Top Lyon Culture

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.

Discover the Lyon most visitors miss: walk through secret passageways between historic buildings, admire Renaissance architecture, and uncover the stories behind the city’s most famous landmarks. Join me for a small-group walking tour of Lyon’s historic Old Town, Vieux Lyon, and the elegant squares of the Presqu’île. We’ll explore the famous traboules, narrow passageways that lead through buildings and courtyards, including some that many visitors walk straight past. Along the way, we’ll see Saint-Jean Cathedral and admire the beautiful architecture that makes Lyon so special. You’ll discover how Lyon became a major centre of the silk industry, hear about the silk workers who shaped the city, and learn about Lyon during the Second World War, including the French Resistance. And what would a visit to Lyon be without talking about food? I’ll introduce you to traditional local specialities, my favorite bakeries and food addresses to try during your stay. Come discover Lyon with us!

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.

Discover the charm of Lyon with a local touch on this interactive city tour led by Canadian guide Ryan. Join a 2-hour tour to see Lyon's top 10 sites. Learn about Lyon's rich history from Roman times to its role in WWII, making it perfect for history buffs and casual visitors alike. Navigate the city's picturesque streets, secret traboules, and vibrant squares while also getting insider tips on local restaurants (called "bouchons" by locals). - 2-hour tour (max 18 guests) featuring 10 city highlights - Explore famous landmarks like the traboule Renaissance passages, Vieux (Old) Lyon, and Place Bellecour - Learn about Lyon's famous "bouchon" restaurants with lots of recommendations provided by your local guide(s) - Suitable for all ages and physical abilities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the essence of Lyon on this immersive walking tour showcasing iconic landmarks. Starting at Fourvière Hill, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic city views. The journey continues downhill through the ancient ruins of Lugdunum, exploring well-preserved Roman theaters and odeons. As you enter Old Town (Vieux Lyon), wander narrow cobbled streets and visit the majestic Saint-Jean Cathedral. Unique traboules, the city's secret passageways, reveal hidden historical insights. Led by an expert guide, gain local knowledge and personalized attention throughout this enriching experience. - Tour duration: 3 hours with a maximum of 25 participants - Visit Fourvière Basilica and Roman ruins of Lugdunum - Explore the charming streets of Vieux Lyon and Saint-Jean Cathedral - Discover Lyon's secret traboules for a unique perspective

Travelers that want to avoid a crowded tour bus—but see more than with a typical walking tour—shouldn't miss this comfortable, pedicab tour in Lyon. As you cruise through the heart of the city, see top attractions, from bustling Place Bellecour to the historic Theatre des Celestins and Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste. Along the way, learn about Lyon's history from your guide, and see some of the city's ancient hillside passageways, called traboules.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet and talk with local artisans as you sample their cuisine on this afternoon food tour that offers access to people and places only locals know. Savor local specialties at four separate tasting stops as you stroll among the murals and alleyways of Old Town, Lyon’s UNESCO district. Potential bites on the menu include cheese, cold cuts, brioche, chocolates, wine, and artisanal ice cream in the warmer months.

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.

Go one step further than tasting Lyon’s famous cuisine and learn the city’s culinary secrets from a French chef. Get hands-on in the kitchen—and at the local market—during this small-group cooking class, as you take part in every step, from selecting the fresh ingredients to plating up your 4-course homemade lunch. Create a variety of dishes, including regional specialties and an indulgent dessert.

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.

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.

After having been a professional guide for several years in the south of France, I am now an official guide for the city of Lyon. Driven by the same passion for 20 years, I am waiting for you in Lyon to help you discover the entire city, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. We will use the funicular to travel between Fourvière hill and Old Lyon. If you wish, we can also discover the Presqu'île district and the Croix Rousse district together. As an official guide, I will of course adapt to all your desires and will not fail to show you the gastronomic specialties of Lyon, as well as recommend its best restaurants. Also, there will be no waiting time to enter the monuments during the entire tour. We can meet wherever you want in Lyon. Best regards Roman

Learn about Lyon through its music and wine, on this small-group city tour. Ideal for creative souls who want to discover Lyon’s architecture, culture, and wine, the experience is made up of a tour around the Croix-Rousse neighborhood. You’ll hear its history from a guide, listen to playlists, learn about the Opera National di Lyon, and finish on a high note with a cellar wine tasting.

This self-guided walking tour takes you through the many layers of Lyon — a city that evolved from Roman capital to silk powerhouse to the gastronomic heart of France. As you walk through its historic streets, you’ll uncover how geography, trade, religion, industry, and food shaped Lyon into the city it is today. The route leads you through Vieux Lyon’s Renaissance streets and hidden courtyards, past former centres of trade and power, and into neighbourhoods shaped by workers, merchants, printers, and cooks. You’ll hear stories of Roman foundations, medieval archbishops, silk weavers and their revolts, and the women and chefs who turned everyday cooking into a defining cultural force. This tour is designed to be walked at your own pace, with short distances between stops and time to explore along the way. By the end, you won’t just recognise Lyon’s landmarks — you’ll understand how the city reinvented itself again and again, without ever losing its soul.