Presqu'ile
Embark on a charming stroll along the quays and wharfs of the Saône!
Crossed by two rivers, Lyon is a city that has been able to benefit from its geographical location. From the sides of the Saône, you can see how Lyon’s development was closely linked with the river.
On the banks of the Saône, between the iconic monuments and colourful buildings, you can see Lyon’s historic centre in a different light. The view of Fourvière hill takes you back to the origins of the city, founded in the Roman era at that location. Following the curve of the Saône, you can admire the Vieux-Lyon district, from the medieval St Jean Cathedral to the neoclassical colonnade of the Palais de Justice amidst all of the Renaissance facades. A look at the Croix-Rousse hill and its 19th century buildings brings to mind the golden age of Lyon’s silk industry.
The bridges, embankments and low-lying quays are all aspects of the landscape that highlight the importance of the river and the ability to cross it in Lyon’s history.
It’s a great time to rediscover the riverside, so take a walk along the new developments along the banks of the Saône and enjoy a unique perspective on Lyon.
Good to know
Please ensure you arrive 10 minutes before the tour commences
Booking is necessary
Cancellation free of charge 72 hours before schedule activity
Children and minors remain under the responsibility of their parents during this visit. The participation of an adult is mandatory for each reservation
Health and safety commitments
In order to ensure the safety of our visitors, all tours provided by ONLYLYON Tourism have been adapted with routes that enable physical distancing and compliance with applicable health regulations:
- Group limited according to the standards in force
- The guide and all participants aged 11 and above must wear a mask at all times
- The sanitary pass is not compulsory for this outdoor visit
- A distance of 1 metre must be maintained between participants
- Our guides are equipped with a hygiene kit
- Our guides alone make contact with objects (doors, light switches, etc.)
- Out of respect for the inhabitants, we limit the passage in the traboules during the visit
Duration
2h00
Kind
Guided tour on foot
Access
Metro D > Vieux-Lyon
Meeting point
At the exit of the "Vieux-Lyon" metro station, avenue Adolphe Max - Lyon 5th
15 kilomètres of peace and quiete !
The City has successfully completed a project aimed at reconquering its rivers. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the banks of the Saône by strolling along the pedestrian walkway from the Confluence area to Barbe Island, completed in 2013...
Tour guides
Catherine
"Look and listen to the stones of my city".
Teaching people to look, telling stories, making sense of things, that's mainly what motivates me in my job.
My own personal story has mainly unfolded in Lyon, which I have proudly seen blossom over the past decades.
Sharing with visitors from all over the world -I speak English and German- the beauty of my city is a great pleasure to me, and an honour. But what I also like is talking to the locals themselves, while helping them understand the specific characteristics of their area.
Charlotte
Originally from the countryside surrounding Lyon, I went travelling around the world before returning to Lyon, which many French people rate as the most beautiful city in France, except for their home town of course!
As a child, I always associated Lyon with the zoo in Tête d’Or Park, with its bear, elephants, lions and other animals. Later on, as an apprentice archaeologist in Fourvière, I discovered the city’s history and heritage.
I hope to share my passion for art and history with you during your stay and take you back through time as you discover the birth of this great city in the traboules (hidden passageways) of Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon), imagine the sounds of the silk looms on the slopes of Croix-Rousse hill (where the silk industry once thrived), and learn about Lyon through its painted walls in the city centre. In short, I want to share my love for the city!
From Fourvière Basilica to the museums in the Presqu’île district, I know how to get children interested in history and heritage, without forgetting the parents of course! My tours are lively and dynamic, so you can feel the heartbeat of my city and feel at home.
Far away from Lyon, my specialism at university was Egyptology, and my second passion is Japan: once you get me started on these subjects it’s difficult to stop me!
with the Lyon City Card
you need for your next stay in Lyon.
GUIDED TOURS | PUPPET SHOW | SHOPPING | WIFI
unlimited
transport
€27