Lyon: Private Walking Tour of Lyons Traboules

Discover the hidden gems of Lyon’s historic Old Town on a private walking tour of the city’s enchanting traboules. These centuries-old passageways, once vital to the silk trade, now offer a glimpse into Lyon’s rich cultural heritage. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll explore over 50 publicly accessible traboules, learning about their significance during World War II and marveling at the unique architectural features that define this captivating city. As you navigate the labyrinthine streets, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why Lyon’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and why it’s a must-see destination for any traveler seeking to uncover the secrets of France’s third-largest city.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Lyon.

Key Points

1. The private walking tour explores Lyon’s historic traboules, a network of hidden passageways crucial to the city’s silk trade and Resistance activities during WWII.

2. The 2-hour tour, limited to 10 participants, provides insights into the traboules’ architecture, historical significance, and their role as vital thoroughfares connecting different parts of the city.

3. Knowledgeable local guides lead the tours, which are available in French and English, and receive consistently high ratings for their engaging storytelling and professionalism.

4. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to the extensive walking and stair navigation.

5. The tour can be booked online with a reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The private walking tour of Lyon’s Old Town immerses visitors in the hidden passageways known as traboules.

The 2-hour tour is limited to 10 participants, available in both French and English, and is likely to sell out. Priced from €33 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests will discover over 50 publicly accessible traboules, learning about Lyon’s rich history, including the city’s silk trade and its role in the French Resistance during World War II.

The knowledgeable local guides provide insights into the neighborhood’s past and significance.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can explore over 50 publicly accessible traboules, unraveling the intriguing history of Lyon’s silk trade and wartime role in the French Resistance.

With a knowledgeable local guide, they’ll explore lesser-known passageways and gain insights into the neighborhood’s past and its cultural significance.

The tour highlights Lyon’s unique architecture, showcasing the intricate designs and hidden gems that make the city’s Old Town so captivating.

Guests will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the traboules, which have served as vital thoroughfares for centuries, connecting various parts of the city in unexpected ways.

Meeting and Accessibility

The walking tour’s meeting point is the old fountain in the middle of the cathedral square.

This guided experience isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the tour involves navigating through lesser-known passageways that may have stairs.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour covers a good amount of ground.

Strollers may also be difficult to maneuver due to the stairs.

Guide and Customer Feedback

Experienced locals with extensive knowledge of Lyon’s history helm the tours.

These knowledgeable guides captivate participants with their energy, professionalism, and entertaining storytelling. Participants consistently praise the guides’ ability to provide fascinating insights into the city’s past, from the silk trade to the French Resistance during World War II.

With an overall 5/5 rating based on 233 reviews, the tours offer excellent value for money, earning a 4.9/5 rating in this category.

Travelers can expect a dynamic and informative experience, led by passionate experts who bring Lyon’s hidden traboules and rich heritage to life.

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Booking Information

For those interested in booking the private walking tour of Lyon’s traboules, there’s a reserve now and pay later option available.

To check availability for specific dates and times, visitors can easily do so on the tour’s booking page. During the booking process, participants must select the desired date, language, and number of attendees.

With a group size limited to 10 people, it’s recommended to book early as this popular tour is likely to sell out.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants’ plans.

Traboules: Hidden Passageways

Although easily missed by the untrained eye, Lyon’s traboules are a network of hidden passageways that wind through the city’s Old Town. These unique architectural features were originally used to transport goods, particularly during the silk trade. Today, visitors can explore over 50 publicly accessible traboules, discovering the city’s history and secrets along the way.

Traboule Features
Interconnected	Private	Historically Significant	Publicly Accessible
The traboules connect buildings and courtyards, creating a labyrinth-like system.	Many traboules were private residences, but now allow public access.	Lyon’s traboules played a crucial role in the city’s silk trade and French Resistance during WWII.	Visitors can explore over 50 traboules throughout the Old Town, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Silk Trade and French Resistance

Lyon’s traboules played a crucial role in the city’s thriving silk trade during the 19th century. The hidden passageways allowed silk workers to efficiently transport raw materials and finished products, shielding them from the elements and prying eyes.

On top of that, the traboules’ interconnected network proved invaluable during the German occupation in WWII, as they facilitated the movement of French Resistance fighters and the distribution of contraband.

Some key highlights of the silk trade and French Resistance in Lyon include:

• Lyon’s silk industry was one of the largest in Europe, employing over 100,000 people.
• Traboules enabled quick delivery of silk goods, protecting them from rain and snow.
• The Resistance used traboules to hide fugitives, communicate, and distribute forbidden literature.
• Several traboules served as secret meeting points and safehouses for the Resistance.
• Tunnels underneath the city also played a role in the Resistance’s covert operations.

Exploring Lyon’s Old Town

Strolling through Lyon’s Old Town, visitors can uncover a network of hidden passageways known as traboules. These medieval shortcuts, once used by silk workers, now offer a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

With a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can explore over 50 publicly accessible traboules, discovering lesser-known alleyways and gaining insights into Lyon’s history, from the silk trade to the French Resistance.

The tour’s small group size ensures an intimate experience, allowing participants to ask questions and enjoy the neighborhood’s unique character.

Whether navigating the narrow staircases or admiring the architectural details, this walking tour offers an authentic and engaging way to experience the heart of Lyon’s Old Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From the Nearest Metro Station?

To get to the meeting point, exit the closest metro station and walk for approximately 5 minutes. The Old fountain in the middle of the cathedral square is the designated meeting location.

Are There Any Restrooms or Refreshment Options Near the Meeting Point?

There are public restrooms located within a 5-minute walk of the meeting point. Participants can also find cafes and shops nearby where they can purchase refreshments before or after the tour.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but should be mindful not to disrupt the group or interfere with the guide’s narration. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Items With Me on the Tour?

It’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves navigating passageways and stairs. While strollers may be difficult, the tour is generally suitable for most participants who can walk without assistance.

Is the Tour Available in Any Other Languages Besides French and English?

The tour is available in French and English only. There are no other language options provided based on the information given. Participants should select their preferred language when booking the tour.

Sum Up

The tour of Lyon’s traboules offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Guests can explore the hidden passageways, gain insights into the silk trade and French Resistance, and enjoy the charming Old Town. With knowledgeable local guides and a small group setting, this private walking tour provides an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to uncover the enchanting secrets of Lyon.

You can check availability for your dates here: