Top Rhône-Alpes Historical Tours

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.

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.

Join a unique walking tour of Annecy led by a passionate student deeply interested in the history and culture of this beautiful region. I have created my own route, away from the usual paths taken by most guides. Along the way, you’ll discover original stories, surprising facts, and local insights, some of which are not easy to find online. The tour is not rushed and can be extended if you’d like to learn more, it’s always a pleasure to share additional stories and answer your questions. We’ll take your time to enjoy the atmosphere, and you’re free to stop anytime for photos or a quick bite. To make the most of your time, I focus on explaining the history outside monuments such as churches, museums, and castles. This way, you don’t lose time waiting or going inside during the tour but you’re absolutely free to visit them if you wish. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a more personal, flexible, and insightful way to discover Annecy.

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.

A truly private tour : This experience is 100% private: only you and your group — no strangers, no fixed routes, no imposed pace. Access to non-public traboules : Explore historic traboules that are normally closed to the general public, in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, thanks to a licensed and authorized local guide. Living history, not tourist storytelling : Discover the key role of the silk workers (Canuts) and the French Resistance during World War II, through the secret passageways that shaped Lyon’s history. A flexible itinerary, tailored to you : The walk adapts to your interests: architecture, medieval history, local life, or UNESCO World Heritage. Led by a local expert : Your tour is guided by a licensed professional guide, specialized in private and cultural tours in Lyon. Carefully selected traboules : With over 500 traboules across the city, this tour focuses on the most meaningful and historically rich ones — many outside conventional tourist routes

The Best Way to Discover Annecy: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour! Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a lakeside coffee or a museum visit and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems and beautiful spots revealed along the way. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Pont des Amours, Jardins de l’Europe, Panorama du lac, Hôtel de Ville d’Annecy, Église Saint-François de Sales, Le Palais de I’Île, Église Notre Dame de Liesse, Old Town Hall, Old Town, Annecy Cathedral, and Ponts Morens.

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.

Join a unique walking tour of Annecy led by a passionate student deeply interested in the history and culture of this beautiful region. I have created my own route, away from the usual paths taken by most guides. Along the way, you’ll discover original stories, surprising facts, and local insights, some of which are not easy to find online. The tour is not rushed and can be extended if you’d like to learn more, it’s always a pleasure to share additional stories and answer your questions. We’ll take our time to enjoy the atmosphere, and you’re free to stop anytime for photos or a quick bite. To make the most of your time, I focus on explaining the history outside monuments such as churches, museums, and castles. This way, you don’t lose time waiting or going inside during the tour but you’re absolutely free to visit them if you wish. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a more personal, flexible, and insightful way to discover Annecy.

A guided tour of the touristic and most emblematic points of the center of Chamonix, learn about the past and present anecdotes that make Chamonix so special. Get recommendations on how to get more out of your visit, how to : where to eat, good plans and what not to miss in your visit. To close with a golden clasp the tour includes a traditional Alpine toast that only a local can show you and not available in any bar or restaurant. (La Grolle savoyard) accompanied by a tasting of local products.

Join a unique walking tour of Annecy led by a passionate student deeply interested in the history and culture of this beautiful region. I have created my own route, away from the usual paths taken by most guides. Along the way, you’ll discover original stories, surprising facts, and local insights, some of which are not easy to find online. The tour is not rushed and can be extended if you’d like to learn more, it’s always a pleasure to share additional stories and answer your questions. We’ll take our time to enjoy the atmosphere, and you’re free to stop anytime for photos or a quick bite. To make the most of your time, I focus on explaining the history outside monuments such as churches, museums, and castles. This way, you don’t lose time waiting or going inside during the tour but you’re absolutely free to visit them if you wish. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a more personal, flexible, and insightful way to discover Annecy.

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.

Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps, invites you to discover its treasures in one day. Walk the charming medieval streets, admire the island's famous Palace, and stroll along the picturesque canals. Don't miss Lake Annecy, famous for its purity, and the gardens of Europe for a break from nature. With a 2 km route, this itinerary immerses you in the history and beauty of this Alpine city, perfect for lovers of culture and breathtaking scenery. - Explore 20 must-see sites in Annecy in one day - Admire Lake Annecy, one of the purest in Europe - Enjoy a 2 km walking route through the historic center - Ideal for lovers of culture and nature

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.

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.

This is not your typical walking tour — it’s a guided historical run through Lyon that lets you explore more in less time. You’ll discover the city differently: in motion, at your own pace, and far from the usual tourist trails. It’s the perfect way to get inspired, stay active, and connect with Lyon’s hidden stories — all in a single, memorable experience. Why choose between sightseeing and exercising when you can do both?

Enjoy a private, fully personalized sightseeing ride from Lyon to the beautifully preserved medieval village of Pérouges. Travel in comfort with an English-speaking Welcome Driver who adapts the experience to your pace, allowing you to choose how long to explore and where to stop for photos. Your friendly local driver shares insights, stories, and recommendations along the scenic countryside journey while ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. Arrive just outside Pérouges’ fortified walls and step into a charming world of cobbled streets, stone houses, and timeless architecture. Explore artisan shops, admire historic facades, or relax in the village’s peaceful central square at your leisure. With convenient door-to-door service and no need to worry about transport or parking, this private day trip offers a relaxed and seamless way to discover one of France’s most photogenic villages before returning comfortably to Lyon.

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.

From antiquity to contemporary, experience the Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the world-class collection from ancient Egypt to paintings by Monet and Picasso. Step inside the Saint-Pierre Palace and see artistic expression from ancient Greece, including the Kore sculpture. Listen to an audio guide as you uncover ancient Egyptian death rituals and see a funerary mask and coffin. Take a snap of ‘The Flight into Egypt’ painting by Nicolas Poussin, and admire the Renaissance collection of ceramics. Afterwards, enjoy an audio tour of the top sights of Lyon. While you explore the Capital of Lights, hear stories about Saint Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, Place des Terreaux and more. Photography credits to: Blandine Soulage

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.

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.

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.

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