Lyon Segway Tour: The highlights

Imagine gliding effortlessly through one of France’s most captivating cities, with the wind in your hair and some of Lyon’s most iconic sights unfolding before you. For travelers eager to see the city’s highlights without breaking a sweat, this Lyon Segway tour offers a fantastic balance of fun and sightseeing. Priced at $59 per person for a 1.5-hour adventure, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to get a fresh perspective on Lyon.

You’ll start at a convenient meeting point in the Old Town (Vieux-Lyon), where your guide—whose enthusiasm clearly shines through—will give you a quick training session on the Segway. Before long, you’ll be whizzing through some of Lyon’s most picturesque neighborhoods, along the Rhône and Saône rivers, as well as passing by landmarks like Place Bellecour and Tête d’Or park.

Two things we particularly appreciate are the easy, beginner-friendly nature of the tour—it’s perfect even if you’ve never ridden a Segway—and the coverage of diverse city areas. This tour manages to combine the vibrant historic heart with scenic riversides, making it ideal for those who want a broad yet relaxed view of Lyon.

A possible consideration is that the tour is weather-dependent, and since it takes place outdoors, rain or intense heat could impact the experience. Also, the tour moves at a steady pace suitable for most, but if you’re looking for a very leisurely or in-depth exploration, you might want to combine it with other activities.

This experience is well-suited for adventurous travelers of all ages (14+), families with older children, or anyone eager to see Lyon from a fresh angle. It’s especially perfect if you appreciate guided insights blended with a fun, active outing.

Key Points

• Ideal for first-time Segway riders due to a brief training session
• Highlights scenic routes along the Rhône and Saône rivers
• Includes visits to iconic spots like Vieux Lyon, Place Bellecour, and Tête d’Or park
• Small group size ensures personalized attention from guides
• Weather can influence the outdoor experience, so check the forecast
• Good value for a quick yet comprehensive city overview

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Lyon Segway Tour

When considering a city tour that combines ease of movement with rich sights, a Segway adventure hits the mark. It’s a lively, interactive way to absorb Lyon’s essence, especially if walking feels too exhausting or you’re short on time. Let’s break down what makes this tour special, what you can expect at each stop, and why it might be just right for you.

Starting Point and Orientation

Your journey begins at 7 Quai Romain Rolland, a location that’s easy to find and close to Lyon’s riverside. Upon arrival, the staff’s friendly reception sets a welcoming tone. They’ll provide you with helmets, hygienic caps, lockers for your belongings, and a quick safety briefing. This prep ensures you’re comfortable and confident before hitting the streets.

Vieux Lyon: The Historic Heart

The first leg takes you into Vieux Lyon, the city’s oldest district, famed for its Renaissance architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a compact but lively area, perfect for a Segway ride because you can cover more ground than on foot, yet still enjoy the details up close. Expect to glide past charming cafes, artisan shops, and perhaps catch glimpses of hidden courtyards.

Place Bellecour: The City’s Central Square

Next, you’ll cruise to Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest open squares and a true Lyon landmark. Here, the guide might point out the statue of Louis XIV, and you’ll get a sense of Lyon’s bustling city life. The open space offers a chance to relax a bit and capture some photos of the expansive square, a favorite among travelers for its grandeur.

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Place des Jacobins and the City’s Pulse

A quick stop at Place des Jacobins allows you to see Lyon’s elegant 19th-century architecture, with cafes spilling onto the square. The guide’s insights about Lyon’s history and culture enrich this part of the ride. It’s a small but lively spot that exemplifies Lyon’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Riverside Rides: Berges du Rhône and the Opera

One of the tour’s highlights is the stretch along the Berges du Rhône, where you’ll enjoy the freshest views of Lyon’s riversides. The wide, scenic paths are perfect for Segway riding, and you’ll see locals strolling, biking, and enjoying leisure time. Passing by the Lyon National Opera, you’ll appreciate the cultural side of the city—its theaters, historic facades, and vibrant street life.

Place des Terreaux: Artistic and Civic Center

The ride concludes near Place des Terreaux, home to the impressive Hôtel de Ville and the famous Fountain of the Four Seasons. This spot encapsulates Lyon’s artistic flair, and your guide will likely share stories about the city’s historic figures and civic pride. It’s a fitting finale before returning to your starting point.

Final Return and Reflection

After a fun, fast-paced tour, you’ll head back to 7 Quai Romain Rolland, where you started. Expect to be energized and enlightened, with a new perspective on Lyon’s layout and highlights.

Authentic Traveler Feedback and Insights

Multiple reviews underscore the tour’s engaging nature and friendly guides. Eric from France raved about the “activity very playful and anecdotes about Lyon during the visit,” highlighting the fun of learning about Lyon’s history while riding. Emilie also appreciated the welcoming attitude of the staff and the engaging, fun trip.

Others, like Potsy, emphasized the “very enjoyable and interesting” aspect, recommending the guide Cécile for her professionalism. Reviewers also noted that Luce, another guide, made the experience both safe and informative, with travelers feeling comfortable and secure on their Segways.

The small group size (limited to 10) means you’re never just a number. Guides are attentive, and the personalized approach adds significant value, especially for those new to Segway riding.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

• The combination of scenic riverside views and historical sites ensures you’re seeing Lyon’s most photogenic parts without the fatigue of walking long distances.
• The well-paced itinerary balances sightseeing with riding, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
• The professional guidance and safety measures give peace of mind, encouraging even hesitant travelers to give it a try.
• The affordable price point means this isn’t a big-ticket extravagance but a smart investment in memorable sightseeing.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers considerable value, it’s important to remember that weather conditions will affect your experience, as it’s an outdoor activity. The tour doesn’t include restroom facilities at the starting point, so plan accordingly. Also, participants must be at least 14 years old, and children under 16 require adult accompaniment.

If you’re pregnant or have mobility issues, this tour might not be suitable. Casual, comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as you’ll be standing and riding for the duration.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy active sightseeing and want to cover a lot of ground in a short time, this tour is ideal. It suits first-time visitors to Lyon who want an overview of the city’s highlights with a fun twist. Families with teenagers or groups looking for a memorable activity will find it particularly appealing. However, those seeking a very relaxed, in-depth historical tour might prefer more traditional walking or museum visits.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people who’ve never ridden a Segway before?
Yes, the tour includes a training session, and the guides make sure everyone feels comfortable before starting. It’s designed to be easy for beginners.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering multiple sites along the rivers and in the Old Town.

Are there any age restrictions?
Participants must be at least 14 years old, and children under 16 need an adult to accompany them.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended since you’ll be standing and riding most of the time.

What if the weather is bad?
The tours take place in all weather conditions. Guides provide ponchos if it rains, but very heavy or stormy weather could affect your experience.

Are there bathroom facilities at the start?
No, there are no toilets at the meeting point, so plan accordingly.

This Lyon Segway tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to get a broad view of Lyon’s key sights in just 90 minutes. It combines scenic riverside routes, historic neighborhoods, and lively city squares, all while providing expert guidance and the thrill of riding a Segway. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting a quick, fun introduction to Lyon, especially if they value comfort, safety, and authentic local insights.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone looking for a different perspective on Lyon, this tour balances value and experience beautifully. It’s particularly well-suited for those with limited time, adventurous spirits, and a desire to see the city’s highlights without a lot of walking. Just remember to check the weather forecast and wear comfortable clothing, and you’re set for a memorable ride through Lyon’s lively streets and scenic riversides.

You can check availability for your dates here: