Lyon’s historical tours pack centuries of French history into manageable chunks that won’t overwhelm you. Your best bets include the practical Segway tour covering major landmarks (perfect for tired feet), and the excellent guided walks through the UNESCO-listed Old Town. I especially recommend the Jewish Heritage walking tour – it’s fascinating and often overlooked by travelers. For something different, try the Historical and Naughty Tour, which reveals the spicier side of Lyon’s past with tasteful humor. All these tours feature passionate local guides who know their stuff and adjust the pace to match your group’s interests. Let’s explore the top historical tours worth your time in Lyon.
Key Points
- The Jewish Heritage Tour offers an in-depth exploration of Lyon’s medieval Jewish quarter and the city’s role in Jewish history.
- The Historic Landmarks Segway Tour provides a unique and efficient way to experience Lyon’s key architectural and historical sites.
- The Private Historic Guided Walking Tour allows for a customized, intimate experience with a knowledgeable local guide exploring Lyon’s architectural landmarks.
- The 2-hour Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Tour showcases the city’s UNESCO-listed sites and 2,000 years of architectural heritage.
- The tours offer a range of pricing options, flexibility, and accessibility features to cater to diverse traveler needs.
Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)
The Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English) offers visitors an immersive exploration of Lyon’s historic old town, renowned for its intricate network of secret passageways called traboules, once used by silk workers.
The 2-hour tour takes participants to key sites, including the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, silk workshops, the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures, and the Grand Hotel Dieu.
Travelers will learn about Lyon’s storied silk-weaving heritage and culinary fame, as well as its history from the Middle Ages to the WWII Resistance.
With a maximum of 18 travelers and an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide, the tour provides an excellent introduction to this captivating French city.
Read our full review: Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English) Review
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Lyon Jewish Heritage and Old Town Private Tour
Embarking on the Lyon Jewish Heritage and Old Town Private Tour, visitors enjoy the rich history and cultural legacy of the city’s Jewish community.
Priced at $196.56 per person, this 2-hour private walking tour explores the remnants of the medieval Jewish quarter, including Rue Juiverie and the hidden traboules.
Key highlights include the Great Synagogue of Lyon and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Guided by a licensed, multilingual expert, the tour provides insights into the Jewish community’s contributions during the French Revolution, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the remarkable stories of the Jewish Resistance in Lyon.
Complimentary recommendations for further exploration in the city ensure a well-rounded cultural experience.
Read our full review: Lyon Jewish Heritage and Old Town Private Tour Review
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Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English)
Travelers exploring the historic neighborhoods of Lyon can join the engaging Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English).
This highly-rated 2-hour tour (4.9 out of 5 from 559 reviews) showcases the city’s UNESCO sites, 2,000 years of architecture, and renowned food experiences.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Paul, the tour takes visitors through the Croix-Rousse district to discover the silk history and explore traboules (hidden passageways).
Other highlights include the Roman Amphitheatre, Fresque des Lyonnais, and Eglise Saint-Paul.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Travelers will appreciate the free cancellation policy and flexible payment options.
Read our full review: Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) Review
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Lyon: Historic Landmarks Segway Tour
Discover Lyon’s captivating landmarks on the Historic Landmarks Segway Tour, a 1.5-hour excursion through the city’s charming old town.
Glide past historic sites like Bellecour Square, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhône riverbanks, the peninsula, and Fourvière Hill.
Explore the vibrant city center, including the Opera, Terreaux Square, and the Fresque des Lyonnais, a famous painted wall.
With a small group limited to 8 participants and a guide fluent in French and English, this tour offers a unique way to experience Lyon’s top attractions.
Priced at $51.78 per person, it’s an affordable and flexible option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Lyon: Historic Landmarks Segway Tour Review
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Segway Tour by ComhiC – 1h30 Historic
The Segway Tour by ComhiC – 1h30 Historic provides an engaging way to explore Lyon’s historic landmarks.
This 90-minute tour takes visitors on a guided journey through the city, covering top attractions like the Quai Romain Rolland.
With a maximum group size of 8 people, the tour offers a personalized experience. Participants will receive a helmet, hairnet, and rain cape, ensuring their comfort and safety.
The tour’s starting and ending point is 7 Quai Romain Rolland, and it’s recommended for most travelers aged 14 and above, with a minimum weight of 45 kilos.
Priced from €49 per person, the Segway Tour by ComhiC is a convenient and efficient way to discover Lyon’s rich history.
Read our full review: Segway Tour by ComhiC – 1h30 Historic Review
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Photographic and Historical Workshop of Old Lyon
Lyon’s Photographic and Historical Workshop of Old Lyon offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s rich history.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the workshop combines photography and historical exploration, allowing participants to capture the essence of Old Lyon’s charming streets and landmarks.
Participants learn about the city’s architectural styles, cultural heritage, and significant events that have shaped its past.
With a focus on hands-on experience, the workshop encourages guests to hone their photography skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for Lyon’s storied past.
Whether you’re a history buff or a budding photographer, this immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression.
Read our full review: Photographic and Historical Workshop of Old Lyon Review
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Historic Lyon: Exclusive Private Tour With a Local Expert
Enjoy the captivating history of Lyon on this exclusive private walking tour with a local expert.
Explore the city’s historical center, including iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Bartholdi Fountain.
With a small group size of up to eight, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience and insider tips from your guide.
The itinerary is tailored to your interests and walking pace, ensuring a personalized adventure.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
With a 5-star rating and no negative reviews, this private tour offers the best way to discover Lyon’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Historic Lyon: Exclusive Private Tour With a Local Expert Review
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Lyon Old Town Highlights and History Private Walking Tour
Frequently lauded as one of the best ways to discover Lyon’s old town highlights and rich history, this private walking tour leads guests through the captivating Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over 2 hours, a 5-star licensed guide fluent in multiple languages takes visitors to iconic landmarks like the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Hôtel de Ville.
Highlights include uncovering the hidden passageways of La Longue Traboule and learning about figures depicted on the Fresque des Lyonnais mural.
With personalized recommendations and a maximum group size of 25, this tour offers an immersive, intimate experience exploring Lyon’s Renaissance architecture, traditional bouchons, and vibrant culture.
Read our full review: Lyon Old Town Highlights and History Private Walking Tour Review
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Historical and Naughty Tour of Lyon
For those seeking a more risqué exploration of Lyon’s history, the Historical and Naughty Tour offers a tantalizing glimpse into the city’s sensual past.
This 1.5-hour French-language tour, led by a professional actor, delves into notorious debaucheries and medical recommendations from the 16th and 19th centuries.
Guests can expect to hear anecdotes from historical figures like Casanova and visit the courtyards of beautiful historical buildings.
While the content may be too cerebral for some, the guide’s energy and theatrical talent often receive praise.
Just keep in mind that larger groups can affect the experience, and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
Read our full review: Historical and Naughty Tour of Lyon Review
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Lyon: Private Historic Guided Walking Tour
This private historic guided walking tour in Lyon offers a captivating exploration of the city’s renowned architectural landmarks and storied past.
Priced from $469.21 for up to 20 participants, the 2-hour tour immerses visitors in the city’s rich heritage.
Key highlights include the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Maison du Chamarrier, the Lyon Cathedral, and the Court of Appeal of Lyon.
Guests can also discover secret gardens and shaded paths within Le Parc des Hauteurs, while learning about the historical significance of sites like the Loyasse cemetery and Visitation garden.
With flexible cancellation and payment policies, this private tour ensures a personalized experience led by knowledgeable English and French-speaking guides.
Read our full review: Lyon: Private Historic Guided Walking Tour Review
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Lyon: Private Exclusive History Tour With a Local Expert
Stepping away from the comprehensive city tour, the private exclusive history tour with a Local Expert offers a more intimate exploration of Lyon’s rich past.
Lasting 2 hours, this private tour is priced at Kč 15,132 for up to 4 participants.
Highlights include discovering iconic landmarks like the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, while learning about Lyon’s evolution from a Roman settlement to a prosperous Renaissance city.
The knowledgeable local guide tailors the itinerary to the group’s interests, providing curated recommendations for further exploration.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a flexible way to explore Lyon’s captivating history.
Read our full review: Lyon: Private Exclusive History Tour With a Local Expert Review
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Sum Up
Lyon offers a wealth of historical tours that allow visitors to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage. From guided walking tours of the Old Town to Segway excursions and private explorations with local experts, there’s something for every interest and budget. Whether you’re fascinated by Lyon’s Jewish history, intrigued by its naughty past, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of its historic neighborhoods, these tours provide an engaging and informative experience.