Tour With an Actor-Guide: the Revolution and the End of Lyon

Dive into the tumultuous history of Lyon during the French Revolution with a captivating guided tour led by an actor portraying mathematician André-Marie Ampère. As you explore significant sites like Place Bellecour and Saint-Nizier Church, you’ll uncover the conflict between the Montagnards and Girondins, and witness the brutal realities of the 1793 Siege of Lyon. This immersive experience not only highlights the city’s struggles but also fosters empathy for those caught in the revolution’s chaos. Prepare to be transported back in time and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in French history.

Key Points

• Guided tour led by an actor portraying mathematician André-Marie Ampère, exploring the 1793 Siege of Lyon during the French Revolution.
• Tour focuses on the conflict between the Montagnards and Girondins, and the brutal suppression of the Lyon uprising by the National Convention.
• Participants enjoy the tensions and uncertainties of the era, including the fate of those condemned to the guillotine.
• Tour visits significant locations like Place Bellecour, Saint-Nizier Church, and Place des Terreaux, uncovering hidden stories and the Revolution’s enduring impact on Lyon.
• Flexible booking options with a pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring convenience and security for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled ‘Tour with an Actor-Guide: The Revolution and the End of Lyon,’ offers a 1.5-hour guided experience in English for groups limited to 15 participants or fewer, with prices starting from $76.32 per person.

Guests can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The meeting point is at Place Bellecour, by the Louis XIV statue, where the tour begins.

This theatrical experience is led by an actor-guide portraying mathematician André-Marie Ampère, providing a unique perspective on the history of the 1793 Siege of Lyon and its aftermath during the French Revolution.

Historical Context

The tour focuses on the significant 1793 Siege of Lyon, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. It explores the struggle between the Montagnards and the Girondins, and how Lyon was deemed a counter-revolutionary city by the National Convention of Paris.

Guests will also learn about the mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined during this turbulent period. Visitors will gain insights into the complex political dynamics that unfolded during the French Revolution, and how the conflicts between various factions impacted the city of Lyon.

Through this historical lens, the tour provides a deeper understanding of the Revolution’s far-reaching consequences.

Guided by an Actor

An actor-guide portraying André-Marie Ampère provides a theatrical perspective on the history, bringing the events of the French Revolution to life for participants.

With his captivating performance, the guide transports visitors back in time, immersing them in the tumultuous struggles of Lyon during this pivotal era. As they walk the historic streets, participants:

• Feel the tension and uncertainty that gripped the city

• Imagine the cries of the crowds as revolutionary trials unfolded

• Visualize the grim fate of those condemned to the guillotine

• Empathize with the suffering of innocent victims caught in the crossfire

This unique approach allows guests to not just learn about the past, but to truly experience it, fostering a deeper understanding of this complex and impactful period in French history.

Exploring Lyon’s Streets

Stepping out from Place Bellecour, participants embark on a captivating journey through Lyon’s historic streets, uncovering hidden stories and the enduring impact of the French Revolution. As they walk, the actor-guide brings the past to life, leading them to significant locations that bear witness to the city’s tumultuous past.

Key Locations	Significance
Saint-Nizier Church	Explore Lyon’s complex situation during the Revolution
Place des Terreaux	Reflect on the revolutionary trials and their impact on innocent victims
Marie-Joseph Chalier’s House	Discover the home of a significant revolutionary figure
Chapel of Sainte-Croix with the Crypt of Brotteaux	Visit an ossuary for the victims of the Revolution

Through this immersive experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations that shaped Lyon’s history during the French Revolution.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Lyon Uprising

Lyon’s defiant stance against the National Convention of Paris came to a head during the city’s notorious uprising. This violent rebellion, which erupted in 1793, pitted the Montagnards against the Girondins, ultimately leading to the city’s brutal suppression by the revolutionary forces.

During the tour, visitors will learn about the harrowing events that took place:

• The role of emissaries like Couthon and Fouché in quelling the uprising

• The trials conducted by the National Convention and the use of the guillotine at Place des Terreaux

• The significant impact on innocent victims, including the mathematician Ampère, whose father was guillotined

Through the eyes of the actor-guide, guests will gain a visceral understanding of the Revolution’s consequences for Lyon and its people.

Significant Locations

Where does the tour begin? The tour starts at Place Bellecour, where visitors gather by the Louis XIV statue to commence their immersive journey through Lyon’s revolutionary past. From there, the group moves to Saint-Nizier Church, where they learn about Lyon’s complex situation during the turbulent times of the Revolution. The next stop is the Place des Terreaux, where the guide recounts the revolutionary trials and the impact on innocent victims. The tour culminates at the house of Marie-Joseph Chalier and the Chapel of Sainte-Croix with the Crypt of Brotteaux, an ossuary for those who perished.

Location	Significance
Place Bellecour	Site of the destruction of Lyon during the Revolution
Saint-Nizier Church	Reveals the city’s complex role during the tumultuous events
Place des Terreaux	Scene of the revolutionary trials and their tragic consequences
Chalier’s House & Chapel of Sainte-Croix	Commemorate the lives lost in the Revolution’s aftermath

Inclusions and Expectations

The tour includes a fully guided walking experience with a professional actor-guide, providing an immersive and theatrical perspective on Lyon’s revolutionary history.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also included, though gratuities aren’t specified but may be expected.

The tour promises a captivating journey through Lyon’s past:

• Relive the trials and tribulations of the 1793 Siege of Lyon, a pivotal event in the French Revolution.

• Hear the firsthand account of mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined.

• Uncover the hidden stories and the impact of the Revolution on the local community.

• Reflect on the use of the guillotine and the trials conducted by the National Convention.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers conveniently can reserve the tour now and pay later. Alternatively, they may cancel their booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour operator offers a range of booking options to suit different needs and preferences.

Booking	Cancellation	Refund
Reserve now & pay later	Free up to 24 hours in advance	Full refund
Instant payment	Less than 24 hours	No refund

Flexibility and convenience are key, ensuring travelers can easily secure their spot and make changes if necessary. With a transparent cancellation policy, guests can book the tour with confidence, knowing their money is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?

To get to the meeting point from your hotel, you can take public transportation like the metro or bus. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or walk if the distance is reasonable. The specific route will depend on your hotel’s location.

Will the Tour Be Conducted Even if It Rains?

The tour will likely proceed rain or shine, as the guide is prepared to lead the group through the historic sites regardless of weather conditions. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any updates or potential cancellations due to severe weather.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, as long as they do not disrupt the guide’s presentation or intrude on other guests’ experiences. However, some locations may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children due to its focus on heavy historical topics like the French Revolution and the use of the guillotine. It’s best suited for older children and adults interested in immersive historical experiences.

Can I Leave the Tour at Any Point?

Participants can leave the tour at any point, although it’s recommended to complete the full experience. The tour operator provides flexibility, as long as guests communicate their plans with the guide beforehand.

Recap

The guided tour with an actor portraying Ampère offers a captivating and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Lyon’s tumultuous history during the French Revolution.

By visiting significant landmarks and hearing first-hand accounts, participants gain a deeper understanding of the city’s role in the conflict and the struggles faced by those caught in the chaos of the era.

You can check if your dates are available here: