Lyon: The Grand Tour by Bike

Exploring Lyon by bike offers travelers a captivating way to uncover the city’s rich history and diverse landmarks. Led by a local guide, this 3-hour tour traverses historic neighborhoods, showcasing the UNESCO-protected Vieux Lyon, the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, and the cutting-edge Confluence district. Cyclists can marvel at Renaissance architecture, the iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the contemporary design of the Musée des Confluences, while also experiencing the city from a unique perspective along the river banks and through the Mode Doux tunnel. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this bike tour promises to immerse you in the captivating story of Lyon.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3-hour bike tour that highlights Lyon’s iconic landmarks, including the historic Vieux Lyon and the modern Confluence district.
• Guided by a local with insights into Lyon’s rich history and culture, providing a deeper understanding of the city.
• Offers a unique perspective of Lyon by cycling along the banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers, showcasing the dramatic confluence.
• Explore the well-preserved Renaissance architecture and charming traboules (hidden passageways) of the Vieux Lyon UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Discover the cutting-edge Confluence district, featuring contemporary architecture, vibrant shops, and the captivating Mode Doux tunnel.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The Lyon: The Grand Tour by Bike offers visitors the opportunity to discover the city effortlessly by bicycle, allowing them to cross from the northern to southern reaches of the metropolitan area.

The 3-hour tour highlights the city’s most important landmarks, including the Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the modern Confluence district.

Led by a local guide, you will learn about Lyon’s rich history and culture as they pedal through the bustling streets.

The tour includes a 10-minute bike training session, helmets, and raincoats if needed, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for riders of all skill levels.

With a minimum of 2 people per booking, this tour is a fantastic way to explore Lyon from a unique perspective.

Discover Lyon’s Landmarks

Traversing the city’s historic neighborhoods, the tour allows participants to admire Lyon’s renowned landmarks, from the iconic Vieux Lyon district to the modern Confluence development.

Cycling along the river banks, riders will catch glimpses of the old town’s Renaissance architecture and the impressive Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

As the tour crosses the Saône and Rhône rivers, travelers will marvel at the stunning confluence where the two rivers meet.

The route also showcases Lyon’s cutting-edge Confluence district, home to contemporary architecture, museums, and trendy shops.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, bringing these landmarks to life for participants.

Confluence of the Rivers

At the heart of Lyon’s river-centered geography lies the captivating confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, where participants on the bike tour witness the majestic meeting of these two waterways. As the tour group approaches this iconic location, they are greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the rivers merging, creating a unique and visually stunning natural phenomenon. The guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the historical significance and cultural importance of this site to the city of Lyon. Riders pause to admire the serene beauty of the water, the surrounding architecture, and the bustling activity on the riverbanks, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Lyon’s intricate relationship with its famous rivers.

Saône River	Confluence	Rhône River
Flowing North-South	Meeting Point	Flowing South-North
Calmer, Gentler Waters	Dramatic Convergence	Swifter, More Powerful
Historic Navigation Route	Cultural Significance	Modern Industrial Hub

Exploring the Vieux Lyon

As the bike tour winds its way through the historic streets, participants find themselves immersed in the captivating ambiance of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Characterized by its well-preserved Renaissance-era architecture, winding alleys, and charming courtyards, this district offers a glimpse into Lyon’s storied past and serves as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit.

The group pedals past the iconic St. Jean Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque styles, and explores the labyrinthine traboules, the hidden passageways that once facilitated the silk trade.

Stopping to admire the stunning facades and intricate detailing, the cyclists gain a deeper appreciation for Lyon’s enduring architectural legacy.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Confluence District

The bike tour then leads riders from the historic Vieux Lyon to the Confluence district, Lyon’s dynamic modern quarter situated at the convergence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

This vibrant area is known for its striking contemporary architecture, including the striking Musée des Confluences, a dramatic science museum with a striking glass and steel exterior.

Riders will explore the Confluence’s pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with sleek boutiques, lively cafes, and innovative restaurants. They’ll also admire the striking Passerelle des Arts footbridge, which spans the Saône River, offering panoramic views of the surrounding waterways and landmarks.

As the tour winds through this energetic district, participants gain a sense of Lyon’s evolution from historic to cutting-edge.

Traversing the Mode Doux Tunnel

Riders then traverse the Mode Doux tunnel, a unique passageway that crosses the Croix Rousse hill, offering them an exceptional vantage point to observe Lyon’s diverse architectural landscape.

This underground tunnel, which was once used as a pedestrian walkway, now serves as an essential link for the city’s cycling network.

As riders glide through the tunnel, they’re treated to a captivating view of the Saône River and the historic buildings that line its banks.

The tunnel’s gentle incline and well-lit interior create a smooth, comfortable ride, allowing cyclists to fully enjoy the city’s rich history and modernity.

This segment of the tour provides a thrilling and memorable experience for all participants.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour includes a 10-minute bike training session and briefing, a 3-hour bike tour with a guide, as well as provided helmets and raincoats if necessary.

Participants must be at least 14 years old for the electric bike option and a minimum height of 150 cm.

Pregnant women and unaccompanied minors under 16 years aren’t permitted.

To book, a minimum of 2 people is required, and up to 20 electric bikes are available.

Private tours can be requested.

The tour company recommends wearing flat shoes and casual clothes for a comfortable experience.

Minimum age: 14 years for electric bike
Minimum height: 150 cm
Not suitable for pregnant women
Accompanied minors under 16 years

Additional Tour Information

Up to 20 electric bikes are typically available for the tour, allowing for a comfortable and convenient experience for a larger group.

Private tours can also be requested for those seeking a more personalized outing.

The tour company recommends wearing flat shoes and casual clothing to ensure a comfortable ride through the city.

The minimum number of participants for the tour is two, ensuring a social experience.

Despite these restrictions, the tour is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, making it an accessible way to explore Lyon’s landmarks and hidden gems.

With the provided helmets and raincoats, participants can feel secure and prepared for any weather conditions during the 3-hour cycling adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum group size requirement of 2 people per booking. Private tours are available upon request for those who prefer a more personalized experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Guests can request private tours and work with the guide to tailor the route and focus to their preferences. Flexibility allows for a personalized experience catered to each group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors, though specific details are not provided. Customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour to see if they qualify for reduced pricing.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour can be booked in multiple languages, including French, German, Spanish, and others. Customers should inquire about language availability when booking to ensure their preferred language is offered for the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. The standard 3-hour tour can be upgraded to a longer 4-hour or 5-hour tour on request. This allows guests more time to explore Lyon’s landmarks and neighborhoods at a leisurely pace.

Recap

The Lyon bike tour offers a captivating way to discover the city’s rich history and diverse landmarks.

Traversing historic neighborhoods, cyclists can admire the Renaissance architecture, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviève, and the contemporary design of the Musée des Confluences.

With the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers as a backdrop, the tour provides a unique perspective on Lyon’s evolution, making it a must-experience activity for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: