guide, also a local artist and actor.
Good morning ! I'm Bertrand, I was born and raised in Lyon, I'm an actor and visual artist willing to share my experience of the city's atmosphere in an authentic and funny way.
Let's meet ! I love to share my passion and take groups through the hidden gems and monuments of the UNESCO protected area, with a French eye full of soul!
Get to feel Lyon like with a passionate and professional guide! This walking tour highlights the city’s unique history, culture, and charm, offering a fun and engaging way to experience the true soul of Lyon.
- Meet me on Place Sathonay – a warm welcome and introduction right in the heart of Lyon
- Painted staircases & the Jardin des Plantes
- Roman Amphitheater – uncover ancient legends and echoes of the past.
- Alternative Art in the Pentes district – creativity spills from tiny corners to massive murals.
- Montée de la Grande Côte – charming medieval street offering a panoramic view.
- Place Chardonnet – once the beating heart of Lyon’s historic silk industry.
- Secret traboules – hidden covered passageways used by silk workers… and resistance fighters!
- Cour des Voraces – bold architecture and the memory of fierce social struggles that shook 19th-century Europe.
- Église du Bon Pasteur – discover the mystery behind this unfinished church.
- Esplanade de la Grande Côte – end your journey, perched above the City in a foodie area.
👋 Bonjour, I'm Quentin!
I’m a local guide passionate about sharing French culture and history.
🌟 Visit what I consider the must-see sights of Lyon.
🤡 The most fun way to visit Lyon — for all ages!
💥 Experience the city like a local, with insider tips.
🌍 Meet new friends from around the world.
🌧️ If it rains, the tour will still go ahead, and I’ll bring some umbrellas for you.
🤓 Come as a tourist, leave as a local!
🏺 Ancient Beginnings: Explore Lyon’s origins as Lugdunum, the vibrant capital of Roman Gaul.
🏰 Renaissance and Silk industry: Learn about the Italian influences on Lyon’s architecture and the silk industry.
🕵️ War and Resistance: Uncover Lyon’s role during the Nazi occupation. The arrest of the Resistance leader Jean Moulin and the trial of Klaus Barbie, the infamous Gestapo officer.
🍽️ Culinary Revolution: Discover how Lyon earned its reputation as the culinary capital of France.
🔍 Secret Pathways: Explore hidden passages used by silk workers and Resistance fighters during WWII.
🤴 Culture and art: Did you know that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of Le Petit Prince, was from Lyon?
💁♂️ Join us and you’ll be able to tell your friends you really visited Lyon!
Feel the history and the beauty of Lyon with a passionate professional guide, also a local artist and actor.
Good morning ! I'm Bertrand, I was born and raised in Lyon, I'm an actor and visual artist willing to share my experience of the city's atmosphere in an authentic and funny way.
Let's meet ! I love to share my passion and take groups through the hidden gems and monuments of the UNESCO protected area, with a French eye full of soul!
Get to feel Lyon like with a passionate and professional guide! This walking tour highlights the city’s unique history, culture, and charm, offering a fun and engaging way to experience the true soul of Lyon.
- Meet me in front of Lyons Cathedral, welcome and introduction in front of the gothic wonder
- Roman history, when it all started !
- Place de la Trinité and secret traboule: medieval stories on the picturesque square
- Saint George Church: history of the silk production, major ancient district of the silk workers
- UNESCO Riverside and tales about Lyon during the French Revolution
- Palace of Justice: World War II chronicles from the immense façade on the riverside
- Rue des Trois-Maries: architecture from the Renaissance and stunning "traboules"
- The Traboules of Old Lyon: Typical covered passages forming a maze through the Old Town
- Saint-Paul District: Charms of the medieval area and luxurious ancient buildings
- Fresque des Lyonnais : famous painted wall featuring the famous personalities from the city's history
- Place Sathonay : charming square with cafés and restaurants located near the Town Hall
If the schedule looks sold out, drop me a message!
Welcome to an unforgettable Lyon walking tour! Join me to explore the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
We start at Place des Terreaux, meeting in front of the Bartholdi Fountain. We'll admire the impressive Hôtel de Ville before heading to Croix-Rousse. Known for its silk-weaving heritage, this district offers hidden traboules and stunning views. I'll share stories about the silk workers and the area's history.
Next, we'll descend to Presqu'île to see the Fresque des Lyonnais, a mural celebrating Lyon's famous figures, perfect for photos and learning about notable residents.
Then, we'll head to Vieux Lyon, the Renaissance district, with its beautiful architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. We'll explore more traboules and their history.
Our tour ends at Cathedrale de Saint-Jean, a Gothic masterpiece. I'll share tales of important events and figures linked to this landmark.
Throughout the tour, I'll recommend the best local restaurants, cafes, and hidden gems to ensure an unforgettable Lyon experience.
Join me to discover Lyon's hidden treasures and iconic landmarks from a local perspective.
Book your tour today for an extraordinary adventure in Lyon!
