Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into the heart of Lyon on a captivating walking tour that weaves together centuries of mystery, culture, and culinary delights. With your engaging guide, Paul, you'll explore Vieux Lyon— where every cobblestone and secret passageway tells its own story.
What to Expect:
Insider Secrets: Meander through the traboules (hidden passageways) that only locals truly know.
Cultural Tapestry: Delve into Lyon’s vibrant history—from the Renaissance splendor to its unique role in silk production.
Historic Narratives: Hear gripping tales of bravery during World War II, including the complex legacy of the era marked by Klaus Barbie and the inspiring resistance efforts.
Culinary Heritage: Explore the traditional world of Lyon’s famous bouchons and discover how culinary legends like Paul Bocuse have helped shape the city’s reputation.
Modern Marvels: Visit Lyon’s bustling city center, to see architectural gems such as the Théâtre des Célestins and the historic Hôtel Dieu.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon
A quick visit to the cathedral and it's astronomical clock
Traboules du Vieux Lyon
We visit a few of the hidden passageway, the traboules, in Vieux Lyon
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Pick-up not included
Breakfast
Options
Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)
Reviews
940 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Love fun facts & food stories? Join Paul’s tour then!
Olivier S,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We appreciated the tour, Paul had plenty of interesting stories and places to visit to keep us warm. For more, check out his website.
Fantastic tour
Wander471789,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was fantastic! Paul gave us so much great information about Lyon, and kept the tour interesting. I will definitely make this a must-do activity when I have visitors in town again and I highly recommend for anyone else staying in Lyon.
A fascinating tour that will deepen your connection to Lyon & its people.
NicolaJWalker,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This walk is an absolute must for first time visitors to Lyon. In fact we joined one walk on Tuesday & then a different one on Thursday. Paul is from the Netherlands & has lived in Lyon for 12 years. He is passionate about the town & its history & at the end of our 2 hours we felt much more connected to its stories, especially those of the Resistance fighters, about whom we knew nothing. Paul is also very generous with advice about restaurants & things to do. We thought both his tours were great.
Tour full of curiosities and fun comments
Safari68536357791,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience to participate in the free tour in Lyon. Discovering the places of the city and the stories behind each of them made the tour even more interesting and engaging. The guide was excellent, very attentive, friendly and with great knowledge, which made all the difference in the experience. I highly recommend to those who want to know Lyon in a light, informative and pleasant way.
Excellent Tour Guide
881catd,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul is vey knowledgable and provided a great history of the city. After the tour, we had a great understanding of Lyon and we enjoyed his tour so much we joined him for another tour on the next day. We will not regret to be his guests and we highly recommend him to anyone.
An Unforgettable Tour of Lyon with Paul
Sylvia D,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour with Paul was absolutely outstanding—one of the highlights of our time in Lyon. In just two hours, he managed to bring the city vividly to life through an extraordinary depth of knowledge about Lyon’s history, traditions, and culture, as well as the many influences that shaped it into what it is today. Paul doesn’t simply recite facts; he weaves them into engaging, insightful, and often very funny stories that kept us completely absorbed from start to finish. His passion for Lyon is infectious, and his ability to make complex history feel accessible and entertaining is truly impressive. Every corner we walked through felt richer and more meaningful thanks to his storytelling. The greatest testament to how fantastic this tour was? We enjoyed it so much that we’re joining Paul again tomorrow—even with freezing weather in the forecast. That says everything. Thank you, Paul, for such a memorable experience and for bringing the city of Lyon to life for us in such a warm, intelligent, and engaging way. We couldn’t recommend you more highly.
Great experience
735ameliaj,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul is such a knowledgeable guide, we learnt so much about Lyon and it really enhanced our experience and appreciation of the city. I would recommend anyone to join one of Paul's tours. The recommendations he gave us of things to do, food to try etc was great.
Outstanding Tour of Vieux Lyon!
William W,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul’s tour was incredible: fun, fast-paced, witty, well-organized, timely, and filled with interesting historical and cultural information. And Paul’s demeanor was so friendly and engaging, there was never a dull moment. When it was over, we couldn’t believe 2+ hours had gone by! Without doubt, this was the best thing we did in Lyon, because it really opened our eyes to hidden gems, events and sights that we were then able to go back and explore on our own. Highly recommended!
Great introduction to Lyon with a fabulous guide!
HenryMsia,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul is interesting, gave us great insights to the history of Lyon old town! Absolutely loved exploring the Traboules (passageway). Paul is knowledgeable but not long winded. My children aged 12-16 enjoyed the 2 hour walking tour too! The tour size is quite conducive, less than 15 pax. Honest and sincere guide, not too commercialized. Thanks Paul.
Great intro to the old town!
HenryMsia,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the hidden passageway and stories (and history) that Paul shared along the way. Paul is not too long winded, keeps his explanation short and interesting. My children aged 12-16 enjoyed it too.
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Operated by Free Tour Lyon