Lyon Segway Tour: Presqu’île of Lyon

Imagine gliding smoothly through the heart of one of France’s most vibrant cities, taking in its lively squares, elegant riverbanks, and hidden murals—all on a simple yet fun Segway. For just $41 per person, you get a one-hour guided tour that covers the best of Lyon’s Presqu’île, the peninsula that splits the Rhône and Saône rivers. The tour departs from a friendly shop near Vieux Lyon and is limited to ten participants, making it a cozy way to see the city with plenty of personal attention.

What we love about this experience is the ease of learning to operate a Segway—after just 15 minutes of training, you’ll be confidently cruising past landmarks. The scenic route along the riverbanks and the stunning squares like Bellecour and Jacobins make for an enjoyable and visually pleasing introduction to Lyon. A second highlight is the expert local guide, who shares interesting facts and keeps the group safe and engaged. A potential downside? The one-hour duration is quite short, so if you’re eager to explore more, you might want to combine this with other tours.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or families with teenagers who want a relaxed, fun way to get oriented. If you’re after an authentic, hands-on experience that combines a light adventure with cultural sights, this Segway tour will suit you well.

Key Points

• Easy to Learn: 15-minute training makes Segway riding accessible for most.
• Comprehensive Highlights: Covers major squares, riverbanks, murals, and the historic city center.
• Great Value: At $41 for an hour, it offers a quick yet thorough city introduction.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring attentive guides and personalized experience.
• Weather-Ready: Tours run in all weather, with ponchos provided if needed.
• Ideal for First-Timers: Perfect for those new to Lyon or Segway riding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Lyon on a Segway

When we think about Lyon, we often picture its underground traboules or its gastronomic fame—but the Presqu’île itself is a bustling, scenic hub that’s perfect for a quick, fun survey. This tour offers a well-balanced blend of historic sights and lively city life, all accessible via a Segway, which makes covering ground both easy and enjoyable.

The Starting Point: 7 Quai Romain Rolland

Your adventure begins at a friendly shop, “ComhiC,” just a short walk from Lyon’s famous Vieux Lyon and the Palais de Justice. The location is convenient, especially if you want to combine your tour with sightseeing or a quick coffee in the nearby cafes.

The 15-Minute Training

Before heading out, your guide will give a brief but thorough training session. We found this to be pretty straightforward—most people, even absolute beginners, quickly get the hang of it. The focus is on safety and comfort, so don’t worry if you’re a nervous first-timer. The guide, often friendly and attentive—like Andrea, who received glowing reviews—will make sure everyone feels confident before heading out.

Segway Ride Through Vieux Lyon

Your first stop takes you through Vieux Lyon, the oldest part of the city with narrow cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture, and charming shops. While it’s a brief ride (only 15 minutes here), it’s enough to get a sense of the area’s historical charm and lively atmosphere. Expect to see classic facades, vibrant storefronts, and maybe even some street musicians.

More Great Tours Nearby

Place Bellecour and Jacobins Square

Next, the tour takes you to Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest open squares, dominated by a huge statue of Louis XIV. We loved the way the guide pointed out the historical significance of the square while keeping the ride relaxed. Just a 15-minute glide here, but it’s a must-see for anyone wanting to grasp Lyon’s civic heart.

Place des Jacobins is another highlight, a lively square lined with cafes and elegant buildings. The fact that the guide will give commentary on the architecture and city life makes this stop more than just a photo opportunity.

The Artistic Wall and Quais de Saône

The tour makes a quick detour to see a local mural, adding a splash of modern art to your Lyon experience. Then, a short ride along the Quais de Saône offers beautiful views of the river and bridges, perfect for some quick photos and a breath of fresh air.

The Final Stretch and Return

Your journey wraps up back at the starting point, giving you a full hour to process what you’ve seen—and perhaps plan your next Lyon adventure.

What to Expect from the Experience

The guided aspect is a significant part of this tour’s appeal. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, will share anecdotes and facts that enrich your understanding of Lyon. Reviews mention guides like Mathieu and Andrea who “showed us how to use the Segways and were super knowledgeable,” making the ride both fun and informative.

The price point of $41 is quite reasonable, especially considering the included helmet, raincoat if needed, and the guide’s time. Compared to other city tours, this offers a unique, interactive way to cover the core sights without the fatigue of walking.

While the duration is short, the focus on key landmarks and scenic riverbanks provides a compact but substantial overview of Lyon’s Presqu’île. If you want a more in-depth experience, consider booking a private tour or combining it with other activities.

Practical Tips for Your Segway Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes; flat shoes are recommended.
• Remember, you must be at least 14 years old to ride.
• Pregnant women aren’t permitted, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tours run rain or shine, with ponchos provided in bad weather.
• Although you do not need transportation to the meeting point, plan to arrive a few minutes early to gear up.
• The tour is offered in both French and English, so specify your language preference when booking.

Who Will Love This Tour

If you’re someone who enjoys light adventure and scenic city views, this tour hits the right note. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting an effortless yet memorable overview of Lyon. Families with teenagers will appreciate the fun and manageable pace, while solo travelers can enjoy the small group setting for more personalized interaction.

It’s also attractive for those who want an active, engaging way to see Lyon without the physical exertion of walking or cycling—a relaxed, beginner-friendly experience that still covers a lot of ground.

Final Thoughts

This Lyon Presqu’île Segway Tour offers a well-balanced introduction to Lyon’s most iconic spots, blending scenic views with engaging commentary. The expert guides, like Andrea or Mathieu, add a layer of authenticity and friendliness that makes the experience memorable. At just over an hour and a reasonable price, it’s a smart choice for travelers eager to get a quick but comprehensive feel of the city’s heart.

While it’s not a deep dive into Lyon’s full history or gastronomy, it provides an accessible, fun approach that’s ideal for those new to the city or Segway riding. For anyone who values ease, enjoyment, and a touch of adventure, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
You’ll meet at the “ComhiC” shop at 7 Quai Romain Rolland, a short walk from Vieux Lyon and the Cathedral St-Jean.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts exactly 1 hour, including a 15-minute training session.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 15-minute training ensures most people can learn to ride safely, making it perfect for beginners.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the Segway rental, helmet, local guide, and raincoat if needed.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, riders must be at least 14 years old. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and casual clothes are recommended. Flat shoes are best for riding.

Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, it does, and ponchos are provided in case of rain.

Is the tour available in different languages?
Yes, guides speak both French and English, so specify your preference when booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: