Things to Do in Lyon

👋 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... Traboules!

 🤴 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! 

🥖 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 2h15, we’ll take you through some of the most iconic and surprising parts of the city: 

• Walk through the secret traboules of Vieux Lyon
• Climb 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

 
✨ We've designed a single 2h15 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.
 

 
📍 Practical Info:
 

• ⏰ Duration: around 2h15
• 🌐 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.
 

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.

👋 Bonjour, I'm Quentin!
I’m a local guide passionate about sharing French culture and history. I created this tour to be able to go through ALL Lyon’s areas.

        🌟 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. We only go down but there are stairs, 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.
👗Learn about the invention of the first automatic loom! 💥Leading to the revolts that inspired modern socialism.
🎨 Fresque des Lyonnais: A mural representing the most famous Lyonnais.
🕵️ Resistance: Learn about the dramatic story of the resistance leader Jean Moulin. 

🏺 Fall of Lugdunum: Once a key city of the Roman Empire, learn about it's dramatic decline.
🍅 Farmer Markets: Explore the rich diversity of local products.

🎭 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.  

Good morning, I'm Bertrand — a proudly French actor and visual artist, born and raised in Lyon. I'm also a passionate professional guide, and I've designed this journey to dive into Lyon's rich history. Let me share with you the city's secrets and treasures, all seen through a playful French eye!

Let's meet !

Immerse yourself in my storytelling, as we explore Lyon’s Roman origins — a time when the city rose as a major cultural and financial center in Europe. Stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Town, and uncover the roots of Lyon’s prestigious silk tradition. From panoramic riverside views, you’ll hear WWII chronicles and step into the city’s famous secret passageways. The tour ends in the heart of Lyon, where culture, cuisine, and a touch of French humour will make you feel right at home.

• Meet me in front of Lyons Cathedral, welcome and introduction in front of the gothic wonder

• Roman history, when it all started !

• Place Saint-Jean and secret traboule : medieval stories from the covered passages

• 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

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!

Good morning, I'm Bertrand — a proudly French actor and visual artist, born and raised in Lyon. I'm also a passionate professional guide, and I've designed this journey to dive into Lyon's rich culture. Let me share with you the city's secrets and treasures, all seen through a playful French eye!

Let's meet! Underground vibes, street art, radical stories — welcome to the hill that doesn’t follow the rules!

Immerse yourself in a playful journey through the chaos of French history — from Roman times to today — that has shaped Lyon’s landscape and spirit. As we explore the Croix-Rousse hillside, take in breathtaking panoramas, vibrant street art, and the essence of what Lyon is all about. Uncover the roots of its prestigious silk tradition and catch the lingering scent of ancient workers’ riots hidden in secret passageways. The tour ends at the top of the hill, in a food-lovers’ haven where culture, cuisine, and a touch of French humour will make you feel right at home.

• Meet me on Place Sathonay — a warm welcome and introduction right in the heart of Lyon

• Alternative Art — creativity in every corner

• Église du Bon Pasteur — everything went wrong in the construction of this massive abandonned church

• Panorama — everything went wrong in the construction of this massive church and the blocks around it

• Roman Amphitheater — uncover ancient legends of those who rioted against the imperial power

• Montée de la Grande Côte — hip zone in a medieval street filled with cafés and craft shops

• Street art ! — from the small details to the large painted stairs, from the local artists to the world famous ones.

• Tales of resistance — hidden covered passageways used by resistance fighters during WWII

• Cour des Voraces — bold architecture and the memory of fierce social struggles that shook 19th-century Europe.

• Esplanade de la Grande Côte — end your journey, perched above the City in a foodie area.

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!

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!