What Are The Best Historical Tours In Lyon? Our Top 13 Picks

Lyon is a city that practically breathes history—its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and renaissance districts make it a fascinating place to explore on foot. The city’s UNESCO World Heritage status is well-earned, and its mix of old-world charm and lively culture offers plenty of options for history lovers. Among the many tours, we’re especially fond of the Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour, which takes you through secret passageways and introduces Lyon’s silk industry roots. Plus, the Historical & Naughty Tour of Lyon adds a fun, risqué twist, revealing the city’s sensual side. Whether you want a detailed exploration or a light-hearted romp, Lyon won’t disappoint.

Quick Overview

This list covers a diverse range of guided walking tours, private explorations, and themed experiences. From comprehensive historical walks like the Lyon Old Town Highlights and History Private Walking Tour to specialized niche tours like the Jewish Heritage in Lyon, there’s something to match any interest and schedule. Some tours focus on medieval architecture, others on cinema or the city’s underground passageways, and a few even explore Lyon’s more playful, risqué stories. Now, let’s take a detailed look at each option so you can find your perfect fit.

1. Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)

At number one, this Vieux Lyon guided walk earns top marks for its immersive experience through Lyon’s most picturesque district. The tour starts at Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and quickly introduces you to the traboules—those mysterious covered passageways used by silk workers for centuries. You’ll visit silk workshops, the Museum of Cinema, and the stunning Grand Hotel Dieu, a former hospital now reborn as a luxury shopping and hotel complex. What makes this tour special is its focus on Lyon’s silk-weaving history and resistance during WW2, with all entry fees included. Guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, with many saying it’s a perfect intro to Lyon’s layered history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, lively walk that covers both hidden alleyways and cultural highlights.

2. Lyon’s History and Must-Sees with a Local!

Leading off with a local flavor, this walk offers a quick yet rich introduction to Lyon’s core sights. Guide Quentin takes you through Lyon’s Roman origins, the Renaissance old town, and the famous Rue du Bœuf, explaining Lyon’s culinary influence—think Paul Bocuse and Mère Brazier—along the way. What sets this tour apart is its focus on insider tips and local stories that bring Lyon to life for first-time visitors. It’s a budget-friendly, 1 hour 45-minute experience that fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule.
Guest feedback highlights Quentin’s humor and deep knowledge, making the city’s history easy to relate to.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a personalized, lively overview with a focus on culinary heritage and hidden secrets.

3. Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Lyon

This tour offers a solid 2-hour stroll through Lyon’s main historical sites and cultural spaces. It hits key landmarks like the Grand Hotel Dieu, Place des Jacobins, and the 19th-century pedestrian bridge, Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice. The highlight is exploring Lyon’s largest Renaissance district, filled with traboules and ancient buildings. The tour emphasizes Lyon’s medieval and renaissance architecture, giving a sense of how old and new blend seamlessly in the city’s fabric.
Guests appreciate the well-paced route and knowledgeable commentary, which makes this a good choice for history enthusiasts and families.
Bottom Line: An efficient option for those wanting a broad overview of Lyon’s downtown and medieval districts.

4. Historical and Naughty Tour of Lyon in French

For those comfortable with French, this naughty tour offers a cheeky look at Lyon’s sensual history. Led by a professional actor, it explores funny, kinky anecdotes and stories of debauchery from the city’s past. It’s more playful than academic, but still packed with historical tidbits about beautiful courtyards and historical buildings. It’s shorter (1.5 hours) and priced at just $23, making it an affordable way to add some spice to your visit.
Guests love the lively storytelling and the engaging guide, making it ideal for those interested in Lyon’s more risqué side.
Bottom Line: A playful, lively experience perfect for adults seeking humor and history combined.

5. Historical and Naughty Tour of Lyon

This more extensive naughty tour offers a 90-minute walk across Lyon’s peninsula, uncovering tales of local debauchery, medieval doctors’ advice on procreation, and erotic stories from the past. It’s designed for curious adults, with stories about the contents of a merchant’s “carriage of pleasures” and erotic literature. Starting at Place des Terreaux, the tour combines historical facts with entertaining stories. The guide’s lively narration makes this a fun, less formal alternative to traditional history walks.
Ideal for travelers wanting to see a different side of Lyon’s history, with reviews praising its entertainment value.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adults interested in Lyon’s sensual stories and lighthearted history.

6. Lyon Old Town Highlights and History Private Walking Tour

For a highly personalized experience, this private tour offers the intimacy of a small group with a private guide. It covers Lyon’s Old Town, including the Saint-Jean Cathedral, La Longue Traboule, and notable sites like Hôtel de Ville. With a focus on hidden gems and famous Lyonnais, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a more tailored exploration. Guests love how the guide’s insights make famous landmarks come alive, and the flexibility allows for additional stops.
Bottom Line: Suitable for visitors seeking a customized, in-depth look with expert guidance.

7. Personalized discovery of historic Lyon

This tour pairs bicycle taxi rides with personalized commentary, allowing you to see Lyon at a relaxed pace. It covers key sites like La Longue Traboule, Fresque des Lyonnais, and Place des Terreaux. The flexibility and small group size mean you can ask questions and focus on what interests you most. The guide ensures you visit hidden alleys and notable landmarks, making it ideal for those who want a custom experience but prefer a more active tour.
Guests have praised the guide’s ability to combine entertainment with informative commentary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous travelers who want a personalized, mobile tour.

8. Historic Lyon: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

At number eight, this private tour offers a bespoke experience with a local guide. It covers Fourvière Hill, Gothic architecture, and famous Lyonnais figures depicted on murals. The small-group setting makes it easy to interact and ask questions, while the guide’s insights bring Lyon’s religious and political history to life. Guests praise the expertise and personal touch, making it a great choice for travelers who value in-depth storytelling at a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a private, detailed walkthrough of Lyon’s key landmarks.

9. Lyon Through the Ages: History, Cinema, and Cafés

This themed tour combines history with film—perfect for movie lovers. Starting at the Musée d’Histoire de Lyon, you see Renaissance architecture, secret traboules, and cinema exhibits. The highlight is the integration of film clips and stories that bring Lyon’s cinematic past to life. It also includes a coffee break to relax and discuss what you’ve learned. The tour is ideal for those interested in culture and storytelling beyond traditional history.
Guests say it’s a unique, engaging way to learn about Lyon’s past, especially for film buffs.
Bottom Line: Great for cinephiles and culture vultures who appreciate a blend of history and entertainment.

10. Lyon Jewish Heritage and Old Town Private Tour

This private tour offers a focused look at Lyon’s Jewish community, including the Great Synagogue and remnants of the medieval Jewish quarter. It provides insight into Jewish life, resistance during WWII, and cultural contributions. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it’s ideal for travelers interested in specific cultural histories. The tour’s intimate nature allows for personalized questions and deeper understanding.
Guests appreciate the thoughtfulness and depth of information, making it a meaningful experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wishing to explore a specialized aspect of Lyon’s history with expert guidance.

11. Lyon: Private Exclusive History Tour with a Local

This exclusive private tour provides a tailored experience with a local guide. Covering landmarks like Place Bellecour, Hôtel de Ville, and Opéra, it offers a relaxed, personalized insight into Lyon’s historic architecture and urban development. Perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace while uncovering hidden stories behind Lyon’s famous sites.
Guests value the curated recommendations and small-group intimacy.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a customized, flexible private experience.

12. Discover Lyon: Historical Walking Tour with a Local Guide

This 3-hour tour digs into Lyon’s UNESCO-listed old town, with visits to traboules, historic courtyards, and panoramic views from Fourvière Hill. It’s ideal for travelers wanting more depth, with an emphasis on local stories and hidden corners. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you see less touristy spots and get a real sense of the city’s evolution.
Best suited for those who love longer walks and local storytelling.
Bottom Line: A good choice for history buffs wanting a comprehensive, engaging tour.

13. Lyon: between history and cinema, guided tour and coffee break included

Rounding out the list, this themed tour combines Lyon’s historic sites with cinematic magic. Starting with film clips and stories about Lyon’s film history, it offers a relaxed, engaging exploration of the city’s visual storytelling. A coffee break allows reflection and discussion, making it ideal for those who want to combine culture, history, and leisure.
Guests mention that the live sequences and dynamic guides make it a memorable way to experience Lyon’s history through a new lens.
Bottom Line: Perfect for film enthusiasts and those looking for a less conventional history tour.

How to Choose the Best Historical Tour in Lyon

Choosing between these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want an in-depth, all-encompassing experience, the Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walk offers a broad look at hidden passageways, silk-making, and historic landmarks. For a more personalized touch, the Private Old Town Highlights or the Exclusive Private Tour fit well. Those interested in Lyon’s more playful history will enjoy the Naughty Tour, which adds humor and risqué stories.
If your time is limited, the Lyon’s Must-Sees helps you see the highlights quickly. Budget travelers should consider the more affordable tours like Tours #2 and #4, which still give a great taste of Lyon’s story.

Booking early is recommended, especially for private or popular guided walks, and consider combining a themed experience like the Cinema Tour with a cultural visit for a fuller day.

Lyon offers a variety of ways to uncover its fascinating past, whether through comprehensive guided walks, private tailored experiences, or quirky thematic tours. For every kind of traveler—history lover, culture enthusiast, or curious adventurer—there’s a tour to deepen your appreciation of this dynamic city. Remember to book ahead, so you don’t miss out on the best times to explore these historic treasures.