Hotel de ville, Lyon

Join guide Aidan (son) or Ryan (father) for a relaxed and interactive tour of beautiful Lyon. Explore the city like a local while visiting some hidden gems. Two tour options: Option 1 join an intimate 2-hour small-group tour (max 10 guests distance 5 kms) to see Lyon's top 10 sights. Option 2 take a shorter 1.5 hour tour (max 18 guests distance 2 kms) to tick Lyon's top 5 sites off your bucket list. Aidan is a native French-speaker; also fluent in English. Aidan loves sharing about Lyon's rich history starting with its Roman origins, through the Renaissance silk trade, and the city's key role in World War II. Option 1 (max 10 guests) explore stunning Fourvière Basilica, the ancient Roman theatres, Vieux (old) Lyon, the traboules (secret medieval passageways), Place Bellecour (main city square), the river Saône, breathtaking Place des Terreaux, the Bartholdi fountain, Lyon's city hall, and the opera house. Total walking distance 5 kms (3.1 miles). Option 2 (max 18 guests) explore Vieux (old) Lyon, the traboules (secret medieval passageways), Place Bellecour (main city square), the river Saône, and the Hôtel Dieux (Lyon's imposing Renaissance hospital now hotel/shopping center). Total walking distance 2 kms (1.2 miles). We also provide typical "bouchon" restaurant recommendations along the way. Canadian adventurers and guides, Aidan and Ryan have biked and eaten their way through most of France. All ages and physical abilities welcome. Book today!

Discover Lyon's highlights on a guided bike tour. Discover the charms of its historic center and natural gems by ebike. First, take part in a 15-minute bike briefing to make sure you're safe and comfortable during the tour, and fill in a form. Then set off to explore the city of Lyon alongside your guide, who will explain all about the history and culture of the City of Light. Start by heading to the peninsula to admire the Opera House, Hôtel de Ville and Place des Terreaux. Enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Rhône to the Parc de la Tête d'Or. Your guide will tell you all about the history of this beautiful park, nicknamed Lyon's green lung. Enjoy all that nature has to offer as you cycle past the greenhouse of exotic plants, some of the zoo's animals (including giraffes) and the lake. On the way back, continue your discoveries along the banks of the Saône River, which will take you to Vieux-Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the cobblestone streets, hidden passageways, and stunning architecture of Lyon’s Old Town! This private tour brings the city’s past to life through stories about its foundation by the Romans in 43 B.C., the medieval silk trade, the French Revolution, the resistance during the Nazi occupation, and more. Discover one of France's most historic and culturally rich cities! Book a 2-hour walking tour of Lyon’s Old Town with a Professional Private Guide. Vieux is known as one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your tour at Ponte Bonaparte, which offers beautiful views of the Saône river and the Fourvière Hill, dominated by the landmark Basilica of Notre Dame. Take a closer look at the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, built on the ruins of a 6th century church. Discover the hidden passageways of La Longue Traboule and find out how they were used in the Middle Ages by the silk workers and by the Resistance fighters during World War II. Stroll down Rue Saint-Jean, the main street of Vieux Lyon, lined with charming shops, traditional bouchons (restaurants), and Renaissance-style buildings. Discover the faces and stories of famous people of Lyon depicted on Fresque des Lyonnais and the Fresco ""The library of the city"". Admire the beautiful Bartholdi Fountain and Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) in Place des Terreaux. End the tour in front of the magnificent Opera House and get personalised recommendations on the best things to do in Lyon.

The history of Jewish people in Lyon can be traced back to year 39, when it was still known as a Roman city of Lugdunum. This private tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and the enduring contributions of its Jewish community. Discover the traces of Jewish heritage in Lyon! Book a 2-hour walking tour of Lyon’s Old Town and its Jewish sites. Begin your tour at Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville, where you'll learn about the history of Jews during the French Revolution and the contributions of prominent Jewish figures to the city's political and social life. Hear fascinating stories about the Jewish people who lived at Rue Lanterne, and stroll through the historic Old Town (Vieux Lyon) to discover the remnants of the medieval Jewish quarter. One of the highlights is Rue Juiverie (""Jewish Street.""), where many Jewish families once lived and worked. Stop by the Traboules, hidden passageways that were used by Resistance fighters during World War II, and learn about the oppression of Jewish people in France during the Nazi occupation. Pass the Cathedral of John the Baptist and hear historical facts about the expulsions and exoduses of Jews during the Middle Ages. Your walking tour will end in front of the Great Synagogue, built in 1864, but the guide will also tell you about other Jewish sites in Lyon, such as the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Jewish Community Center and the planned Holocaust memorial that will commemorate the city’s lost Jewish community.

Your journey through Lyon begins at the bustling Place Bellecour, where you'll be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of France's third-largest city. From there, your adventure takes you to the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, perched atop Fourvière Hill, offering panoramic views of the city below. Next, delve into Lyon's rich history as you explore the ancient ruins of the Gallo Romains de Fourvière Theatre, a testament to the city's Roman past. No visit to Lyon would be complete without visiting Mr. Paul Bocuse's esteemed restaurant for photo. After that, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Saône River, where you'll be treated to scenic views of the city's waterfront and iconic bridges. Then, venture into the vibrant Croix-Rousse district, known for its artistic flair and historic traboules, to discover the fresco of the Lyonnais and the Wall of the Canuts. As you make your way back towards the city center, you'll pass by Place des Terreaux, home to the stunning Bartholdi Fountain and the impressive façade of the Lyon Opera House. Nearby, the majestic Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall, stands as a symbol of Lyon's rich architectural heritage. Before returning to your hotel, take a moment to admire the elegant fountain in Place des Jacobins, a fitting end to your exploration of Lyon's beauty and charm.

Discover Lyon's highlights on a guided bike tour. Discover the charms of its historic center and natural gems by bike. First, take part in a 15-minute bike briefing to make sure you're safe and comfortable during the tour, and fill in a form. Then set off to explore the city of Lyon alongside your guide, who will explain all about the history and culture of the City of Light. Start by heading to the peninsula to admire the Opera House, Hôtel de Ville and Place des Terreaux. Enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Rhône to the Parc de la Tête d'Or. Your guide will tell you all about the history of this beautiful park, nicknamed Lyon's green lung. Enjoy all that nature has to offer as you cycle past the greenhouse of exotic plants, some of the zoo's animals (including giraffes) and the lake. On the way back, continue your discoveries along the banks of the Saône River, which will take you to Vieux-Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Saône river holds significant historical importance due to its crucial roles in Lyon's development, trade, and cultural evolution. 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! Book your spot now and explore Lyon on foot and by water The 3-hour option includes a 2-hour walking tour led by a Professional Private Guide, and pre-booked tickets for a 1-hour river cruise with commentary. First, join our Local Expert on the streets of Lyon’s Old Town to discover its history and highlights. Start from Place des Terreaux and marvel at the Baroque, Rococo and Classical architecture of Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Cross the river and explore Vieux Lyon, one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts. Stroll down Rue Saint-Jean street, lined with charming shops, traditional bouchons (restaurants), and historic buildings. Discover Lyon's unique traboules, secret passageways that were once used by silk workers and played a crucial role during the French Resistance. See the magnificent Saint-Jean Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that showcases Gothic and Romanesque styles. After exploring the city on foot, the guide will take you to the bank of the Saône river, where you'll board a sightseeing cruise and go on a 1-hour cruise! Enjoy an interesting and informative commentary as you sail through the city, admiring panoramic views of Lyon's skyline, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière perched atop Fourvière Hill. Glide past notable landmarks such as the Fresco "The library of the city", Fresque des Lyonnais, Les Subsistances and the National School Fine Arts De Lyon. You’ll see 3x more sights than during a regular walking tour, so book your spot now