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.
If the tour looks sold out, feel free to message me!
Explore the Hidden Gems of Lyon!
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Lyon, a city rich with history, charm, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Our adventure begins at the iconic Place Bellecour, one of the largest open squares in Europe. From here, we’ll make our way to the historic Place Saint-Jean, home to the breathtaking Saint-Jean Cathedral. You’ll be amazed by its astronomical clock, a marvel of medieval craftsmanship that still works today!
Next, prepare to step off the beaten path as we explore Lyon’s famous traboules (secret passageways that wind through buildings and connect the streets of the old town). These passages, once used by silk merchants, are a unique feature of Lyon and hold centuries of history within their walls.
Our journey continues along Rue Mercière, a lively street known for its traditional Lyonnais “bouchons” (restaurants), offering a true taste of the city’s famous culinary scene.
We’ll end our tour at the grand Place des Terreaux, where you’ll admire the majestic City Hall and the striking Opera House. This is the perfect spot to conclude our journey, surrounded by Lyon’s rich history and modern energy.
Book now to secure your place on this unique tour!
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!
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!
If you are interested in getting to know the city of Lyon passing through some of the most emblematic areas of the city as well as secret and historical corridors and the most artistic area of the city with the best "Instagrammable" spots in the city, this Tour is for you.
Points of interest that we will discover along the route:
- Cordeliers
- Old Lyon
- La Croix-Rousse
Note:
👀 You need to pay a public transport ticket to go up to the Croix-Rousse area by funicular, the rest of the journey is done on foot.👀
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 !
