Top Lyon Historical Tours - page 2

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.

Pedal your way through Lyon on an exciting electric bike tour that covers the city from South to North. Start in the charming Vieux-Lyon, then ride along the Saône River, through historic spots like the Croix-Rousse tunnel, and discover highlights such as Tête d’Or Park, Place Bellecour, and the modern Confluence district. With an electric boost to ease your ride, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and learn about Lyon’s fascinating history.

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.

Discover the hidden heroines of Lyon that you won’t hear about in most history books on this unique walking tour. Follow your female Guide around the atmospheric Croix Rousse neighborhood, and explore the cobbled lanes, churches, and Roman ruins that many travelers miss. Along the way, plunge into Lyonnais history as you hear stories about the courageous women who fought for women’s rights and worked for the resistance during WWII.

Allow yourself to be led by Anne -- "the lady with the yellow umbrella" -- through some of Lyon's main sights on this dynamic Intro to Lyon tour. Starting at kilometer 0 of the city, the tour wilI take you through time & space, leaving you with a better understanding of how history and geography shaped the city we know and love today. From the grandeur of the "God Hotel" to low-lit serpentine passageways, this walk promises to be rich in history and delightful anecdotes, while remaining accessible & enjoyable to all ages & physical abilities. -native English speaker, spirited storyteller -two-hour tour with 7 main stops -easily accessible visit with a total of about 20 stairs to navigate -small groups with a maximum cap of 15 people per tour

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.

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.

One of France’s most celebrated wine regions, Beaujolais is known for its delectable, light-bodied, and fruit-forward red wines—and this half-day tour from Lyon provides a seamless way to explore the area. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and set off with just your private guide for company. Drive through the hilly scenery, discover scenic villages, and learn all about the concept of terroir. You’ll also visit a family-run winery for a tour and tasting, will enjoy an authentic local meal, and more.

Lyon is ideally located at the heart of diverse regions, which give the city its unique richness. This tour will take you through two emblematic areas. The Beaujolais region, world-famous for its wines, also boasts many beautiful castles, while the Dombes region, known for its ponds, offers a historical and gourmet escape to the medieval village of Pérouges. Starting from Lyon, head north to Beaujolais. Your morning will begin with a visit to a prestigious estate, perfect for understanding the region’s heritage and wines. After panoramic views from Mont Brouilly, explore the Château de La Chaize, the “Versailles of Beaujolais,” its gardens, and the longest cellar in Beaujolais. Enjoy a fabulous tasting of red and white wines. After a free lunch in Beaujolais, continue to Pérouges, a picturesque medieval village. Take a break at a 13th-century inn to taste the secret recipe “Galette.” Wander through the village’s cobblestone streets before returning to Lyon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d'Or – Nature, History & Hidden Secrets Can Parc de la Tête d'Or be summed up in just a few numbers? Absolutely not. This iconic Lyon landmark is much more than just a park—it's a treasure trove of nature, history, and biodiversity, best discovered with a passionate local guide. ✨ 105 hectares of greenery, a stunning lake & breathtaking gardens An extraordinary botanical collection & centuries-old trees A zoo in the heart of the park, home to over 800 animals ️ A rich historical heritage that tells the story of Lyon On this captivating and structured tour, dive into the origins of the park, its botanical wonders, and fascinating hidden curiosities. Along the way, discover how Lyon’s history and identity are reflected in this unique green space. An immersive experience combining nature, culture & fascinating stories!

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.

We will start by discovering the emblematic places of Poitiers, passing in front of the church of Sainte Radegonde and its mysterious princess, the place Leclerc or the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. I will then guide you through the secret streets of Poitiers where you will discover unsuspected private mansions, but also alleys full of history. This active walk will be enhanced with explanations on the exceptional urban planning of the city, but also with little-known anecdotes. Together, we will slip into the mazes of history and above all, the mystery that surrounds the walls of our beautiful city.

Spend an afternoon sampling delicious Beaujolais in the Crus wine region. Ride by striking scenery like the Mont Brouilly volcano and charming towns like Régnié, Morgon, and Fleurie. Take in views of the region from La Madone Chapel, then head to a family winery to learn about wine production and sample different wines. Visit a larger Chateau for an atmospheric tasting in a cellar filled with oak barrels.

Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of Lyon on this private walking tour. Discover the cultural, historical, and architectural highlights that afford the city its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Wander through Old Lyon and uncover its hidden passageways, marvel at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and peek behind the curtain of the city’s puppet shows with a visit to the Guignol Puppet Museum.

Explore France’s most picturesque wine region on an 8-hour tour from Leon. Complimentary transportation takes your small group of maximum eight people into the Golden Stones Country.  Meet the owner of a family winery and sample some of his best Beaujolais wines. Continue with a guided tour of medieval Pérouges, followed by free time to explore independently. Finally, relax on your way back to the city.

Cruise through Lyon on this relaxed and efficient Segway tour. Over the course of just an hour, you’ll be able to cover more ground than you would on foot and see many of the city's great highlights. Ride along the Berges du Rhone and Rue de la Republique, see the La Place des Jacobins, and visit other must-see spost. This tour begins with a brief training session to ensure your comfort on the Segway.

Lyon is renowned as one of France's gastronomic capitals, and there's no better place to discover its culinary scene than Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. With this tour, explore the city's famous food market, named after the Michelin-starred chef, with a foodie guide. Visit the many stalls, shop for gourmet produce (own expense), and sample a variety of Lyonnaise specialties, including wine and cheese.

Part of the Rhône Valley wine region, Côtes du Rhône produces some of the most renowned wines in France, most notably its full-bodied reds. On this tour, enjoy an intimate tasting experience at two wineries in the Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage appellations, meet the winemakers, and sample a variety of Côtes du Rhône wines.

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.

Get more out of a visit to Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), the city’s historic neighborhood, and explore the tucked-away “traboules” passageways and landmarks with a private guide. Skipping the crowds and the bustle of a standard tour group, you’ll discover the neighborhood in a more intimate way, with commentary that focuses on your interests.