Lyon Uncovered: Vieux (Old) Lyon & City Center Highlights
Hi, I'm Paul and I've been a tour guide in Lyon for many years. I love to show people my city and make them understand what makes Lyon one of my favorite cities in the world. There is so much to talk about, from food (the culinary capital of France) to history (resistance, silk) to local culture. I also love to give tips about my favorite restaurants and activities in the city.
Pickup
In front of Cathedral St. Jean at the statue in the middle of the square. I'll hold a sign saying 'Free Tour Lyon'
Description
Hi! My name is Paul, and I’d love to show you my city.
Join me for a walk through Vieux Lyon, where every corner has a secret and every stone has a story. Together, we’ll wander the cobbled streets, slip through hidden traboules, and uncover Lyon’s mix of beauty, darkness, and deliciousness.
Along the way, you’ll learn how Michelin stars really work, spot the modern gargoyle watching over the cathedral, and hear about the dishes you might want to avoid in a traditional bouchon (yes, some involve intestines).
I’ll tell you about the Butcher of Lyon, the Resistance, and how justice finally caught up with him in Bolivia.
But it’s not all dark — we’ll also talk about the silk merchants, the chefs like Paul Bocuse who made Lyon the gastronomic capital of France, and the city’s rebirth into one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural centers.
We’ll finish in the elegant heart of Lyon, near landmarks like the Théâtre des Célestins and the Hôtel-Dieu, where the past meets the present.
It’s a relaxed walk — full of stories, history, and a few local secrets you won’t find in any guidebook.