Exploring the historic city of Lyon has never been easier or more enjoyable. This private pedicab tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its stunning architecture and hidden traboules. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s rich silk-weaving heritage and witness the vibrant Croix-Rousse neighborhood. The eco-friendly pedicab provides a comfortable and hassle-free way to navigate Lyon’s streets, leaving you free to learn about the city’s captivating charm. But the real question is, where will this tour take you next?
Key Points
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lyon, featuring medieval and Renaissance architecture and insights into the city’s silk-weaving heritage.
- Discover the hidden traboules, centuries-old covered passageways that were originally used by merchants to transport goods in bad weather.
- Experience a private pedicab tour lasting 1-3 hours, with a starting price of $81.57 per person and flexible reservation options.
- Learn about Lyon’s legacy as a global hub for silk production, with artisans preserving centuries-old silk-weaving techniques.
- Enjoy an eco-friendly pedicab experience, offering smooth rides, panoramic views, and personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide.
Tour Overview
This private pedicab tour offers visitors a unique way to explore the top landmarks and hidden gems of Lyon.
Lasting between 1-3 hours, the tour starts at $81.57 per person. Availability is limited, so it’s best to check beforehand. The tour is fully refundable if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour lasts 1-3 hours and starts at $81.57 per person. Availability is limited, but it’s fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance.
During the tour, guests will discover UNESCO-listed Old Town, hidden traboules, and the artsy Croix-Rousse neighborhood.
The eco-friendly pedicab experience includes a local guide fluent in multiple languages and a complimentary bottle of water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lyon.
Explore the UNESCO-Listed Old Town
Visitors explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon) on this private pedicab tour, marveling at the medieval and Renaissance architecture that lines the cobblestone streets.
The tour guide shares insights about the area’s rich history and silk-weaving heritage as the pedicab winds through the charming neighborhood.
Key highlights include:
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Discovering hidden traboules, the secret passageways used by silk merchants to transport their goods.
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Admiring the intricate facades and courtyards of the well-preserved historic buildings.
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Learning about Lyon’s role as a center of the French silk industry over the centuries.
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Witnessing the blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, that give the Old Town its distinctive character.
Discover the Hidden Traboules
As the pedicab winds through the charming lanes of Lyon’s Old Town, visitors are treated to a glimpse of the city’s hidden architectural gems – the traboules. These passageways, once used by silk merchants, connect courtyards and buildings, offering a unique glimpse into Lyon’s rich history.
| Traboule Fact | Description |
| — | — |
| Definition | Covered passageways connecting buildings |
| Purpose | Allowed merchants to transport goods in bad weather |
| History | Originated in the 4th century, expanded during the Renaissance |
| Architectural Significance | Showcase medieval and Renaissance architectural styles |
The guide shares insights into the intricate network of traboules, bringing the city’s past to life and allowing visitors to step back in time.
Learn About Lyon’s Silk-Weaving Heritage
As the pedicab winds through the charming lanes, the guide shares Lyon’s storied legacy as a center of silk-weaving.
For centuries, the city has been synonymous with this luxurious fabric:
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In the 16th century, silk production flourished in Lyon, attracting skilled weavers from Italy.
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The Croix-Rousse neighborhood, known as the "Hill of the Canuts," was home to thousands of silk workshops.
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Silk became a major export, with Lyon establishing itself as a global hub for textile innovation and design.
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Today, the city’s silk-weaving traditions continue, with artisans preserving centuries-old techniques.
Ride Through Croix-Rousse
The pedicab ride then takes visitors through the vibrant Croix-Rousse neighborhood, renowned for its artistic culture and vibrant street art.
This former silk-weaving district boasts colorful murals adorning the walls, showcasing the area’s creative spirit.
The guide shares insights into the neighborhood’s history and points out notable pieces, allowing travelers to enjoy the lively artistic atmosphere.
Winding through the charming streets, the pedicab offers a unique perspective to appreciate Croix-Rousse’s character and its significance in Lyon’s cultural landscape.
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Enjoy the Eco-Friendly Pedicab Experience
Riding in the eco-friendly pedicab provides travelers with a comfortable and sustainable way to explore Lyon’s sights. The pedicab, powered by a pedaling driver, offers an enjoyable and low-impact mode of transportation.
Travelers can relax and soak in the city’s charms without the hassle of navigating public transport or walking long distances. The pedicab experience includes:
Travelers can relax and soak in the city’s charms without the hassle of navigating public transport or walking long distances.
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Smooth and gentle rides through Lyon’s historic streets and neighborhoods.
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Panoramic views from the open-air pedicab, allowing travelers to take in the architecture and atmosphere.
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A personalized tour with a knowledgeable guide providing insightful commentary.
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An environmentally friendly alternative to traditional tour vehicles, reducing the carbon footprint.
Meeting Point and Requirements
Travelers meet for the private pedicab tour at the Tourist Office located at Place Bellecour.
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are recommended. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.
The pedicab experience is eco-friendly, allowing visitors to explore Lyon’s top landmarks and hidden gems comfortably.
The tour guide is fluent in Catalan, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all participants.
With a 4.8/5 overall rating and positive reviews, this private pedicab tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Lyon.
Customer Feedback
Customers rave about the personalized tours and informative guides, awarding the experience an impressive 4.8 out of 5 overall rating based on 153 reviews.
The guide rating scores 4.9/5, while the transportation rating is 4.7/5. Reviewers commend the excellent value for money at 4.6/5.
Key highlights include:
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Highly knowledgeable and engaging guides
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Comfortable and eco-friendly pedicab experience
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Informative commentary on Lyon’s history and culture
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Memorable exploration of the city’s top sights and hidden gems.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
The tour does not allow pets. The tour operator states that no pets or large bags are permitted on the pedicab tours due to safety and space constraints. Guests are advised to leave their pets at home when booking this tour.
Do I Need to Know French to Participate?
No, you don’t need to know French to participate. The tour includes a live guide fluent in Catalan, English, French, and Spanish, so you can enjoy the experience even if you don’t speak French.
Is the Pedicab Wheelchair Accessible?
The pedicab tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour information states it’s "not suitable for wheelchair users." Guests will need to be able to get in and out of the pedicab without assistance.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows for photo opportunities as you explore Lyon’s top landmarks and hidden gems. Just be mindful not to obstruct the path or get in the way of the pedicab.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there are options to extend the tour duration. The tour offers 1, 2, or 3-hour options, so you can choose to extend the experience beyond the standard 1-hour tour if you’d like to explore more of Lyon’s sights.
Final Words
This private pedicab tour offers a charming way to explore Lyon’s top landmarks and hidden gems. Travelers will discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its stunning architecture and secret traboules. They’ll also learn about the city’s rich silk-weaving heritage. The eco-friendly pedicab provides a comfortable and stylish mode of transportation, ensuring a memorable journey through Lyon’s vibrant streets.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Lyon
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More Tours in Lyon
- Lyon: Private Food Market Tour in Les Halles Paul Bocuse
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More Tour Reviews in Lyon
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- Lyon Croix-Rousse: Wine Tasting & Vinyl Record Tour
- Lyon: Private Pedicab Tour of Top Landmarks & Hidden Gems
- Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour
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