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Walking tour through the historic areas of Lyon from Roman Antiquity to the 19th century
Starting at the center of the peninsula, a journey through the historic districts, from Renaissance at the Saone river bank to Antiquity at the Fourvière hilltop, before exploring the most typical Red cross hill witnessing the importance of silk industry in Lyon's history, to finish with the more modern part of the city, the wide streets built during the 1st Republic and finally the amazing Terreaux Square, its Bartholdi fountain and remarkable city hall.
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Meeting up at your hotel
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
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Inclusions & Exclusions
-Picking up at the hotel
-Funicular
-Guiding fee
-Drinks
-Snacks
-Lunch
-Public transportations other than the funicular
Tour Important Information
- The whole tour except for the funicular, involves walking through the city, so make sure you have suitable and comfortable clothes for such a tour.
- Lyon, being filled with museums, if you would ever feel the will to visit one, I won't be able to accompany you, since I'm not employed by any private institution and I work independently.
-Please let me know in advance if there's any complication regarding the tour, such as a disablement, or if someone has an advanced age among you.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
