Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon)

The Basics

There are many options for exploring Old Lyon, from walking tours and standard or electric bike tours to Segway jaunts and hop-on hop-off bus excursions. In addition to Old Lyon, city tours often visit neighborhoods such as La Croix-Rousse and the Presqu’île and ride the funicular up to the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière for impressive city views. Food tours explore Lyon’s gastronomic heritage at the famous Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market and restaurants around Old Lyon.

Things to Know Before You Go

Old Lyon is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors.
The narrow lanes of Vieux Lyon are mostly pedestrianized and best explored on foot—wear comfortable shoes.
The majority of cafés and restaurants can be found along Rue Tramassac, but the quayside bars and restaurants offer the best views at night.

How to Get There

Old Lyon stretches along the left bank of the Saône River, with Fourviére Hill rising to the west. It’s a short stroll across the bridge from Place Bellecour or Place des Jacobins, and the closest metro station is Vieux Lyon (line D). Funiculars for Fourvière Hill also run from this station.

Trip ideas

Wine Tasting in Lyon

How to Spend 2 Days in Lyon

Ancient Roman Theaters in Lyon

Lyon was an important Roman settlement and the provincial capital of Roman Gaul. You can still see evidence of its ancient past in the Fourvière district of the city, where not one, but two, well-preserved Roman theaters stand. Read on to find out more about these ancient performance venues.

Exploring the Traboules of Lyon

Once used by silk merchants to reach the bustling markets of Lyon without damaging their wares, the city's traboules, or passageways, hark back to a bygone era. Here's how to escape the city streets and explore these hidden, secret alleyways.

How to Spend 3 Days in Lyon

With three days in UNESCO-listed Lyon, you have plenty of time to experience the city’s history, cuisine, and surrounding vineyards. Cross the Saône and Rhône rivers, step into the cathedral, taste world-renowned wine, and more. Here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Lyon.

Food Lover's Guide to Lyon

How to Spend 1 Day in Lyon

When to Get There

Explore the streets of Old Lyon in the morning to avoid the crowds and take photos of the beautiful historical buildings, or visit in the evening to dine along the riverfront. The most spectacular time to visit Old Lyon is during the annual Festival of Lights in December, when dazzling light projections brighten up landmarks such as Saint John the Baptist Cathedral (Cathédrale-Saint-Jean-Baptiste, or Lyon Cathedral).

Architecture of Vieux Lyon

With buildings dating from as early as the 11th century, the streets of Vieux Lyon are bursting with architectural treasures. The star attraction is Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, with its stunning stained glass windows and striking mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Nearby are the Maison du Crible mansion, with its much-photographed pink tower, and a number of historical traboules (narrow alleyways). In the northern Saint Paul quarter, the Gothic Maison du Consul and the grand Hotel Gadagne (now part of the Musées Gadagne) are notable highlights, while the Saint Georges quarter was Lyon’s original silk-weaving area and is home to the riverfront Church of Saint George (Église Saint-Georges).

Recent reviews from experiences in Lyon

Great personal tour with lots of history.

Vance_A, Dec 2021

Lyon Big Traboules in Little City Stories from the Past Private Guided Tour

Konstantin was a knowledgeable, patient tour guide. We have been to Lyon several times, but learned a lot about Lyon’s ancient history that we would not have known otherwise. He tailored our tour to our walking needs and showed us many secret Traboules in Old Lyon. Fascinating.

Great guide and general tour of local food and area

Maria_T, Dec 2021

Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch

The tour guide was outstanding and provided an excellent historical perspective. The regional food was delicious

Tasty and informing

ianvsmart, Dec 2021

Great mix of food and history, superbly led by Vincent. Recommended for anyone spending a few days in Lyon

Lyon—City of Hidden Delights

themartachause, Nov 2021

Lyon Panoramic City Tour in Minivan - Private Tour - Half Day

Lyon is a many-faceted city, and Olivier was the right person to bring out all its subtleties. He is a native and took us back through ancient history and recent developments with equal ease and enthusiasm. For me, the art attractions are a toss up between the gorgeous mosaics in Notre Dame and the city murals that are detailed beyond belief. And the Museum of Fine Arts—way surprising in its depth and breadth.

Great experience!

Natalie_D, Oct 2021

1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon

Michael is a very knowledgeable and engaging guide. Thoroughly enjoyed the pedicab ride too. thanks for a great experience!

Very professional excelent

Viviana_M, Oct 2021

Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular

The history of the city, the knowledge of the guide Toni. The places he took us and his explanation.

Lyon EBikes

Patricia_R, Oct 2021

Lyon Small-Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Local Guide

Great way to see the city! Electric bikes are easy to use. Guide was very informative. I recommend this tour.

Toni is excellent!!

Margaret_G, Oct 2021

Our tour guide was Toni and he went over and above to show us the most beautiful parts of the old city of Lyon. He was personable and down to earth and explained the history very well within a few hours. We had three tours while we were in Paris and Lyon; this was by far the best of all! By the time the tour was over, we felt as if we knew a little something about Toni as well as the other guests from Norway, Belgium and Seattle.

A fantastic sample of Lyon's food culture

Michelle_G, Oct 2021

Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour

The guide was really knowledgeable and the choice of stops for the food were amazing. The tour was a good pace with plenty of time to enjoy the food.

Megan was phenomenal,...

John_S, Sep 2021

Megan was phenomenal, knowledgeable and paced everything perfectly. We enjoyed her take on everything and learned so much! Merci

We were very happy with...

Nina_C, Sep 2021

We were very happy with our guided tour, learned a lot about Lyons history - all very informative and interesting! A nice way to explore the city, with time to stop and take pictures, ask questions and so on. I would recommend!

Great Walking Tour and Guide

Stephen_B, Sep 2021

Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English)

Very enjoyable way to learn about Lyon and ensure we can get a feel for what it would be like to be a local. Never felt rushed with plenty of stops at interesting spots along the way.