About this experience
Any guidebook will tell you that Lyon is a city with the richest history. I will tell you about it without an abundance of dates, but with mysteries and myths. From Fourvière hill, you will admire the city and learn about the fate of the basilica of the same name. You will discover the ancient capital of Gaul, hear about the Capetian dynasty, and get acquainted with the peculiarities of Lyon's 'traboules'. You will understand why Lyon is considered Masonic, who the Masons are, and how they influenced the city's development. And for children, the tour will turn into an exciting quest immersing them in Lyon's history!
What to Expect
Main places of the great city between two rivers
Our little journey through Lyon will start from Fourvière hill – admiring the best panorama of the city, you will visualize its scale and get a general idea about it. The hill 'collected' Lyon's key places. First of all, you will examine the facade of the white Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière Basilica - its neo-Gothic towers and serrated walls resemble a fairytale palace. Nearby, you will see a local Eiffel Tower (an exact replica of its third floor) and then head to two ancient theaters. Descending down the medieval streets, we will reach St. John's Cathedral: here you will also walk through an 'archeological garden' with ruins of two 11th-century churches. At the end of the walk, you will explore the most beautiful Jewish street, where many mansions store fascinating stories of the past. And of course, I will guide you through the traboules - traditional narrow passages through districts and buildings.
Lyon from Gauls to Capetians: history is never boring
In simple and understandable language, I will tell you about Lyon's past and its monuments. On Fourvière hill, you will learn about the destruction and reconstruction of the basilica, and near the beautifully preserved Roman theater, you will immerse yourself in deep antiquity - we will talk about the times when Lugdunum (future Lyon) turned into the capital of Gaul, about the city's rise and fall. Using St. John's Cathedral as an example, you will understand what a primatial temple is, and on Jewish street, you will remember Henry IV and discover the peculiarities of Lyon's urban planning.
Organizational Details
- A ticket for the funicular to Fourvière hill is not included in the price (1.90€ one way).
- For children, there is a mini-quest 'Pirates' Treasures'. Before the tour, children are given a pirate map with specific locations marked on it. They will have to find them throughout the tour, and at the end, the treasure hunter will receive a prize!
- You can enter the basilicas at your discretion
- Route adjustments can be discussed via messaging
