Free Walking Tours of Lyon – Your Ultimate Guide

Spending some days in the beautiful city of Lyon, France and looking for a good way to explore its hidden gems? Why not try a free walking tour? These tours will allow you to rewind through history, experience the art and culture, and enjoy the best of French heritage. Whether you’re a tourist or a newcomer, our guides will help you book the perfect walk to discover the charm of Lyon. You will love wandering through the streets of this historical city and discovering its hidden beauty. Many reviews highlight these tours as a must-do for those wanting to experience Lyon like a local.
1. Lyon Introduction Walk – Discover the City’s Highlights
A great way to introduce yourself to the area and see the city’s most famous spots is to take the Lyon Introduction Walk! This guide will take you through hidden treasures and squares filled with history. Spanning 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), this walk will take about 4 hours in duration and covers 14 must-see attractions, including:
- Place Bellecour – One of the largest squares in France
- Theatre des Celestins
- Place de Jacobins
- Ancien Palais de Justice
- Cathedral Saint Jean – A highlight of Vieux Lyon
- Rue de Boeuf – A charming street known for its old-world charm
- Maison Thomassin
- Fresque des Lyonnais
- Amphiteatre Gallo-Romain – A historical gem that lets you rewind through years of history
- Traboules de la Croix Rousse – Hidden passageways with an intriguing past
- Hôtel de Ville
- Bartholdi Fountain
- Lyon Opera House
- Rue de la République
- Fine Arts Museum – A must-visit for art lovers
- Musée de l’Imprimerie
- Musée Gadagne: Museum of Lyon History / International Museum of Puppets
- Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization
- Decorative Arts and Textile Museum
- Centre d’Histoire de la Resistance et de la Deportation
- Palais du Commerce
- Chapelle de la Trinité
- Eglise Saint-Nizier
- Temple Lanterne
- Auberge du Gouvernement
- Tour Rose – A stunning sight in Vieux Lyon
- Place des Jacobins
- Hôtel Dieu
- Préfecture du Rhone
- Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste
- Taboules du Vieux Lyon – Famous hidden passageways
- Musée du Cinema et de la Miniature
- Traboule “Maison du Crible – Tour Rose”
- Maison Brochier Soieries
- Théâtre des Celestins
- Grand Hôtel Dieu
- Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain – A perfect spot to rewind history
- Jardin des Plantes – A beautiful square for a stroll
- UFCV
- Musée International de la Marionnette
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- Jardin du Rosaire
2. Lyon Museum Walk – Art, Culture, and History
Are you passionate about art and history? The Lyon Museum Walk will take you on a good route through some of the city’s best museums. This guided walk spans 4.9 kilometers (3 miles) and takes roughly 2 hours in duration (excluding museum visits). Along the way, you’ll see:
Many reviews praise these museums for their fascinating exhibitions and unique insights into French history. Some guides offer English explanations, making it easy for international visitors to follow along.
3. Lyon Architecture Walk – Admire Historical Landmarks
Lyon’s architectural wonders span across years of history, blending classical, medieval, and modern designs. This passionate walk covers 3.3 kilometers (2.1 miles) in 2 hours in duration, showing you hidden gems and architectural highlights:
This tour will be ideal for architecture lovers who love discovering stunning buildings and explore Lyon’s past and present structures. Walking through the streets of Lyon, you will feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
4. Walking Tour of Old Lyon – Step Back in Time
Ready to visit Vieux Lyon and feel like a time traveler? This 2-hour walking tour takes you through some of the most historic parts of the city. Starting at Place Saint-Jean, this route covers:
A passionate way to explore Lyon’s medieval charm while soaking in French culture and history! Some local guides offer these tours in English, making them accessible to a wider audience.
5. Kids’ Entertainment Walking Tour – Fun for Families
If you’re visiting with children, this family-friendly tour is a great way to mix fun and learning! This 1.5-kilometer (0.9 miles) walk lasts about an hour in duration and visits some kid-friendly areas like:
Looking for a good way to keep kids engaged? This guided walk will do just that!
Book Your Free Walking Tour in Lyon Today!
We hope this list helps you explore the best free walking tours in Lyon! Whether you’re interested in art, history, food, or simply soaking in the beauty of the area, there’s something for everyone.
Looking to book a guided experience? Check out online reviews and booking options for additional guides who speak English and other languages.
Feeling like a local yet? Let us know if you’ve taken any of these free tours and what your favorite stops were! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on more travel tips. Will you be joining a passionate tour to discover the best of Lyon soon?
Looking for More Activities?
Check out our article: Visit Lyon: Top 5 Best Activities, featuring the best food, art, and cultural experiences Lyon has to offer!