Lyon Jewish Heritage and Old Town Private Tour

Lyon’s Jewish heritage runs deep, intertwined with the city’s storied past. On this private tour, you’ll uncover the captivating narratives that have shaped this vibrant community’s legacy. From the awe-inspiring Great Synagogue to the quaint medieval quarter, each step offers a glimpse into the resilience and contributions of Lyon’s Jewish inhabitants. As you explore this enriching exploration, you’ll gain a profound understanding of how this integral part of the city’s cultural tapestry has endured through the ages, leaving an indelible mark on Lyon’s character.

Key Points

• Explore Lyon’s rich Jewish heritage, including the medieval Jewish quarter, Great Synagogue, and sites related to the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance.
• Discover hidden traboules, or passageways, used by the Resistance during WWII while touring Lyon’s historic Old Town.
• Gain insight into the significant contributions of the Jewish community to Lyon’s cultural and political landscape throughout history.
• Experience a private, guided tour tailored to your interests, with a 5-star licensed guide and limited group size for a personalized experience.
• Tour highlights include the Hôtel de Ville, Vieux Lyon, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and other key sights, spanning approximately 2 hours.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a private exploration of Lyon’s Jewish heritage and Old Town, lasting approximately 2 hours.

Priced from $200.80 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also opt for a reserve now and pay later option.

The tour starts at Chocolats Voisin Terreaux and covers key sights such as the Hôtel de Ville, Vieux Lyon, La Longue Traboule, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Great Synagogue of Lyon.

Guests will explore the remnants of the medieval Jewish quarter, Rue Juiverie, and Traboules used by Resistance fighters during WWII.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the tour’s meeting point of 24 Pl. des Terreaux, Chocolats Voisin Terreaux, the itinerary highlights a 5-minute walk to the iconic Hôtel de Ville.

Next, the tour explores Vieux Lyon, the city’s historic old town, on a 30-minute walk.

Guests then venture to La Longue Traboule, a 20-minute walk, to discover the hidden alleyways and passages used by Resistance fighters during WWII.

The tour culminates with a 10-minute walk to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Great Synagogue of Lyon, providing an immersive look at Lyon’s Jewish heritage and the remnants of the medieval Jewish quarter.

Historical Context

Jewish presence in Lyon dates back to 39 AD, when the city was known as Lugdunum during Roman times.

Over the centuries, Jewish communities made significant contributions, including during the French Revolution. Visitors will learn about notable figures in Lyon’s Jewish history.

However, the narrative also covers the darker periods of Jewish oppression in France, including the atrocities of the Holocaust.

The tour explores how the Jewish Resistance fought against the Nazis during World War II, using the intricate network of traboules, or covered passageways, in the city’s old quarter.

Understanding this rich and complex history provides important context for the tour’s exploration of Lyon’s Jewish heritage.

Guided Experience

On this tour, visitors are provided with a 5-Star licensed guide who’s fluent in English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish.

The guide tailors the walking tour to match the pace and interests of the group, which is limited to 1-25 guests for personal attention.

The tour explores the key sights of Lyon’s Jewish heritage and Old Town, including the Hôtel de Ville, Vieux Lyon, La Longue Traboule, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Great Synagogue of Lyon.

Visitors will also discover the remnants of the medieval Jewish quarter, Rue Juiverie, and the Traboules used by Resistance fighters during WWII.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the tour, as you will be walking extensively throughout Lyon’s historic neighborhoods. Dressing appropriately for the weather is also advised, as the tour will continue rain or shine. Participants should check their email the day before the tour for any important updates or information.

Important Tour Information
Comfortable Shoes	Recommended
Weather-Appropriate Attire	Required
Pre-Tour Email Check	Advised
Group Size	1-25 Guests
Notable Jewish Sites	Old Jewish Cemetery, Jewish Community Center, Planned Holocaust Memorial

Exploring Lyon’s Jewish Quarter

As the tour makes its way through Lyon’s historic neighborhoods, the guide leads participants into the remnants of the city’s medieval Jewish quarter.

Visitors explore the narrow alleyways of Rue Juiverie, learning about the vibrant community that once thrived here. The guide points out the Traboules, secret passageways used by Resistance fighters during World War II.

Stopping at the Great Synagogue of Lyon, the group uncovers the rich history of Jewish contributions to the city, dating back to Roman times.

Discussing the impact of anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the tour provides a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Lyon’s Jewish population throughout history.

Lyon’s Jewish Contributions

Many of Lyon’s most significant historical figures were Jewish, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and political landscape.

From philosophers and intellectuals to merchants and revolutionaries, the Jewish community played a vital role in shaping Lyon’s identity over the centuries.

Notable figures include Erhard Hirschauer, a prominent businessman who helped modernize the city, and Léon Blum, a Jewish socialist who became France’s first Jewish Prime Minister.

The tour explores these contributions, shedding light on the intertwined history of the Jewish people and Lyon.

Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s diversity and the rich tapestry of its past.

Remembering the Holocaust

Though the Jewish community in Lyon has a long and storied history, the city’s darkest chapter unfolded during the Holocaust.

As the guide will explain, many Jews in Lyon were victims of the Vichy regime’s collaboration with Nazi Germany. Tragically, thousands were deported to concentration camps, never to return.

However, the guide will also highlight the bravery of those who resisted, using the city’s intricate network of underground passages, known as traboules, to hide and assist their fellow citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on a visitor’s specific interests. The guide will tailor the walking tour to match the pace and interests of the group for a personalized experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is casual, but participants are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The tour involves a walking component, so suitable attire is advised for participants’ convenience and comfort.

Are Audio Guides or Headphones Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not provide audio guides or headphones. Guests are expected to rely on the knowledgeable guide for commentary and insights throughout the walking tour of the historical sites.

Is the Tour Accessible for Guests With Disabilities?

The tour is generally accessible for guests with disabilities, though it may require coordination. Guests with mobility issues should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any special needs or accommodations.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals at this time. However, they provide a reserve now and pay later option, as well as a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recap

This captivating private tour delves into Lyon’s rich Jewish heritage, exploring the city’s historic Old Town and significant landmarks. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the experience highlights the Jewish community’s contributions and poignant narratives of resilience during the Holocaust, offering an enriching exploration of Lyon’s diverse cultural tapestry. Embark on this personalized journey to uncover the captivating stories that have shaped the city’s Jewish legacy.

You can check if your dates are available here: