Lyon’s top tours cut through the confusion of this major French city, giving you the essential experiences without the tourist traps. The best guided walks stick to the UNESCO-listed Old Town and Croix-Rousse district, where passionate local guides share stories of silk workers and secret passageways. Food tours – a must in France’s gastronomy capital – take you behind the scenes at family-run shops and traditional bouchons (local restaurants).
For something special, I love the early morning market tours with local chefs and the pedicab rides that zip you up to Fourvière hill for those postcard-perfect views. The sketch tours are a creative twist, letting you capture Lyon’s beauty in your own travel journal while learning about its history.
Check out these standout Lyon tours that consistently earn our highest ratings:
Key Points
- Lyon offers a variety of guided walking tours, including a historic neighborhoods tour and a culinary food tour, providing immersive experiences for visitors.
- Private and unique tours, such as Traboules Private Guided Tour and Pedicab Tour, allow for personalized exploration of the city’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
- Art and sketch tours, like the Sketch Tour, offer an art-infused experience, enabling visitors to discover Lyon’s hidden gems through a creative lens.
- Segway and active tours, including the City Highlights Segway Tour and City Segway Tour with Local Guide, provide an engaging and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s key attractions.
- Tour options cater to different interests and budgets, ensuring a tailored experience for visitors to discover the best of Lyon.
Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English)
The Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) takes participants on a captivating journey through the historic heart of Lyon, France.
Lasting approximately 2 hours, the tour starts at the Museum of Fine Arts and ends at the Place du Gouvernement, covering the city’s most significant historical areas.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides in-depth insights into Lyon’s rich history, culture, architecture, and culinary traditions.
With a maximum group size of 18, the experience is highly personalized and engaging.
Reviewers praise the guides’ storytelling abilities and the tour’s informative and enjoyable nature, making it an excellent introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Read our full review: Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) Review
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Peninsula: 3h Food Tour in the Heart of the City
A captivating 3-hour food tour in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district awaits adventurous foodies. Priced at €70 per person, this immersive experience takes you on a culinary journey through iconic and lesser-known locations between the Sâone and Rhône rivers.
You’ll visit 4 gourmet tasting stops, savoring everything from artisanal praline to regional sweets, cheeses, and wines. Led by passionate local guides, the tour offers engaging storytelling about the city’s secrets and curiosities.
With a maximum group size of 10, you’ll enjoy an intimate and personal experience. While mobility impairments and food allergies may pose challenges, the tour is suitable for most.
Based on a 5-star review, it promises an unforgettable exploration of Lyon’s gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: Peninsula: 3h Food Tour in the Heart of the City Review
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Lyon’s Big Traboules in Little City: Stories From the Past – Private Guided Tour
Explore the hidden gems of Lyon’s historic traboules, the narrow passageways that wind through the city’s charming architecture, on this private guided tour.
Led by the knowledgeable and personable Konstantin Masajlo, you’ll explore Lyon’s rich silk industry heritage and uncover local culture through visits to workshops and vibrant outdoor markets.
With a focus on your interests and pace, the tour offers a tailored experience that brings the city’s stories to life.
Rated 5.0 with glowing reviews, this intimate walking tour is an excellent way to discover the little-known corners of Lyon’s past and present.
Read our full review: Lyon’s Big Traboules in Little City: Stories From the Past – Private Guided Tour Review
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Lyon: Guided City Sights Private Pedicab Tour
For a unique vantage point to discover Lyon’s iconic landmarks, consider the Lyon: Guided City Sights Private Pedicab Tour. Priced from Kč 1,793 per person, this private tour offers 1-3 hour options to explore Old Lyon’s famous sites like Fourvière and Saint-Jean Cathedral.
The pedicab provides a comfortable, eco-friendly way to journey through the city’s traboules and Renaissance district, while your multilingual guide shares insightful historical knowledge.
With high ratings for the personalized experience, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users but includes a local breakfast for the 3-hour option.
Enjoy panoramic views and traditional bouchon cuisine restaurants during this immersive exploration of Lyon’s top sights.
Read our full review: Lyon: Guided City Sights Private Pedicab Tour Review
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Lyon Panoramic 4h-City Tour
Although this 4-hour panoramic tour of Lyon provides a rundown of the city’s highlights, it does require a moderate level of physical fitness due to the use of public transportation.
Priced at $407.46 per person, the private tour includes a knowledgeable guide who’ll lead you through the historic Vieux Lyon neighborhood and other top attractions.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it has received a perfect 5.0 rating from 4 reviews.
Keep in mind that the tour is non-refundable, and pickup and drop-off locations are at metro stations.
Read our full review: Lyon Panoramic 4h-City Tour Review
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An Unusual City Tour With Sketches
A sketch tour of Lyon’s hidden gems offers an immersive art-infused experience, inviting participants to discover the city’s lesser-known sites through the lens of a guided sketchbook adventure.
Priced at €60 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is available on select days, with time slots ranging from morning to afternoon. Guests will be guided to iconic and unusual locations, where they’ll create personal sketches under the supervision of a professional host.
The activity includes a sketch map and is suitable for up to six people. While free cancellation is offered, potential customers should exercise caution, as one review indicates the tour may not exist.
Read our full review: An Unusual City Tour With Sketches Review
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Private 4-Hour City Tour of Lyon With Driver, Guide and Hotel Pick-Up
Set out on a comprehensive 4-hour private tour of Lyon, France, led by a knowledgeable guide and accompanied by a dedicated driver.
This tour provides an in-depth exploration of the city’s rich history and top attractions, with a focus on the Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon, the Opera National de Lyon, and the city’s silk-making heritage.
Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door transport and a more intimate experience. While the visits are exterior only, the tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of Lyon.
With a range of amenities, from infant seats to free cancellation, this private tour is an ideal choice for most travelers seeking a personalized glimpse into the city.
Read our full review: Private 4-Hour City Tour of Lyon With Driver, Guide and Hotel Pick-Up Review
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Lyon: City Highlights Segway Tour
For travelers seeking a dynamic and immersive way to explore the highlights of Lyon, the City Highlights Segway Tour offers an exhilarating experience. Priced at $62.01 per person, this 2-hour guided tour takes participants through Lyon’s Old Town, Bellecour Square, and along the Rhône River banks.
Highlights include views of the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière, Croix-Rousse, and Grand Hôtel-Dieu. The tour also includes a visit to Tête d’Or Park, which boasts a botanical garden, zoo, and lake.
Safety is a priority, with a briefing and tutorial session provided before the Segway ride. The tour is suitable for ages 14 and above, with a minimum weight requirement of 45 kilos.
Read our full review: Lyon: City Highlights Segway Tour Review
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Lyon: City Segway Tour With a Local Guide
Gliding effortlessly along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the Lyon: City Segway Tour With a Local Guide offers an exhilarating and immersive way to discover the city’s highlights.
Priced at €59 per person, the 2-hour tour takes participants through the medieval district of Vieux-Lyon, the expansive Tête d’Or Park, and the bustling Bellecour Square.
Led by knowledgeable guides available in English and French, the small-group experience provides a perfect balance of thrilling Segway riding and insightful commentary.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour is an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore Lyon’s top attractions in a unique and memorable way.
Read our full review: Lyon: City Segway Tour With a Local Guide Review
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Lyon : Old City Walking Tour ( Group or Private )
Discover the historic charm of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) on a walking tour that showcases the city’s UNESCO-recognized heritage.
Available in a small group or private format, this 2-hour tour promises an in-depth exploration of the area’s iconic “traboules” passageways and landmarks, including the stunning Saint-Jean Cathedral.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides tailored commentary to match your interests.
While entrance fees and transportation aren’t included, the tour’s reasonable price and flexible cancellation policy make it an accessible way to learn about Lyon’s rich history and culture.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on positive reviews, this walking tour is a great way to experience the best of Old Lyon.
Read our full review: Lyon : Old City Walking Tour ( Group or Private ) Review
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The Sum Up
Lyon offers a diverse range of city tours, catering to different interests and preferences. From historic neighborhood walks to food tours and segway rides, visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in the city’s architectural gems, culinary delights, or hidden traboules, Lyon has a tour that will provide an immersive and enriching experience. With so many options, visitors can easily find the perfect tour to suit their needs and interests.