rovostays·

Cultural & heritage · Lyon

Top 10 cultural & heritage things to do in Lyon

Heritage walks, museum days, temple complexes, and the kind of guides who explain why a place matters rather than reciting dates. The cultural side of Lyon, paced for actual seeing.

  1. Private Half Day Wine Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais, Lyon1

    1. Private Half Day Wine Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais

    5.0· 12 reviews· 4 hours

    Come discover the hidden gems, good wines and back roads of Beaujolais with us onboard our Vintage Land Rovers. During this exclusive experience with a passionate local insider, you’ll visit 2 wineries usually closed to the rest, each offering a unique story and exceptional wines. One stop includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, where you'll gain insight into the daily life and passion of dedicated winemakers. Additional cultural and historical stops await, tailored to your interests; like a charming chapel deeply tied to the local terroir or a privately owned medieval château open just for us. This tour is customizable to suit your preferences, so let us know what you're looking for. Then sit back, relax, and let us take you to the very best places of Northern Beaujolais!

  2. Unique Tours Lyon: Private Walking Tour of the Traboules, Lyon2

    2. Unique Tours Lyon: Private Walking Tour of the Traboules

    5.0· 5 reviews

    A truly private tour : This experience is 100% private: only you and your group — no strangers, no fixed routes, no imposed pace. Access to non-public traboules : Explore historic traboules that are normally closed to the general public, in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, thanks to a licensed and authorized local guide. Living history, not tourist storytelling : Discover the key role of the silk workers (Canuts) and the French Resistance during World War II, through the secret passageways that shaped Lyon’s history. A flexible itinerary, tailored to you : The walk adapts to your interests: architecture, medieval history, local life, or UNESCO World Heritage. Led by a local expert : Your tour is guided by a licensed professional guide, specialized in private and cultural tours in Lyon. Carefully selected traboules : With over 500 traboules across the city, this tour focuses on the most meaningful and historically rich ones — many outside conventional tourist routes

  3. Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular, Lyon3

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

    5.0· 883 reviews· 3 hours

    Plunge into the exciting stories that Lyon hides. Stories, anecdotes and legends that create unforgettable memories - as do its outstanding museums, dynamic cultural life, its past as a France's foremost publishing center, capital of the Three Gauls, and "capitale de la Résistance française"; And last, but not least, all the facts that have turned Lyon into France's gastronomical capital. During the 3 hours we will spend together, you will linger in the major monuments, but also discover the most awe-inspiring hidden secret places. The world is a book, and those who do not travel and discover, read only one page.

  1. Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley, Lyon4

    4. Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley

    5.0· 216 reviews· 4.3 hours

    A unique guided tour to meet the wines and winemakers of the Rhone Valley North. I am Justine PONCET, founder of SUR LES SENTIERS DE L'OENOTOURISME. I am your local Guide, who knows the region well and will know all along the way how to tell you about the history, estates, wines and secrets of the Rhone Valley. You will make stops to enjoy the magnificent views from the coasts! You will discover the Syrah and Viognier grape variety as well as Marsanne and Roussanne. You will enjoy exceptional white wines and red wines. You will discover the most prestigious wines of the Rhone Valley such as AOP Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage or Condrieu. I drive you in my luxury vehicle and everything is planned so that you just go to enjoy your half day with us. I am here to share my knowledge, answer all your questions and accompany you so that you spend an unforgettable half day.

  2. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch, Lyon5

    5. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch

    4.9· 421 reviews· 4 hours

    Lyon Food Tour offers a 4-hour unique gastronomy experience with lunch. Accompanied by a passionate local guide discover the capital of gastronomy during a rhythmic visit full of unusual anecdotes and exceptional culinary tastings. Explore must-see places, meet local artisans and taste products that identify with the reputation of Lyon’s heritage. Tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers. Length of this tour is around 2km.

  3. Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better, Lyon6

    6. Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better

    4.9· 343 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Do Eat Better Experience Lyon Food Tour is a walking tour around the old town. You will be guided by a Local Expert who's able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and any other relevant curiosity. Our Food Tour will introduce you to typical Lyon food. You’ll get to see the most central parts of the city, but you’ll also get more secret tips from a local guide. If you want to learn about the culture and history of the city, while tasting delightful specialties, this food tour certainly won't leave you hungry for more!

  4. 2h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide, Lyon7

    7. 2h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide

    4.9· 286 reviews· 2 hours

    iscover the highlights of Lyon on this 2-hour electric bike tour, designed to show you the city’s essentials in a short time and with minimal effort. Led by a friendly and knowledgeable local guide, the tour follows a smooth and mostly cyclable route suitable for all levels. Ride along the Saône riverbanks with views of Fourvière Hill, cross iconic squares such as Bellecour, and follow the fully dedicated Rhône riverside cycle paths. Enjoy a relaxing ride through the Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon’s green heart, before passing by Terreaux Square and the famous Fresque des Lyonnais. Thanks to the electric bikes, you can comfortably cover a large part of Lyon while learning about its history, culture, and daily life. This tour is the perfect introduction to Lyon, combining culture, nature, and scenic views in just two hours.

  5. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 5 French Delicacies & Fine Wine, Lyon8

    8. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 5 French Delicacies & Fine Wine

    4.9· 655 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Food is undoubtedly one of Lyon's most beloved traditions. Since 1935, the city has been considered the world capital of gastronomy. When Lyon's culinary traditions were being forged, the famous "Mères Lyonnaises" (Lyonnaise Mothers) managed to turn Lyon cuisine into an institution. Today, male chefs dominate the scene, like the famous Paul Bocuse, however it is the women who evolved the renowned cuisine. Many of the recipes around the city are unchanged from their humble beginnings, meaning you'll have the opportunity to taste the culture and history that has turned Lyon into the culinary hub it is today. We'll guide you through this gastronomic journey infused with passion, history, and exquisite French food and wine. Find out why eating and drinking are not just a pastime in Lyon, but a way of life.

  6. Lyon Small-Group Full Meal Food Tour by Do Eat Better, Lyon9

    9. Lyon Small-Group Full Meal Food Tour by Do Eat Better

    4.9· 705 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Thanks to the Do Eat Better Experience Food Tours you will have an overview of the gastronomic tradition of the beautiful city of Lyon and feel like a true local, while walking through the streets and tasting delicious typical dishes, always guided by our Local Expert. Try the original quenelle, the famous Côtes du Rhône wine, traditional Lyonnais charcuterie and sweets, such as the praluline. You will enjoy the views and atmosphere of the old town area of the city and learn something about local history and culture with an expert local guide.

  7. 3h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide, Lyon10

    10. 3h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide

    4.9· 76 reviews· 3 hours

    This 3-hour electric bike tour of Lyon is one of the most complete ways to explore the city in a short time. Thanks to a carefully designed, mostly cyclable route and comfortable e-bikes, you can effortlessly discover Lyon’s main landmarks, green spaces, and panoramic viewpoints. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this experience combines must-see highlights and authentic local spots. Ride through the historic Croix-Rousse slopes, enjoy a peaceful break in the Parc de la Tête d’Or, pass through the unique bike-only Croix-Rousse tunnel, and reach Fourvière Hill to admire the Basilica, Roman Theatres, and breathtaking views over the entire city. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this small-group tour offers a rich mix of culture, nature, and viewpoints, making it a complete and immersive way to discover Lyon for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

Top places to visit in Lyon

See all 23

More in Lyon

Other things to do

Cultural & heritage in other destinations

Top cultural & heritage elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked cultural & heritage experiences across France.

Stay elsewhere

Places to stay in other destinations

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments across our network.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Lyon?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.