Top Lyon How to Get Around

Discover the rich history and unique charm of Lyon on a walking tour through the elegant Presqu’île district and the historic streets of Vieux Lyon. Known as the gastronomic capital of France and a UNESCO World Heritage city, Lyon offers visitors a fascinating blend of Roman origins, Renaissance architecture, and vibrant local culture. Your experience begins at the iconic Place Bellecour, one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe and the symbolic heart of the city. Surrounded by elegant buildings and lively streets, this historic square provides the perfect introduction to Lyon’s past and present. From here, your guide will introduce the city’s fascinating story, from its beginnings as a Roman settlement to its development as one of Europe’s most important commercial hubs.

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.

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

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.

Lyon is one of the world’s most famous culinary hotspots. Learn why food is one of the city’s proudest traditions on this half-day small-group or private tour. Hear about the chefs who’ve left their mark on the city’s gastronomic scene while sampling French pastries, cheeses, and sweets at venues across the city.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Come discover the hidden gems, good wines and back roads of Beaujolais with us onboard our Vintage Land Rovers. During this exclusive experience with a passionate local insider, you’ll visit 2 wineries usually closed to the rest, each offering a unique story and exceptional wines. One stop includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, where you'll gain insight into the daily life and passion of dedicated winemakers. Additional cultural and historical stops await, tailored to your interests; like a charming chapel deeply tied to the local terroir or a privately owned medieval château open just for us. This tour is customizable to suit your preferences, so let us know what you're looking for. Then sit back, relax, and let us take you to the very best places of Northern Beaujolais!

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.

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.

Packed full of wineries, it can be difficult to know where to go in the North Rhone Valley, without hours of research or insider knowledge. Take the guesswork out with this half-day small-group guided wine tour from Lyon. Visit two top wineries, meet the winemakers, and sample a variety of white and red wines, with commentary from a local guide.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the wines of the Northern Cotes du Rhone wine-growing region on a full-day, small-group tour. After a scenic drive from Lyon, start the experience with panoramic views in Vienne, and an introduction to the region’s many grape varietals. Next, stop at the birthplace of Syrah and visit the Cotes Rotie vineyards. Tour a winery, explore the barrel room, and taste three wines before stopping for lunch (own expense). Then visit two more wineries and taste over a dozen varietals.

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.

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.

Cooking classes can be a great way to learn about a country’s culture, but not many let you navigate the markets where the food is bought too. Learn about Lyon cuisine on this half-day small-group experience, by exploring Lyon’s Croix Rousse Market and taking part in a cooking class before enjoying an authentic 4-course French lunch paired with cheese and wine. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.