Discover Lyon: From Its Birth to Renaissance Glory

Lyon’s storied past comes alive on this comprehensive tour that traces the city’s evolution from its Gallo-Roman origins to the splendor of the Renaissance. Enjoy the grandeur of Fourvière, uncover the secrets of the Ancient Theatre, and stroll through the charming Vieux Lyon as captivating guides reveal the contributions of remarkable women who shaped this vibrant cultural hub. Prepare to be captivated by the tales of transformation that have made Lyon the fascinating destination it is today.

Key Points

• Explore Lyon’s evolution from its Gallo-Roman roots to its vibrant Renaissance era through a captivating 2-hour guided tour.
• Visit the iconic Ancient Theatre of Fourvière and learn about the city’s ancient history.
• Discover the medieval and Renaissance architecture of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Hear the stories of Lyon’s legendary women, from Saint Blandina to pioneering silk weavers.
• Appreciate Lyon’s cultural heritage and transformation through an engaging, multilingual tour experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Discover Lyon tour provides an immersive 2-hour experience for visitors, priced at €28.00 per person.

Guests can enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and the flexibility to reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour covers Lyon’s iconic landmarks, including the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière and the historic Vieux Lyon neighborhood.

Participants will embark on a theatrical journey narrated by a passionate local guide, exploring the city’s rich history from Antiquity to the Renaissance.

Whether visitors choose French, English, or Spanish, the highly adaptable guide ensures a personalized and memorable experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the Fourvière, the tour takes participants on a captivating journey through Lyon’s iconic landmarks.

Visitors explore the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a well-preserved remnant of the city’s Antique era.

Next, the tour ventures into the charming Vieux Lyon, where the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras come alive through its picturesque streets and architecture.

Along the way, a passionate actress narrates a theatrical experience, bringing to life the stories of Lyon’s iconic women.

The tour concludes at the vibrant Place du Change, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Lyon’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Language and Guide

A live tour guide is available to lead the Lyon: From Birth to Renaissance Glory experience in French, English, and Spanish. These multilingual guides offer a personalized tour tailored to the desires and interests of each participant. Their deep knowledge and passion for the city’s history, coupled with their adaptability, ensure an engaging and enlightening journey through Lyon’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Tour Guide Language	Availability
French	Yes
English	Yes
Spanish	Yes

The guides expertly navigate the tour, seamlessly blending historical facts with captivating storytelling, allowing participants to enjoy Lyon’s rich past and vibrant present.

Tour Inclusions and Conditions

Transportation is provided during the Lyon: From Birth to Renaissance Glory tour, ensuring participants can seamlessly transition between the key sites and neighborhoods.

No admission tickets are required, as the tour doesn’t enter historical buildings or museums. This gives visitors the flexibility to explore these landmarks independently at their own pace after the guided portion concludes.

The tour is designed to provide an immersive experience that brings Lyon’s storied past to life, while also allowing for further self-discovery of the city’s treasures.

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Participant Guidelines

The Lyon: From Birth to Renaissance Glory tour is designed with specific participant guidelines in mind to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

Certain restrictions apply to maintain the integrity of the tour. Children under 8 years old and wheelchair users aren’t suited for this tour.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed. To respect the historical nature of the experience, audio recording is prohibited.

The meeting point is the panoramic viewpoint of Lyon, next to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where the tour will commence.

From Antiquity to Renaissance

As visitors embark on the Lyon: From Birth to Renaissance Glory tour, they’ll dive into the city’s rich history, tracing its evolution from Antiquity to the grandeur of the Renaissance.

They’ll explore the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a remarkably preserved Roman structure that offers a glimpse into Lyon’s ancient roots.

Then, they’ll venture into the Vieux Lyon neighborhood, where medieval and Renaissance architecture paint a captivating picture of the city’s past.

Through this immersive experience, participants gain a deeper appreciation for Lyon’s transformation from an ancient Gallo-Roman settlement to a thriving cultural hub during the Renaissance period.

Iconic Women of Lyon

Throughout the tour, visitors will be captivated by Lyon’s iconic women, whose stories are brought to life through a theatrical journey narrated by a passionate actress.

The tour explores:

• The legendary Saint Blandina, a young Christian martyr who stood firm in her faith during the Roman persecution.

• Guigonne de La Baume, a 15th-century noblewoman who played a crucial role in the city’s defense against the Burgundians.

• Catherine Sforza, an Italian princess who left her mark on Lyon’s Renaissance architecture as the wife of the city’s governor.

• Jeanne Duguet, a pioneering silk weaver who challenged gender norms and contributed to Lyon’s economic prosperity.

• The modern-day Lyonnaise women who carry on the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Expected for the Tour Guide?

Gratuity is not required but appreciated by the tour guide. The tour is priced to cover the guide’s services, so tipping is optional based on the participant’s satisfaction with the tour experience.

Can We Stop for Refreshments During the Tour?

While the tour itinerary does not include scheduled stops for refreshments, the guide is happy to accommodate any requests to pause for a snack or drink during the 2-hour walking tour. Participants can explore the city at their own pace.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photographs?

According to the tour details, there are no restrictions on taking photographs during the Discover Lyon tour. Participants are free to capture the scenic historical sites and neighborhoods along the way at their own discretion.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, though it may be possible for those with mild mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to participants’ specific interests. The highly adaptable guide will tailor the experience to meet the desires of the group, ensuring a personalized and engaging journey through Lyon’s historical treasures.

Sum Up

The "Discover Lyon: From Its Birth to Renaissance Glory" tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich history. Led by passionate guides, participants explore iconic landmarks, uncover the contributions of remarkable women, and deepen their appreciation for Lyon’s transformation from a Gallo-Roman settlement to a vibrant cultural hub. This immersive 2-hour experience promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this captivating exploration of Lyon’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: