Free walking tours in Lyon and what to see

Must-sees

Lyon stands at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, and much of its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vieux Lyon, on the banks of the Saône, keeps a large ensemble of Renaissance houses and the traboules, passages that cut through courtyards and stairways from one building to the next. Above it rises Fourvière hill, with the basilica of Notre-Dame, the Roman theatres and the Lugdunum Gallo-Roman museum, from where you can see the whole city.

Between the two rivers lies the Presqu’île, the commercial heart, with Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux and the Museum of Fine Arts. To the north climbs the Croix-Rousse, the old silk weavers’ quarter, with its own traboules and a neighbourhood atmosphere. At the southern tip, the Musée des Confluences marks the new district, and across the Rhône is the Parc de la Tête d’Or. To eat, try a bouchon, the typical Lyon restaurant, or wander round the Halles Paul Bocuse covered market.

Free tours and guided visits

Lyon has a free walking tour of the historic centre, as well as guided tours linking Vieux Lyon, the Croix-Rousse and Fourvière by way of the traboules. If you prefer something tailored, there are private tours. Other options include a food tour to taste local specialities, a boat trip on the rivers and a tuk-tuk ride, useful for climbing the hills without getting tired.

How long to spend

Two days covers the essentials: one for Vieux Lyon, Fourvière and the Roman remains, and another for the Presqu’île and the Croix-Rousse. With a third day you can add the Musée des Confluences, the Parc de la Tête d’Or and a long lunch in a bouchon. Lyon is also a good base for train trips to other cities in the region.

Where to stay

The Presqu’île is the most practical area, with plenty of choice and everything on foot or by metro. Vieux Lyon has more charm, although its streets fill with visitors during the day. If you arrive by train, the area around Part-Dieu station is convenient and well connected, and the Croix-Rousse offers a quieter, local atmosphere.