Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon
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
This Tour starts at Place des Terreaux. I'll be standing next to the fountain in the middle of the square with a sign 'free tour lyon'
Description
Hi! My name is Paul, and I’d love to take you on a walk through two of my favorite neighborhoods in Lyon — Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon.
We’ll start in Place des Terreaux, surrounded by the majestic Hôtel de Ville and Bartholdi Fountain, before walking into Croix-Rousse, the historic heart of Lyon’s silk industry. As we wander through the old traboules, the hidden passageways, you’ll hear about the lives of the silk workers — the canuts — and how their struggles and revolts inspired thinkers like Karl Marx.
You’ll also discover how Joseph-Marie Jacquard’s invention — a loom that used punch cards — helped inspire the first ideas behind modern computing.
I’ll tell you about Jean Moulin the leader of the French Resistance, and how Leynaud, a poet and friend of Albert Camus, left his mark on the city’s wartime story.
From the ancient Roman amphitheatre, we’ll enjoy a sweeping view over the city, and I’ll tell you the difference between a Roman theatre and an amphitheatre.
As we head down toward Vieux Lyon, we’ll stop at the Fresque des Lyonnais, where you’ll meet the city’s most famous sons and daughters — from the Lumière brothers to Paul Bocuse.
Then we’ll slip into the old town, with its hidden courtyards and secret passageways tucked behind unmarked doors.
We’ll finish in the lively heart of Vieux Lyon — just in time for lunch, if you’d like some local recommendations!
It’s a relaxed, story-filled walk through Lyon’s layered history — from Roman stones to silk threads to the digital age.