Lyon: Private Walking Tour of UNESCO Old Districts

Discover the charm of Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Districts on a private walking tour. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the city’s cobbled streets, hidden traboules, and medieval architecture. From Place Saint-Jean, you’ll ascend Fourvière Hill, taking in breathtaking views before visiting the Guignol Puppet Museum. Along the way, you’ll learn about Lyon’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy, uncovering the hidden gems that make this city truly unique. What secrets will you uncover?

Key Points

• This private walking tour explores the UNESCO-listed districts of Lyon, including the historic Vieux Lyon area and Fourvière Hill.
• The tour provides entry to the Guignol Puppet Museum, offering insights into the local puppet show tradition.
• Visitors can enjoy panoramic city views from the Basilica and take a funicular ride as part of the experience.
• The tour covers local history, culture, and gastronomy, led by a knowledgeable guide in multiple languages.
• The 2.5-hour tour is suitable for individuals without mobility impairments and includes a full refund policy for cancellations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Lyon Private Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s UNESCO-listed districts, lasting 2.5 hours.

The tour starts at Place Saint-Jean in Vieux Lyon, winding through hidden traboules and picturesque medieval buildings. Guests marvel at Fourvière Hill and the Basilica, and stroll through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, immersed in the local history, culture, traditions, and gastronomy.

The tour finishes at Rue Mercière. Available in English, French, Spanish, and Catalan, the tour includes entry to the Guignol Puppet Museum and a funicular ticket, priced from £113.41 per person with free cancellation.

Itinerary Highlights

As guests embark on the Lyon Private Walking Tour, they explore hidden traboules and picturesque medieval buildings, seeing the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. A visit to the Guignol Puppet Museum, where they’ll discover the history and traditions of this iconic Lyonnais puppet show.

2. Marveling at the grandeur of Fourvière Hill and the stunning Basilica, offering panoramic views of the city.

3. Strolling through the charming cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, soaking in the atmosphere and learning about the local history, culture, and gastronomy.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Lyon Private Walking Tour includes a live guide, access to the Guignol Puppet Museum, and a ticket for the funicular up to Fourvière Hill. However, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. On top of that, large bags and luggage are not allowed on the tour.

| Inclusions | Duration |

| — | — |

| Live guide | 2.5 hours |

| Walking tour | – |

| Guignol Puppet Museum | 30 minutes |

| Funicular ticket | 45 minutes |

The tour provides an insightful commentary on the local history, culture, tradition, and gastronomy of the UNESCO-listed districts in Lyon.

Booking Information

One can reserve the Lyon Private Walking Tour with a "reserve now & pay later" option. Guests can check availability for starting times on the tour website.

The meeting point for the tour is in front of Saint-Jean Cathedral.

The tour includes:

1. A live, knowledgeable guide.

2. A walking tour of Lyon’s UNESCO-listed districts.

3. Entry tickets to the Guignol Puppet Museum and a funicular ticket.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Lyon Private Walking Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 15 reviews.

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, who provide insightful commentary on the city’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy.

The tour’s value for money also receives high praise, with an average rating of 4.8/5.

Families particularly enjoyed the family-friendly nature of the experience, which includes a visit to the Guignol Puppet Museum.

Exploring Vieux Lyon

Strolling through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, visitors are transported back in time.

Exploring the district’s hidden gems, they discover:

1. Charming medieval buildings with intricate facades and wooden beams.

2. Narrow alleyways, known as traboules, that wind through the neighborhood, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of residents.

3. The iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, perched atop the hill and offering panoramic views of the city.

The neighborhood’s rich history and well-preserved architecture create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the cultural heritage of this UNESCO-listed site.

Marveling at Fourvière Hill

Towering above the historic Old Town, Fourvière Hill is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Lyon.

The 45-minute portion of the tour allows visitors to marvel at the 19th-century Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an ornate church crowned by twin towers and gold mosaics.

The guide will share the rich history of this iconic landmark, which sits atop the hill and offers sweeping views over the city.

Visitors can take the funicular railway to reach the summit, where they’ll find museums, gardens, and remnants of the ancient Roman city of Lugdunum.

Visiting the Guignol Puppet Museum

What better way to take in Lyon’s rich cultural heritage than by visiting the Guignol Puppet Museum?

As part of the tour, guests spend 30 minutes exploring this unique institution.

The museum features:

1. An impressive collection of traditional Guignol puppets, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and history of this beloved local art form.

2. Informative exhibits detailing the origins and evolution of the Guignol character, a mischievous but lovable figure who’s entertained generations of Lyonnais.

3. Interactive puppet-making demonstrations, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the skill required to bring these charming characters to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t specifically mention a bathroom break. However, the private nature of the tour allows for flexibility, so the guide can likely accommodate requests for a short restroom stop if needed during the 2.5-hour walking tour.

Can We Bring Our Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and large bags or luggage are also not permitted. The tour focuses on exploring the historical sites and culture of the city.

Do We Need to Purchase Metro Tickets Separately?

No, metro tickets aren’t needed. The tour includes a ticket for the funicular ride up to Fourvière Hill. All other transportation during the 2.5-hour walking tour is on foot through the historic districts.

Is This Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is not specifically designed for young children. It includes walking through cobbled streets and visiting a puppet museum, which may not be ideal for small kids. However, the guide can adapt the experience to accommodate families with children.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Guignol Puppet Museum?

Photos can generally be taken inside the Guignol Puppet Museum, but visitors should check with staff first. The museum allows photography, but there may be some restrictions to protect the exhibits or visitor experience.

The Wrap Up

Exploring Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Districts on a private walking tour allows visitors to experience the city’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy firsthand. From the charming cobbled streets and hidden traboules to the breathtaking views from Fourvière Hill, this guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the heart of the city. With a focus on immersing guests in the local experience, the tour provides a unique and memorable way to discover the charm of Lyon.

You can check availability for your dates here: