Top Lyon Cultural Tours

Glide around Lyon’s UNESCO-listed historic center on an easy-to-use electric bike with this 2-hour guided bike tour. Cruise along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, pedal around the lush Tête D’Or Park. Stop along the way to admire landmarks like Lyon Cathedral, stroll around bustling Bellecour square and discover little known monuments and local haunts.

Most travelers think they’ve seen Lyon after walking through Vieux Lyon or tasting a bouchon meal. But what if I told you that the true charm of the city hides behind quiet courtyards, secret passages, and stories whispered through its cobblestone streets? Lyon reveals itself slowly and only to those who know where to look. Without a local guide, it’s easy to miss the city’s heartbeat. You might admire the Renaissance façades but overlook the hidden traboules. Lyon isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you feel, and exploring alone means missing the warmth and rhythm of its everyday life. That’s why this Walking Tour in Lyon makes all the difference. Your local guide adapts to your curiosity, leading you through iconic sights and secret corners only locals know. Together, you’ll uncover Lyon’s beauty, history, the one most travelers never find.

Meet a Lyon local for a private walking tour that’s like having a friend—rather than a professional guide—to show you around the city. It’s a new concept in travel, and everything from the pre-tour phone consultation to the walking tour itself is completely tailored to you. Whether you’re exploring neighborhood life or looking for Lyon’s most authentic flavors, it’s a personalized alternative to an off-the-shelf itinerary.

Lyon’s old town is riddled with secret passageways and history. This immersive, guided walking tour begins at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and takes you through the traboules (covered passageways used by silk workers to transport fabrics), to present-day silk workshops, and the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures, before finishing up at the Grand Hotel Dieu, formerly the city hospital, now a luxury hotel and shopping complex.

Uncover the Magic of Lyon with Your Personal Audio Guide Tired of feeling touristy — but still want to experience Lyon? With 100 captivating audio stories straight to your phone, this self-guided audio tour is your key to discovering Lyon’s most iconic landmarks such as the ancient Fourvière, as well as hidden gems. Weave through the historic Vieux Lyon (Old Town), and the bustling The Presqu'ile district while this flexible walking tour lets you explore at your own pace — no groups, no schedules. Get a personal guide in your pocket at a fraction of traditional tour prices: ✅ No app download — works directly from your browser ✅ Start anytime, anywhere ✅ Explore top sights & hidden gems ✅ Enjoy full flexibility with pause and resume features ✅ Vivid storytelling with soundscapes and voice narration ✅ Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families After booking, just submit the last 5 digits of your phone number in the “promo code” field at App.trales.io to activate your access.

Is it your first time in Lyon, or are you short on time? This tour is designed for you. In just a few hours, you’ll explore the essential highlights of the city while truly understanding what makes Lyon unique. From Roman ruins to Renaissance streets, from silk workers to hidden passageways, this experience connects the dots between history, culture, and everyday life. But this is not just a list of monuments. This tour is built around storytelling—bringing the city to life through engaging explanations, local insights, and plenty of fun facts along the way. You’ll walk through traboules, discover the world of the Canuts, learn about Lyon’s gastronomy, and experience the city from a local perspective. Perfect for first-time visitors, this experience gives you both a complete overview and the confidence to explore Lyon on your own afterwards. If you want to understand Lyon—not just see it—this tour is for you.

Lyon flies more under the tourist radar than it should—with UNESCO sites aplenty, 2,000 years of visible architecture, and some of the country’s best foodie experiences, the city’s one world-class adventure. You’ll learn about and see all the best spots on this walking tour, your local guide leading the way from the neighborhood of Croix-Rousse to the famous Vieux Lyon.

This small-group e-bike tour shows you the best of Lyon and lets you cover more ground in less time than walking would. Hop on your bike and cruise past the old city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Fresque des Lyonnais (a celebrated mural), the gardens of the Musée des Confluences, the Saône river, and more. Your local guide has tales to entertain and educate you as you pedal.

Visit the streets of old Lyon by bicycle taxi and admire the historical monuments that abound. A fun alternative to being cooped up in a coach, the bike taxi offers an unobstructed view and an eco-friendly solution. Book a bike taxi for two adults and a child under six and, if you want a longer excursion, upgrade to also include the Presqu'île and the banks of the Rhône River.

Explore the rich Jewish history of Lyon on this engaging 3-hour tour. Starting at Place Bellecour, delve into the community's presence since the Middle Ages, including their struggles and triumphs in commerce and culture. Visit key sites like Rue Grolée, home to 19th-century Jewish entrepreneurs, and see the iconic Synagogue du Quai Tilsitt, a symbol of resilience. Hear stories of faith and solidarity, and choose to reflect further at the Prison of Montluc or the Museum of the Resistance. This tour provides deep insights into the Jewish heritage of Lyon, revealing tales of courage and community amidst historical challenges. - Discover Lyon's Jewish history from the Middle Ages to modern times. - Visit significant sites like Place Bellecour and Rue Grolée. - Learn about the role of the Synagogue du Quai Tilsitt as a refuge during the war. - Option to visit the Prison of Montluc or the Museum of the Resistance at tour's end. *Please note that the synagogue will be seen from outside

Explore a unique workshop in Lyon where silk is still hand printed. This exceptional know-how has been passed down from generation to generation in respect of the Lyon tradition. During this immersive tour, discover the secrets of manufacture, from the steps of color preparation, installation of fabrics to live demonstrations of iconic Impression techniques: Impression à la frame known as "Lyonnaise", Impression à la plank and hand painting on silk velvet. This experience will allow you to appreciate the silk heritage in Lyon and the exceptional craftsmanship.

Explore Vieux Lyon the fun way: by Segway. Riding a self-balancing electric scooter behind a guide, you’ll glide around the old town streets with ease, sidling past monuments like Lyon Cathedral, and then heading into Bellecour Square and through the Tete d’Or Park. Anecdotes and stories about all the Lyon attractions are part of the fun. The tour is conducted in both French and English simultaneously to accommodate more travelers.

Finding your way in France’s third-largest city can be a challenge for first-time visitors to Lyon, and many of its historic landmarks and “traboules” (covered passageways) are easy to miss. This self-guided audio tour handles the navigation and provides historical context as you explore the Old Town and the Presqu'ile district. You set the pace, whether you want to whizz around the highlights or enjoy a leisurely weekend of sightseeing.

Discover Poitiers in one day by following this walking tour that takes you through the 16 must-see places of interest of the city. Admire Romanesque architecture with iconic monuments such as Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church and St. Peter's Cathedral. Stroll along the banks of the Clain and explore the medieval streets of the historic centre, while savouring local specialities in the Halles de Notre-Dame. An accessible and rewarding route, ideal for history and culture lovers. - 5 km circuit, to be done in about 2 hours - Discovery of 16 monuments and historical sites - Navaway® application available for an interactive guided tour - Explore at your own pace, with stops at major points of interest

Take off from Lyon and make your way to the beautiful southern Beaujolais region. First, journey into a vaulted cellar for an introduction to wine tasting with two distinct wines and a local pastry. Then, pass by the 12th-century village, Oingt, to see its medieval monuments, and end your tour at a winemaker’s estate with more tastings.

Make the most of your time in Poitiers with a private walking tour of the city’s historic center. Learn more than you would wandering around alone, and avoid the risk of getting lost in the old streets with the help of a guide. Pass churches, mansions, and the old city walls as you walk and listen to your guide’s stories about Poitiers’ long history, dating from before Roman times.

Explore Lyon's profound World War II narrative, where every street and square whispers stories of courage and resistance. The city stands as a living monument to human dignity, transforming historical trauma into a powerful testament of hope. From the secret stairways of Cour des Voraces to the silent tributes like Le Veilleur de Pierre, Lyon reveals layers of heroism hidden within its urban landscape. Walk Rue Victor-Hugo and Place Bellecour, where ordinary citizens became extraordinary resistance fighters. Visit the CHRD Lyon to delve into the raw, unfiltered stories of those who defied Nazi occupation. Saint-Nizier Church and Hôtel de Ville bear witness to Lyon's unbreakable spirit, while murals and historic sites transform urban spaces into powerful historical narratives. Each location is a chapter in a remarkable story of human resilience where art, heritage, and imagination intersect to honor those who fought for freedom against overwhelming odds.

Spend half a day exploring Pérouges, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Enter the town through the Porte d'en Haut gate and check out its 15th- and 16th-century homes, the Place des Tilleuls, and stunning views that reach across the Ain Valley all the way to the Alps. Enjoy a “galette,” the regional specialty before your tour concludes.

Maximize your time in the vibrant Lyon with a Lyon City Card, which includes admission to a wide range of the city’s most popular museums as well as transportation, puppet shows, and more. Select from either a 1-, 2- 3-day or 4 day pass and receive a free brochure and map-guide to the city when you collect your card.

Tour and taste your way around Lyon on this half-day Old Town food tour. Save hours researching where to find the best local food, and instead, have insider knowledge from your guide. Meet local producers, and learn about Lyon’s wonderful gastronomy scene. You won’t have to worry about translation problems—your guide translates for you, as you enjoy several tastings throughout the day.

Take a walk through Lyon's history with a private guide, and discover the small French city as it was during Roman days. You'll learn about the city's architecture and culture through curiosity-packed commentary that's sure to keep your interest piqued as you explore. Stories of Lyon lions and secret city passageways are among the highlights.

Take in the sights of Lyon with an electric bike tour, an easy way to get around, while you sample some of what makes this the culinary capital of France. After stops in Lyon's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Place des Terreaux, and La Croix-Rousse, riding along the picturesque Rhône River, pause at a restaurant to taste regional specialties such as locally made cheeses and cured meats.

The perfect introduction to France’s history-filled city, this hop-on hop-off tour of Lyon makes stops at several attractions. Enrich your visit with audio commentary in multiple languages as you listen to anecdotes about the city, its people, and its heritage. Your pass is valid for the whole day, so you can get down—and back on—as many times as you’d like.