On the lookout for the best tours in Lyon? This fascinating French city’s guided experiences cut right to the heart of what makes it special. The most worthwhile options include walking tours through the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon), where passionate local guides reveal hidden traboules and Renaissance secrets. Food tours are another smart choice, leading small groups through the famous covered markets and traditional bouchons – you’ll taste and learn simultaneously.
For something different, the city’s Segway tours offer an efficient way to cover more ground, especially around the sprawling Parc de la Tête d’Or and along the Rhône riverfront. Private guided tours work well for travelers wanting to dig deeper into specific interests, whether it’s silk-making history or Roman ruins.
Let’s explore the top-rated Lyon tours that deliver the most bang for your euro.
Key Points
- The Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Tour offers a 2-hour exploration of Vieux Lyon and the silk industry district with a maximum group size of 18 and a 5-star rating.
- The Old City Walking Tour covers UNESCO-listed Old Lyon, featuring landmarks like Saint-Jean Cathedral and traboules passageways, and offers a wheelchair-accessible route.
- The Lyon Big Traboules Private Tour provides an immersive exploration of hidden gems and Roman ruins, with a 99% recommendation rate from 123 reviews.
- The Peninsula Food Tour is a 3-hour tasting adventure in Presqu’île, showcasing regional specialties and linking gastronomy with local culture.
- The Lyon City Exploration Game allows self-guided discovery of famous landmarks through puzzles and clues, suitable for all ages and with an average rating of 5 stars.
Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English)
For those eager to explore the historic heart of Lyon, the Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) offers an engaging and informative introduction to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The 2-hour guided tour takes visitors through the Vieux Lyon (old town) and the silk industry district, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into the city’s history, architecture, and local culture.
With a maximum group size of 18 and a 5-star rating from over 550 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its clear communication, depth of knowledge, and valuable local recommendations.
Suitable for most travelers, the tour is an excellent way to discover the highlights of Lyon’s historic neighborhoods.
Read our full review: Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) Review
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Peninsula: 3-Hour Food Tour in the Heart of the City
Enjoy the epicurean delights of Lyon’s Presqu’île, the vibrant peninsula nestled between the Sâone and Rhône rivers, on the 3-Hour Food Tour in the Heart of the City.
This culinary adventure features four gourmet tasting stops highlighting regional specialties like praline viennoiserie, regional sweets and chocolates, and an assortment of Lyonnais charcuterie.
Along the way, passionate local guides share insightful anecdotes and history linking gastronomy and culture.
Priced from €70.00 per person, the tour accommodates up to 10 participants and is available in English and French.
Free cancellation and reserve now & pay later options make this tour a convenient and delectable experience.
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Lyon Big Traboules in Little City Stories From the Past Private Guided Tour
Situated in the heart of Lyon, the Lyon Big Traboules in Little City Stories from the Past Private Guided Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s hidden gems.
Led by the knowledgeable local guide Konstantin Masajlo, this tour takes visitors through the city’s captivating traboules, or hidden passageways, and Roman ruins, providing insights into Lyon’s rich history, architecture, and culture.
With a 99% recommendation rate from 123 reviews, the tour is highly praised for its engaging storytelling, personalized attention, and customizable itinerary.
Exploring local workshops and vibrant outdoor markets, the tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience for first-time visitors to Lyon.
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An Unusual City Tour With Sketches
This unusual city tour in Lyon offers an intriguing way to explore the city through the lens of an artistic experience.
Led by a professional animator, the 1.5-hour tour takes participants to iconic sites and unusual places in the city. Participants will create their own sketch of the city, with 30 minutes dedicated to this activity.
Available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the tour is priced at €60 for groups up to 6 people. Free cancellation is offered 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
While the tour has received a concerning 1/5 customer review, it could still provide a unique perspective on discovering Lyon.
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Lyon Panoramic 4h-City Tour
What makes the Lyon Panoramic 4h-City Tour a must-do for visitors? This comprehensive tour provides a perfect introduction to Lyon, France’s third-largest city.
Led by a private guide, the 4-hour excursion covers the city’s top sights, including the iconic Vieux-Lyon district and the stunning Opéra National de Lyon.
Though public transportation is required, the tour’s private nature ensures a personalized experience. With a 5-star rating from past participants, the tour is an excellent value at $409.30 per person.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes it suitable for most travelers.
Advance booking is essential, as this popular tour is likely to sell out quickly.
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Lyon: Guided City Sights Pedicab Tour
For visitors looking to explore Lyon’s historic city center in a unique and efficient way, the Lyon: Guided City Sights Private Pedicab Tour offers an excellent option. Priced at $75.30 per person, the tour allows travelers to discover Old Lyon’s streets, churches, and hidden traboules (passageways) with a knowledgeable guide.
The tour includes transportation in a pedicab, a bottle of water, and a local breakfast for the 3-hour option. Highlights include visiting famous landmarks like Fourvière, Saint-Jean Cathedral, and the Pink Tower, as well as exploring the picturesque Bellecour, Terreaux, and Jacobins districts.
With an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 153 reviews, this tour provides great value and an immersive experience of Lyon’s rich history and culture.
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Private 4-Hour City Tour of Lyon With Driver, Guide and Hotel Pick-Up
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Lyon’s renowned landmarks and hidden gems can embark on the Private 4-Hour City Tour of Lyon With Driver, Guide and Hotel Pick-Up.
This private tour provides a personalized experience with a private luxury vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient hotel pickup. Highlights include exploring the city’s historical sites, scenic vistas, and cultural attractions.
The tour is priced at €556.00 per person, with variations based on group size. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance, and an optional pay-later option is available.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour covers local taxes and entrance fees, making it an accessible and hassle-free way to discover Lyon.
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Lyon: City Exploration Game and Tour on Your Phone
Explore Lyon at your own pace with the interactive Lyon: City Exploration Game and Tour on Your Phone. This self-guided experience allows you to discover the city’s highlights while playing an engaging game.
Follow clues and solve puzzles that lead you to famous landmarks like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Place Bellecour. With an average rating of 5 stars from 43 reviews, this activity offers a fun and flexible way to explore Lyon.
The game is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible for travelers of all ages. At $19.02 per person, the Lyon: City Exploration Game and Tour on Your Phone is an affordable and immersive way to experience the city.
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Lyon: City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour With App
Dive into the highlights of Lyon with the Lyon: City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour.
This 3-hour experience allows you to explore the city at your own pace, discovering its top attractions through an insightful audio guide.
Stroll through the charming Vieux Lyon, admire the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and visit the modern Musée des Confluences.
With a user-friendly app, you can navigate the tour hassle-free and pause whenever you’d like to soak in the sights.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking to rediscover the city, this self-guided tour is an excellent way to uncover Lyon’s rich history and vibrant culture.
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Lyon: City Exploration Game and Tour
Uncover the charm and hidden traboules of Lyon through the engaging Lyon: City Exploration Game and Tour.
This 3-hour self-guided experience allows you to explore the city at your own pace, solving challenges, and uncovering local insights along the way.
Follow the app-guided adventure through Old Town, discovering landmarks like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Place Bellecour.
As you play the role of a detective, you’ll learn about Lyon’s history and culture.
With 4.6 stars from 38 reviews, this unique tour offers a fun and interactive way to experience the best of Lyon’s hidden gems.
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Lyon: City Highlights Segway Tour
For those seeking a thrilling way to experience the highlights of Lyon, the Lyon: City Highlights Segway Tour offers an exhilarating 2-hour adventure.
Priced from $62.35 per person, this tour takes participants on a guided journey through the city’s Old Town, Bellecour Square, and along the Rhône River.
Riders will enjoy high-speed thrills while taking in panoramic views of the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière and Croix-Rousse.
The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque Tête d’Or Park and ends at the charming Terreaux Square.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides personalized attention and a safety briefing before setting out.
This Segway experience is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable way to explore Lyon’s top attractions.
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Lyon : Old City Walking Tour ( Group or Private )
A walking tour of Lyon’s Old City is a must-do experience for anyone seeking to enjoy the city’s rich history and charming architecture.
Priced from $163.81 per person, this 2-hour tour explores the UNESCO-listed Old Lyon, including its famous “traboules” passageways.
Led by a live English and French-speaking guide, the tour allows visitors to discover landmarks like the iconic Saint-Jean Cathedral.
Whether you opt for a private or small-group experience, the guide will tailor the tour to your personal interests, sharing fun historical facts along the way.
With a wheelchair-accessible route and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the highlights of Old Lyon.
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Lyon: City Segway Tour With a Local Guide
Though Segways may not be the first mode of transport that comes to mind when exploring a historic city, the Lyon: City Segway Tour With a Local Guide offers an exhilarating and efficient way to cover more ground while discovering the city’s highlights.
Priced from €59 per person, the 2-hour tour is limited to groups of 8 and available in English and French. Riders will glide along the Rhône and Saône rivers, explore the expansive Tête d’Or Park, and visit Old Lyon and the city center.
The tour includes a 15-minute Segway training session and provides ample opportunities for photos and local insights from the knowledgeable guide.
With an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 98 reviews, this is an excellent way to experience Lyon.
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Recap
Lyon offers a diverse range of guided city tours that cater to various interests. From historic neighborhood walks and food tours to panoramic and Segway-based explorations, visitors can discover the city’s rich heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and unique architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or simply seeking an engaging way to explore, Lyon’s selection of tours provides an excellent way to experience the city’s charm and highlights.