City Essentials: First Day

Couple in front of Place Bellecour statue in Lyon, with Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière visible.

Two women walking on Rue de la Republique in Lyon, France.

People sitting along the Saône River in Lyon, France.

Three people walking down a narrow street in a European city in Lyon

Eiffel Tower-like structure and hillside buildings behind the Place Bellecour statue.

People sitting by the Saône River in Lyon at sunset.

5 (74)

Your Perfect First Day in Lyon: River Views, Old Streets & Local Tips

2 hours English

5 (74) 100% Personalized

Get to know Lyon your way. Find your bearings, feel the city’s rhythm, and explore with local insight.

Voli

Drouel-Depauw

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

2 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (may use public transport for long distances)

Meeting point:

Place Bellecour, Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

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 Excluded:

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Facade of Lyon Cathedral with large rose window under clear blue sky.

What makes it special

With a local host as your compass, this relaxed introduction helps you connect with Lyon’s layout, culture, and everyday pace, your way.

Key Highlights:

Ease into the city with a flexible, local-led walk
Explore both elegant avenues and quiet side streets
Learn how to get around and when the city shifts mood
Choose between historic alleys or more modern streets
Walk away with tips for cafés, markets, and local hangouts
Get confident navigating Lyon on your own

What travelers think of our France experiences

Leslie 13 February 2026

I had a private tour with Eillin and she was absolutely wonderful. When we met, Eillin asked me what my interests were and gauged how much I knew about Lyon. I am a big foodie and not the biggest history buff, and Eillin tailored my entire tour around what I was interested in. She was extremely knowledgeable and kind, and I would 100000% recommend this tour to future clients in Lyon.

Sophia 5 February 2026

Ellie was a wonderful guide. She had taken into consideration all information about what I found interesting and the 3 hour tour with her speed past. I thoroughly enjoyable first day in Les Marias area.

Dena 31 January 2026

We felt so lucky to have Guadry be pit guide on our first day in Paris. His knowledge and love for the city is exceptional! He showed us so much and gave us a lot of historical and interesting information about what we saw. His tour of the Montmarte area was amazing! He also was so mindful of what we wanted to see and flexible if we wanted to add on to see anything else. Anyone taking this tour would be well guided in Paris if you have Guadry showing you around!

John 21 January 2026

Our guide Côme was great! Very friendly and knowledgeable, tailoring our tour to what we wanted to see, which we appreciated. Our tour covered many of the highlights of Paris, and included a visit to Notre Dame, which we thought we were going to have to do separately. Côme even guided us through purchasing tickets for the Metro to cover our remaining days in Paris! All in all, a great experience.

Britt 7 October 2025

Great!!

Britt 1 October 2025

Eillin was responsive and an excellent and very knowledgeable guide. I do appreciate the company's flexibility when they allowed us to add two people to the group.

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

Place Bellecour & Visual Bearings

Orientation begins at the city’s open heart

Your Perfect First Day in Lyon: River Views, Old Streets & Local Tips

From this spacious square, your host helps you find your bearings, with views stretching toward Fourvière, the Presqu'île, and the old town. Whether you start with some context or just a sense of direction, this is your city moment zero.

The Presqu'île Promenade

From grand boulevards to everyday corners

You might wander up the bustling Rue de la République or slip into quieter streets behind it. Your host might point out faded façades, elegant storefronts, or tucked-away passages, offering suggestions based on your pace and interest.

Along the Saône

Bridges, breezes, and a first pause

Arriving at the river, you’ll see Lyon open up. Cross one of the footbridges or linger on the banks. This is a moment to breathe it in, pastel buildings, boats, the rising curve of Fourvière. Some guests pause here; others keep walking. Your host adapts.

Into Vieux Lyon

Renaissance details and winding lanes

If you choose to cross over, you’ll step into a different rhythm: cobbled streets, ancient stone, and curious corners. Your host might lead you through a traboule, highlight the silk traders’ legacy, or simply follow the quiet of a back lane.

Optional Final Stop: Saint-Jean Cathedral Square

A peaceful close, or a new beginning

You might end here, surrounded by weathered stone and soft chatter. Your host could offer suggestions for a second coffee, an evening wine spot, or tomorrow’s wanderings, leaving you with ideas, not instructions.

Real Stories, Real Connections

Beneath Blue Skies: Friends in Bloom

Taking in the Views from a Stunning Hilltop

Capturing Moments by a Timeless Landmark

Laughter and Friendship in a Picturesque Square

Sharing Smiles Beneath Iconic French Architecture

Family Adventures with a Breathtaking Skyline

Savoring Every Bite of a Cozy French Meal

Chic Strolls Through Charming French Streets

A Cozy Café Moment for Two

Style and Sunshine at Palais Royal

Elegant Outdoor Dining with a Touch of Warmth

Sun-Kissed Day at Montmartre

Inside the Beauty of Parisian Churches

Capturing Joy at the Eiffel Tower

Parisian Shopping Adventures with New Friends

Lyon

Fun Encounters at the Wall of Fame in Montmartre

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

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.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

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!

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.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

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 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.

See what a personalized experience feels like!

Start Booking with us

★★★★★

Jeltje

22 February 2026

Mercury was a wonderful guide. Very well informed, lots of interesting knowledge, nice to talk to and he took time to answer questions and gave helpful advice for our coming days in Athens.

Thais

I liked that we walked the whole way and it felt very personable since it was just me and a local

Joyce

Peter was super, professional, kind, very knowledgeable.