Lyon

Essential Lyon: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

people,happiness,temple,pedestrian,luggage & bags,vacation,bag,leisure,travel

leisure,spring,vacation,luggage & bags,travel,fun,bag

water,body of water,waterway,summer,bank,leisure,watercourse,sitting,lake,vacation,river,people in nature,human back,conversation,comfort,evening,travel,fun,love,reservoir

bridge,romance,love,evening,bag,travel,honeymoon

landmark,finial,tower,place of worship,tourist attraction,dome,spire,church,medieval architecture,historic site,classical architecture,castle,turret,steeple,byzantine architecture,basilica,religious institute

bicycle,bicycle tire,bicycle handlebar,bicycle frame,bicycle wheel,bicycle wheel rim,bicycles--equipment and supplies,bicycle fork,bicycle saddle,crankset

water,building,city,dusk,urban area,channel,town,watercourse,evening,landscape,bank,reflection,sunset,morning,river,lake,afterglow,sunlight,sunrise,canal

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5

(95)

Essential Lyon: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Blend hilltop icons with secret passageways as your host reveals both sides of Lyon.

What makes this experience special

From riverside icons to Renaissance courtyards, your host shows how Lyon’s highlights and hidden corners fit together, your day, your pace.

Key highlights

Discover Vieux Lyon’s rich history through secret passageways
Pause in quiet courtyards most visitors walk past
Choose grand basilicas or hidden hillside gardens
Follow street art and local rhythms in Croix-Rousse
Wander the Saône riverbanks where the city slows down
See both headline sights and the soul between them

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

6 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Place Bellecour, Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Place Bellecour, Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France

Winding Through Vieux Lyon’s Passageways

Renaissance roots and hidden routes

Essential Lyon: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Start in the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, where traboules lead through buildings and across centuries. Your host might show you a tucked-away fountain or point out traces of Lyon’s silk-making past still etched into the walls.

A Hilltop Choice: Basilica or Garden

Panoramic mosaics or a quiet local lookout

From the hilltop, Lyon opens up. Some days, it’s the shimmering mosaics of Fourvière that draw focus, an icon with layers of meaning. Other times, it’s the stillness of Jardin des Curiosités, a hillside lookout only locals seem to know.

Croix-Rousse: Art, Cafés & Local Life

Where silk meets street art

In Croix-Rousse, a former silk district hides a different rhythm. Murals climb old stairwells, cafés line quiet corners, and workshops have become studios. It’s not on every postcard, but the layers of resistance and reinvention here tell Lyon’s story just as powerfully.

Saône River: Where Lyon Slows Down

Stone paths and sunlight on the water

End with a riverside wander along the Saône. Watch as locals settle into the day’s last light. Floating bars, waterside booksellers, and leafy quays create a natural place to pause, reflect, or simply enjoy the view.

A Bridge to End the Day

A parting view that brings it all together

The Passerelle du Palais de Justice offers one last moment: a red bridge spanning time and perspective. With Fourvière on the hill and the riverside glowing below, it’s where many guests let the day sink in quietly, fully, and without rush.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Sharing Smiles Beneath Iconic French Architecture

Capturing Moments by a Timeless Landmark

Taking in the Views from a Stunning Hilltop

Chic Strolls Through Charming French Streets

Family Adventures with a Breathtaking Skyline

Savoring Every Bite of a Cozy French Meal

Elegant Outdoor Dining with a Touch of Warmth

A Cozy Café Moment for Two

Style and Sunshine at Palais Royal

Laughter and Friendship in a Picturesque Square

Fun Encounters at a Famous French Monument

Inside the Beauty of Parisian Churches

Capturing Joy in France

Sun-Kissed Day Exploring France

French Shopping Adventures with New Friends

Relaxing Café Vibes in France

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our France experiences

Mary Aug 2025

We loved our tour of Monmartre with Pascal. The tour was fun and hit all of the spots where artists lived and painted. We stopped in the area center and bought lovely watercolor pieces to take home. I highly recommend.

Mary Aug 2025

We loved Pascal’s sense of humor and also attention to detail. He knew I was an artist so he took us out of the way to show us several houses and plaques from where the artists used to live.

Nicole Aug 2025

We loved learning about the area of Monmarte. The history, the art, and the culture. This was our families favorite place to tour. Our guide, Hristo also gave us great recommendations for lunch and where to have our daughters portraits drawn after our tour. We felt we were able to confidently navigate following our tour.

Alan Jul 2025

Wish we could rate this 6 out of 5 stars!! Del was an exceptional guide - she knows Montmartre intimately and did a wonderful job of tailoring the presentation to our individual interests. She was all over everything from the history to the best photo stops, shopping, etc. One of the best tours of our trip!

Kimberley Jul 2025

My family and I travelled around Montmatre with Ewan. He showed us many sights and told us interesting stories about the area. I would highly recommend this tour.

Michelle Jul 2025

Del was great, I had some unexpected mobility issues and Del was able to accommodate for this by modifying the original tour plan to suit. The tour itself was both informative and fun!!

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.