Layers of Lyon Romans Silk and Streets Self Guided Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This self-guided walking tour takes you through the many layers of Lyon — a city that evolved from Roman capital to silk powerhouse to the gastronomic heart of France. As you walk through its historic streets, you’ll uncover how geography, trade, religion, industry, and food shaped Lyon into the city it is today.
The route leads you through Vieux Lyon’s Renaissance streets and hidden courtyards, past former centres of trade and power, and into neighbourhoods shaped by workers, merchants, printers, and cooks. You’ll hear stories of Roman foundations, medieval archbishops, silk weavers and their revolts, and the women and chefs who turned everyday cooking into a defining cultural force.
This tour is designed to be walked at your own pace, with short distances between stops and time to explore along the way. By the end, you won’t just recognise Lyon’s landmarks — you’ll understand how the city reinvented itself again and again, without ever losing its soul.
Available options
Layers of Lyon Romans Silk and Streets Self Guided Tour
What's included
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
1-year access to audio on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
Audio and written guide included
Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Did you know Lyon reinvented itself again and again — from Roman capital to silk city to France’s food capital?
2
Stop 2
Walk through one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts, where history hides behind heavy wooden doors.
3
Did you know this church marks one of the oldest Christian areas in Lyon, long before the Renaissance streets around it?
4
Discover why Lyon has secret corridors running through buildings — and how locals used them for centuries.
5
Stop 5
Step inside Lyon’s longest traboule and uncover how these passages shaped daily life and survival.
6
Meet the silent stone guardian watching over the city — and hear why Lyon chose this unusual symbol.
7
Why does this elegant square feel Parisian, and what does it reveal about 19th-century Lyon?
8
Did you know this landmark served the sick for centuries before becoming one of Lyon’s biggest transformations?
9
Did you know this lively food street was once Lyon’s printing hub before becoming home to bouchons?
10
Find out how workers’ meals and bold flavours helped make Lyon the gastronomic capital of France.
11
Look up to read medieval politics carved into stone through coats of arms and symbols.
12
Step into a Renaissance courtyard where architecture solved a problem in a completely unexpected way.
13
Stop 13
Explore a cathedral shaped by centuries of religion, power, and ambition. Discover a 600-year-old clock that tells time, maps the heavens, and stages a daily performance.
14
Did you know Lyon tells its story through a giant mural filled with famous faces from its past?
15
Stand in a square where fountains, revolutions, and executions all left their mark.
16
Meet the Lyon-born writer behind The Little Prince — and discover how flight shaped his imagination.
What's not included
Any physical devices or headphones
Human tour guide at location
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
IT
PL
FR
NL
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This is a self-guided audio tour on the "Tourific self-guided tours" app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from Tourific or your booking platform sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for our company in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.
Important notes
Know before you go :
• You will need to download the "Tourific self guided tours" app from the Google play store or App store
• Right after booking, you’ll receive an email from Tourific or the tour booking platform with instructions to access the tour.
• Having trouble finding the email? Just search for “Tourific” in your inbox or spam folder.
• The tour is valid for 1 year and can be listened to any number of times. So feel free to download tour and experience a few stops before going on the tour.
• Fully charge your phone and carry your headphones for the best experience
• The tour follows a set route that we recommend that you follow. Once the tour is downloaded, the introduction will guide you to your starting point
• Change of plans? Enjoy the tour on a different day or from home
About Lyon
Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a vibrant blend of Roman history, Renaissance architecture, and modern innovation. Known for its gastronomy, silk weaving heritage, and UNESCO-listed historic sites, Lyon offers a rich cultural experience with a lively atmosphere and stunning landscapes.
Top Attractions
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Vieux Lyon is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance district with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming courtyards. It's one of the most picturesque areas in Lyon and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, €5-€10 for museum entries
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
This stunning basilica sits atop Fourvière Hill and offers panoramic views of Lyon. The basilica is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and a symbol of the city.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free entry, €3 for the crypt and treasury
Lyon Museum of Fine Arts
One of the oldest and most prestigious museums in France, the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Museum
2-3 hours
€10 (free on the first Sunday of the month)
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
This renowned food market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and gourmet products. It's a great place to sample Lyon's culinary delights.
Food Market
1-2 hours
Free entry, prices vary by stall
Parc de la Tête d'Or
This vast urban park is a green oasis in the heart of Lyon, featuring a lake, botanical gardens, a zoo, and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (€5 for boat rental)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Quiche Lyonnaise
A savory tart made with eggs, cream, and lardons (small strips of pork), often served with a side of green salad.
Main Dish
Contains pork and dairy
Salade Lyonnaise
A traditional Lyon salad made with frisée lettuce, croutons, lardons, a poached egg, and a Dijon vinaigrette.
Salad
Contains pork and eggs
Coq au Vin
A classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine, typically with bacon, mushrooms, and onions.
Main Dish
Contains pork and dairy
Cervelle de Canut
A traditional Lyon cheese spread made with fresh cheese, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, contains dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking in Les Monts du Lyonnais
Cycling along the Rhône and Saône rivers
Rock climbing and via ferrata in the nearby mountains
Picnicking in Parc de la Tête d'Or
Boat tours on the Rhône and Saône rivers
Enjoying a leisurely meal at a bouchon
Exploring the historic sites of Vieux Lyon
Visiting the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Lyon, with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city comes alive with outdoor events, cultural activities, and vibrant nightlife.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Lyon is generally a safe city for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Getting there
By air
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache
By bus
Lyon Perrache Bus Station, Lyon Part-Dieu Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Lyon Metro consists of four lines (A, B, C, D) and is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Presqu'île
Croix-Rousse
Confluence
Day trips
Beaujolais Wine Region
30 km from Lyon • Half day to full day
The Beaujolais region is famous for its red wines and picturesque vineyards. It's a great destination for wine tastings, scenic drives, and exploring charming villages.
Pérouges
20 km from Lyon • Half day
Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a rich history. It's a great destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Annecy
100 km from Lyon • Full day
Annecy is a picturesque lakeside town in the French Alps, known for its stunning lake, historic old town, and beautiful gardens. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and scenic views.
Festivals
Festival of Lights • Early December
Lyon Biennial of Contemporary Art • September to December (every two years)
Lyon Jazz Festival • June to July
Pro tips
- Visit the Traboules of Vieux Lyon, hidden passageways used by silk merchants in the past, which can still be explored today.
- Try local specialties like quiche Lyonnaise, salade Lyonnaise, and coq au vin, and sample the city's renowned wines and cheeses.
- Explore the historic sites and attractions of Vieux Lyon, including the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the Roman Theatre of Fourvière.
- Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region, known for its red wines and picturesque vineyards, or visit the charming medieval village of Pérouges.
- Attend a performance at the Opéra de Lyon, one of the city's most renowned cultural institutions, or visit the Gadagne Museums for a fascinating look at Lyon's history and the history of puppetry.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
