Top Rhône-Alpes Historical Tours - page 2

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.

Discover Lyon your way with Ciceru’s self-guided walking tour—audio and text in 7 languages, right on your phone. No app, no hassle—just press play and explore! Start at the majestic Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, uncovering the secrets of its astronomical clock. Admire the grand Cour d'Appel de Lyon, where justice shaped the city. Continue to Place des Célestins, home to a historic theatre with hidden stories. Stroll along Rue de la République, a 19th-century showcase turned shopping hub. Pass by the Hôtel-Dieu, once a hospital, now a cultural landmark along the Rhône. At Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest squares, uncover the story behind Louis XIV’s statue. Conclude at the statue of Saint-Exupéry and the Little Prince, honoring Lyon’s famous aviator and writer. With 7 stops and riddles, this self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace. Perfect for travelers, families, and history lovers, it blends discovery, challenge, and fun. Experience Lyon—one riddle at a time!

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.

Pedal through 2,000 years of history on this 2.5-hour guided bike tour of Lyon's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start at the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, a 12th-century hospital turned hotel, before catching sight of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière watching over the city from its hilltop. Climb into La Croix-Rousse, the steep, silk-weaving district where traboules once let workers move fabric through the rain, then stop at a mural tracing two millennia of Lyon's history. Freewheel down to Place des Terreaux and its Bartholdi Fountain, past the Palais de Justice on the Saône, and into the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where a 14th-century clock still marks the hour. Cross Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest pedestrian squares, before finishing at La Confluence, where the Rhône and Saône meet. Ride a comfortable Dutch-style bike or upgrade to an e-bike, in a small group with a local guide who knows the city's history, food and stories better than any guidebook.

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.

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.

Lyon is known for its historic neighborhoods and award-winning gastronomy—this tour covers both in a single morning. Explore the atmospheric squares and traboules (covered passageways) of Old Lyon and the Peninsula with a Local Guide. Along the way, make photo stops at Lyon’s most memorable monuments and enjoy gourmet food-tasting breaks at five local establishments. Visit foodie spots that only locals know about, and sample a variety of delicious regional specialties.

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.

If you stay in Lyon only for a weekend and you don’t want to miss anything, this tour is for you! Discover most of the monuments you can't miss during your trip in Lyon. Starting in Place Bellecour, we will discover the emblematic squares and streets of the peninsula : Place des Célestins and place des Jacobins. Then, we will cross the Saône river to wander in the Old-Lyon, this very well preserved Renaissance neighborhood. Immerge in the buzzing streets and explore the famous traboules! Back on the peninsula, we will discover the edge of the slopes of Croix-Rousse hill. This represents the life of the Canuts, the silk workers. The tour ends in Place des Terreaux to enjoy the City Hall square.

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 Lyon like never before on an electric bike tour that combines effortless exploration with stunning sights. Glide through must-see spots like Vieux Lyon, the Saône quays, and the breathtaking Parc de la Tête d’Or, all led by a passionate local guide sharing the city’s rich history. From the historic Croix-Rousse Tunnel to the contemporary Confluence district, this tour uniquely showcases Lyon’s charm.

Come with us to enjoy the beautiful city of Lyon. You can choose between a regular bike or, if you want more comfort, you can choose the option with the electric bike. During this 3-hour tour, you will see the city from the north until the south. Discover the main squares, stroll along the 2 rivers and most importantly, you will stroll inside the most gorgeous park in Lyon: Tête d'Or. Come ride with us !

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.

Discover Annecy at your own pace with our outdoor escape game. Independently, follow the route, solve the puzzles, take secret passages. The adventure is inspired by the mechanisms of treasure hunts and escape games and uses the sensors of your smartphones for even more interaction and surprises. Riddles, challenges, reflection, observation... Discover historical figures, unusual details and the city's main monuments.

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.

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

Go beyond the guidebooks and discover Annecy’s delicious regional cuisine with a local guide and an itinerary packed full of local favorites. Make five different stops around the Old Town, where you can meet artisan producers and sample a variety of dishes, including tartiflette, charcuterie, and sweet treats, alongside wines and an aperitif from the French Alps.

Not everyone will find it—but on this tour, you just did. Welcome to Chamonix, your alpine escape cradled by the towering French Alps. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll wander through cobbled streets, pause at hidden chapels, and take in sweeping views that most visitors miss. With Mont Blanc as your backdrop, you’ll uncover local legends, stories of mountaineering triumphs, and secret corners only the locals whisper about. No crowded buses, no fixed schedules—just you, the fresh mountain air, and a personal guide in your ear bringing Chamonix’s magic to life, one step at a time.

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.

Delve into the architectural history of Lyon with this small-group walking tour. With a local guide who is passionate about the city and its architectural styles, you’ll hear the stories behind Lyon’s landmarks, and learn how the city is becoming more contemporary while retaining its charm. Nice touch: Numbers are capped at just eight people per tour for a more personal approach.

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.

Embark on a history-filled walking tour of the Old Town led by a Private Guide and receive tickets for a scenic river cruise! Explore Lyon on foot and on water and see the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Hôtel de Ville and other highlights. HIGHLIGHTS: • Discover the highlights of Lyon’s Old Town with a 5-Star Private Guide • Marvel at Cathedral of St John, Hôtel de Ville, and other iconic landmarks • Immerse yourself in the history and cultural heritage of Lyon • Relax on a Saone river sightseeing cruise with commentary • See 3x more sites than on a regular walking tour without cruise tickets On this private walking tour of Lyon’s Old Town you will discover the city’s iconic landmarks, learn about ancient trade routes and silk industry, and receive tickets for a 1-hour river sightseeing cruise!

Lyon’s old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is bursting with history. On your private walking tour, explore the traboules (covered passageways which were used by silk weavers and merchants to transport fabrics), the quaint cobbled streets. This tour can be tailored to your interests, so if you’ve a passion for say gastronomy, let your guide know. Note that the museum entrance fee is not included.

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.