Most visits last 2 hours but they are all flexible according to your wishes and your profile. Do not hesitate to contact me for a tailor-made visit.
The old town of Lyon, back in time
Here is a district not to be missed with its intact 16th century architecture (lovely inner courtyards, spiral staircases...). The old town is best known for its "traboules" (secret alleyways). The visit will take you through the cobbled streets of this preserved district that has become the emblematic district of the city where the cathedral (12-15th century) is also located. A must-see !
Fourvière Hill, 2000 years of history
The hill of Fourvière is a must for any visitor… Thanks to its magnificent view, you will be able to find your bearings and understand the evolution of the city of Lyon. You will visit the magnificent basilica, a place of Catholic pilgrimage, and then go back in time to discover the two Roman theaters, among the best preserved in France. Calm, history and views are the assets of this hill!
The Presqu'île area, UNESCO SITE
The center of Lyon is located between the Rhône the Saône rivers, on the Presqu'île (peninsula). Strolling around will make you feel like a real Lyonnais and will allow you to discover the emblematic places of the UNESCO site such as Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux with the Town Hall, the Bartholdi fountain or the Palace of Fine Arts. We will also walk in the very famous Rue de la République and will see other squares, streets and churches which make some people say that Lyon is like "a little Paris" (especially not to say to the people of Lyon ! )
L'île barbe, an island on the saone river
Upstream of the Saône is a mysterious island called Île Barbe. A monastery, now in ruins, was built there in early Christian times, and it is considered one of the oldest in Gaul. Intense monastic activity led the place to become a very popular and recognized center of pilgrimage throughout the kingdom in the Middle Ages.
During this visit, we will discover its history, its legends, as well as some remaining vestiges such as the magnificent 12th century Romanesque church of Notre-Dame, private and not easily accessible to the public.
Croix-Rousse hill, the silk industry
Capital of silk for several centuries, Lyon owes a lot to this industry, in particular the urbanization of the Croix-Rousse hill, a favorite choice for the high Jacquard looms of the 19th century. This visit will tell you about the lives of Lyon's silk weavers, the canuts, considered by Karl Marx as the precursors of modern trade unionism. We will visit the district through the "traboules" (secret passageways) and end the tour in a silk-printing workshop.
The Second World War in Lyon
This visit will immerse you in the Lyon during the Second World War. Thanks to images, maps, anecdotes, we will follow in the footsteps of Jean Moulin, Raymond and Lucie Aubrac and other resistants. You will understand why Lyon was nammed "Capital of Resistance". You will see the places that have a link with this dark page of our history, in particular the famous "traboules" (passages through the buildings), perfectly discreet. This route is possible on the peninsula, or Croix-Rousse hill according to your wishes.
Street Art in Lyon, an open-air museum
Vienne, Gallo-Roman and MEDIEVAL city
Street Art is a contemporary artistic movement born in the United States at the end of the 20th century, with graffiti and tags. It is now recognized as real art and allows its artists real recognition internationally, such as the famous Banksy, or Invader and many others. As an art of protest, it makes the passer-by think about our society, people can say they like it or not but they always have something to tell. On the ground, on the walls, on the posts; with graffiti, stencil, pastel, on wood... there is no limit to its (often) ephemeral presence. La Croix-Rousse is THE district of Lyon where you can find works at every corner. This visit will allow you to take an overview of the artists working in Lyon.
30 minutes south of Lyon, discover the fascinating history of Vienne, a city of 30,000 inhabitants not to be missed. Older than Lyon, it is full of heritage from the Roman era such as the temple, the ancient theater and the excellent museum and archaeological site of Saint-Romain en Gal. It was also a very important city of Christianity in the Middle Ages and we will visit its cathedral and its Romanesque cloister, one of the best preserved in the region.
But visiting Vienne also means taking your time, relaxing, admiring an incredible view from Mount Pipet, strolling through its huge market, and, if you go there in July, enjoying its world-famous Jazz Festival. ..