Lyon Old Town: Walking Tour, Traboules & Silk History

Summary

Vieux Lyon’s secret passages, silk tales & city rhythms

You’ll wander Vieux Lyon’s cobbled streets with a local guide, slip through secret traboules once used by silk workers and resistance fighters, peek into a working silk shop (maybe spot live silkworms), and pause at grand landmarks like the cathedral and Théâtre des Célestins. Expect small surprises — and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

You blink and there it is — Vieux Lyon, all worn stones and that faint smell of baking bread drifting out from somewhere I never did find. Our guide Paul was already waving us over by the cathedral, grinning like he’d just heard a good joke. The astronomical clock inside was chiming, echo bouncing off the old stone. I’m not sure why, but the light felt different here — kind of golden, even though it was just a regular morning.

We ducked into one of those traboules — hidden passageways I’d only read about before. Honestly, I thought they’d feel spooky or cramped but instead it was cool and quiet, like the city had pressed pause for a second. Paul pointed out marks on the walls where silk workers used to brush past centuries ago. He told us about how these passages helped people slip away during World War II (he said “the resistance,” and his voice dropped a bit). I tried to picture it but mostly just felt the roughness of the old stone under my hand.

There was this tiny silk shop — you could smell something earthy inside, maybe mulberry leaves? We saw live silkworms wriggling in their box (I didn’t expect them to look so… ordinary). Someone asked about Paul Bocuse and food in Lyon; Paul laughed and said everyone here has an opinion about bouchons. Later we stopped in a courtyard full of miniatures — little movie sets behind glass — and I caught myself smiling at how much detail someone had bothered with.

The Palace of Justice looked heavy with history; Paul mentioned the Klaus Barbie trial almost in passing but you could tell it mattered to him. We ended up outside the Théâtre des Célestins where some kids were chasing pigeons around the square. My feet hurt by then but honestly, I still think about that view down the river — not perfect or dramatic, just real life happening all around you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Vieux Lyon's history and culture

• Visit Lyon Cathedral and clock
• Explore hidden traboules passageways
• See miniatures at museum courtyard
• View La Tour Rose architecture
• Visit silk shop and see silkworms
• Pass by Lyon Palace of Justice
• See Célestins Theatre façade and artwork
• Walk along main shopping street
• Visit Hôtel Dieu complex

Top questions

How long does this Vieux Lyon walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but most guided walking tours in Vieux Lyon take around 2-3 hours depending on group pace.

Are entrance fees included for attractions?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking for this Vieux Lyon tour.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed throughout the walk.

Will we visit any silk workshops during the tour?

You’ll stop at a traditional silk shop where you may see live silkworms during silk season and learn about jacquard looms.

Does the tour include food or tastings?

No meals are included, but you’ll hear stories about Lyon’s famous bouchons and culinary heritage along the way.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour ends?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to both start and end points of this walking tour.

Who leads this Vieux Lyon cultural walking tour?

A knowledgeable local guide named Paul leads most tours in English.

What historical sites will we see on this walk?

You’ll visit Lyon Cathedral (with its astronomical clock), traboules, Musée Miniature et Cinéma courtyard, La Tour Rose, Palace of Justice, Théâtre des Célestins façade, main shopping street, and Hôtel Dieu.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees for featured stops in Vieux Lyon plus stories from your local guide as you explore traboules, peek into silk shops (with possible live silkworm viewing), admire historic landmarks like Lyon Cathedral and Théâtre des Célestins, stroll main shopping streets and finish near Hôtel Dieu — all at an easygoing pace suited for most visitors.