Meeting Point

At your hotel in Lyon

Bellecour Square

We will start with the gorgeous Bellecour square, the center of the city and the largest pedestrian square in France, with its majestic statue of Louis the XIV, the Bocuse institute welcoming cuisine amateurs from all around the world and the fantastic view on Fourvière hill and its basilica

St John cathedral

After crossing the Saone river behind Bellecour, we will head to the fabulous St John cathedral, typical of the gothic style and which saw lots of kings passing under its arch. A few steps away from the cathedral, the famous Guignol theater, one of the first caricatural puppet shows in history, witnessing the ever rebellious nature of Lyon

Fourvière hill

Next stop, the most ancient part of the city: Fourvière hill, on which Romans founded the colony of Lugdunum (Lyon's ancient name) in 43 BC! We'll explore the incredible Roman amphitheater, the most ancient in France (15 BC) witnessing the time, when the city didn't stretch further than these heights. Then I'll take you to the beautiful Fourvière Basilica built in a neoclassical style and overlooking the whole city with an astounding view on Lyon.

Old Town

Going down again with the funicular, we will wander through the charming and historic streets of Saint Jean district, dating back to the Middle Ages. Come discover the myterious traboules, the hidden passageways through the buildings, admire the magnificent Renaissance architecture and hear the countless legends and forgotten stories from what was once one of the most powerful trading cities of Europe through silk and print industry. Before heading to our next destination, if you feel the need to, we'll have some delicious lunch in the local gastronomic restaurants.

Red Cross hill

The tour continues with the other main hill of the city: Red Cross hill, the "Hill that works" most famous for hosting the majority of the silk makers' population during the first half of the XIXth century, who were essential to Lyon's economy, but also the terrible revolution they undertook in 1831 only second to the French revolution as a traumatizing event for the city. The area also counts marvels such as the "Fresque des Lyonnais", an immense painted wall depicting the famous figures of the city's history, the three Gauls amphitheater, where thousands of Christians were persecuted in the 2nd century and the fabulous "Cour des Voraces" a monumental hidden courtyard filled with spiral staircases and enigmatic corridors.

Terreaux Square

Finally we finish our journey with the fabulous Terreaux Square, its marvelous fountain by Bartholdi, the man who built the Statue of Liberty, the amazing historic cityhall, the Museum of Beaux-Arts or the Opera and its 8 muses.

Ending Point

The tour ends at Terreaux Square, but if needed I can escort you back to your hotel