Tour With an Actor-Guide: the Revolution and the End of Lyon

The city of Lyon has a rich and tumultuous history, and one tour aims to bring its revolutionary past to life. Guided by a professional actor portraying the famous scientist André-Marie Ampère, "The Revolution and the End of Lyon" takes participants on a 1.5-hour journey through the streets, uncovering the dramatic events that unfolded during the 1793 Siege of Lyon. With a maximum of 15 attendees, this intimate experience promises an engaging and unique perspective on the legacy of revolutionary figures who left an indelible mark on this vibrant French city. Those interested in exploring Lyon’s captivating history would do well to consider joining this captivating tour.

Key Points

• An actor-guided tour exploring the 1793 Siege of Lyon and the city’s revolutionary history, lasting 1.5 hours and priced from $78.01 per person.
• Tour led by a professional actor portraying André-Marie Ampère, providing insights into the political tensions between the Montagnards and Girondins.
• Visits to significant sites like Saint-Nizier church, Place des Terreaux, and Chapel of Sainte-Croix to understand the repression and consequences of the Lyon Uprising.
• Flexible booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required for a group size capped at 15.
• Immersive experience that enhances understanding of Lyon’s revolutionary past and the legacy of figures like Marie-Joseph Chalier.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The actor-guided tour, titled "The Revolution and the End of Lyon," provides a 1.5-hour exploration of Lyon’s historic streets, priced from $78.01 per person.

Capped at 15 people, the tour is conducted in English and departs from the Louis XIV statue at Place Bellecour.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and book their spot without upfront payment.

During the experience, the guide portrays André-Marie Ampère, sharing insights on the 1793 Siege of Lyon, the Lyon Uprising, and the subsequent repression.

The tour concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix, home to the Crypt of Brotteaux ossuary.

Booking Information

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with a full refund for this tour.

Booking is easy with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment. This convenient system allows visitors to secure their place on the tour and pay later.

The group size is limited to 15 people or fewer, ensuring an intimate experience with the actor-guide.

Whether you’re looking to explore Lyon’s revolutionary history or simply seeking a unique cultural adventure, this tour offers flexibility and value for your money.

Experience Highlights

On this tour, visitors can expect to be led by a professional actor-guide who portrays the renowned scientist André-Marie Ampère, providing unique insights into the 1793 Siege of Lyon and the city’s revolutionary history.

Participants will explore Lyon’s historic streets, learning about the Lyon Uprising and the subsequent repression by Parisian emissaries Couthon and Fouché.

The tour also delves into the impact of these events on modern Lyon, including the legacy of revolutionary figures like Marie-Joseph Chalier.

The experience concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix, home to the Crypt of Brotteaux ossuary, offering a poignant reflection on this turbulent period.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins at Place Bellecour, where the guide discusses the National Convention’s decree against Lyon.

Next, the group visits Saint-Nizier church to learn about the conflict between the Montagnards and the Girondins.

The guide then shares insights on Parisian emissaries Couthon and Fouché’s repression of Lyon.

At Place des Terreaux, the group reflects on the use of the guillotine and its victims.

They explore the legacy of revolutionary figures like Marie-Joseph Chalier before concluding at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix, home to the Crypt of Brotteaux ossuary.

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Place Bellecour and the National Convention

Place Bellecour sets the stage for the tour, where the guide begins by discussing the National Convention’s decree against the city of Lyon.

This decree, issued in 1793, condemned the city for its rebellion against the Montagnards and its support for the Girondins.

The guide brings this pivotal moment to life, painting a vivid picture of the tensions and political divisions that led to Lyon’s downfall.

Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded, setting the tone for the rest of the tour as they explore the historic streets and uncover the hidden histories that shaped this tumultuous period in Lyon’s past.

Saint-Nizier Church and the Conflict

From Place Bellecour, the tour moves to Saint-Nizier church, where the guide provides crucial context on the Montagnards versus Girondins conflict. The guide explains the political divisions that led to the 1793 Siege of Lyon, with the Montagnards, a radical faction of the Jacobins, facing off against the more moderate Girondins. The group learns how these factions clashed, ultimately leading to the National Convention’s decree against Lyon. The guide brings this history to life, painting a vivid picture of the city’s revolutionary turmoil.

Faction	Key Beliefs	Outcome
Montagnards	Radical, centralized power	Prevailed over Girondins
Girondins	Moderate, federal system	Defeated by Montagnards

Repression and the Guillotine

After visiting Saint-Nizier church, the tour then turns to the repression that followed the Lyon Uprising.

The actor-guide shares insights into the actions of Parisian emissaries Couthon and Fouché, who ruthlessly suppressed the rebellion.

Listeners learn about:

• The use of the guillotine at Place des Terreaux, and the fate of its victims
• The legacy of revolutionary figures like Marie-Joseph Chalier
• The Crypt of Brotteaux ossuary, which serves as a sobering reminder of the revolution’s consequences
• The lasting impact these events had on the city of Lyon

The tour concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix, providing a poignant conclusion to this exploration of Lyon’s revolutionary history.

Revolutionary Figures and the Crypt

Exploring the legacy of revolutionary figures like Marie-Joseph Chalier, the actor-guide delves deeper into the lasting impact these events had on Lyon.

Visitors learn about the pivotal role of these revolutionaries and their influence on modern-day Lyon.

The tour concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix, home to the Crypt of Brotteaux ossuary, a sobering reminder of the violence and repression that followed the Lyon Uprising.

Here, the guide provides insights into the significance of this location and its connection to the broader historical narrative.

Through this immersive experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of Lyon’s revolutionary past and its enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is only available in English. The information provided does not indicate that the tour is offered in any other languages.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for the Tour?

The tour does not seem to offer any discounts or special offers based on the information provided. The price is listed as a flat rate of $78.01 per person for the 1.5-hour English-language tour.

How Many Stops Are Included in the Tour Itinerary?

According to the detailed itinerary, the tour includes 6 stops – beginning at Place Bellecour, visiting Saint-Nizier church, learning about Parisian emissaries, reflecting on Place des Terreaux, exploring revolutionary figures, and concluding at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private or Group Bookings?

The tour can be customized for private or group bookings. Groups of 15 or fewer can reserve the tour, which features a live actor-guide and explores Lyon’s revolutionary history across several stops during the 1.5-hour experience.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour has no specific dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. Participants should dress casually and prepared for the tour’s walking aspect.

Sum Up

This captivating tour delves into Lyon’s revolutionary history, offering an engaging perspective on the legacy of figures like André-Marie Ampère. Participants will explore significant sites, learn about the dramatic events of the 1793 Siege of Lyon, and discover the repression that followed. With a knowledgeable actor-guide, this intimate experience provides a unique window into the city’s revolutionary past.

You can check availability for your dates here: