Lyon: Private Pedicab Tour, Painted Walls & Traboules

Summary

Pedicab ride through Lyon’s murals, traboules and city secrets

You’ll glide through Lyon’s lively streets by pedicab with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect spontaneous stops at murals and secret traboules, time at Bellecour Square and Célestins Theatre, plus hotel pickup for longer tours. You’ll leave feeling like you got under Lyon’s skin—even if just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so exposed in a pedicab at first — like the city could see me as much as I was seeing it. But rolling into Bellecour Square, with the statue of King Louis XIV right there and people crossing in every direction, I just sort of relaxed. Our guide, François (who seemed to know everyone), started explaining how Lyon grew up around this spot. He pointed out little details I’d have missed on foot — the way the light hits the stone at certain angles, or how locals seem to just melt into the cafés along the square’s edge.

We zipped down narrow lanes that cars can’t reach, past bakery windows leaking out that buttery smell (I swear I almost asked to stop for a croissant). At Célestins Theatre, François stopped and let us peek through this odd periscope thing — he said it’s part of some old stage trick. The theatre’s facade looked almost golden in the afternoon sun, but honestly I was more distracted by a group of teenagers practicing dance moves on the steps. It felt like we were getting these little slices of real life between all the landmarks.

Then came my favorite bit: winding through one of Lyon’s traboules. The air changed — cooler, echoey footsteps on old stones, walls close enough to brush your shoulder if you weren’t careful. François told us stories about silk workers sneaking through here during strikes; I tried to picture it but mostly just felt grateful for our guide because I’d have gotten lost after two turns. We passed painted walls too — those huge murals with famous faces from Lyon’s history. One had a cat painted in a window; François grinned when I spotted it and said locals treat it like a mascot.

The whole private pedicab tour was over before I realized it. We covered so much ground — Hôtel de Ville, Bartholdi Fountain spraying misty water into the air, even glimpsed inside the Opera de Lyon when someone left a side door open (not sure we were supposed to look in). There was something easy about being able to stop wherever curiosity hit us; no big group hurrying us along. If you’re thinking about a day trip in Lyon but don’t want another walking tour, this is… well, different in all the good ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lyon's landmarks and murals

• Visit King Louis XIV statue
• See Célestins Theatre and Periscope
• Tour Lyon Cathedral at Place Saint-Jean
• Walk through Lyon famous traboule
• Explore Hôtel de Ville and nearby sites
• View 24 historical celebrities mural
• Visit Peninsule of Lyon

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private pedicab tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for 2- and 3-hour options.

What main sights are covered on this Lyon pedicab tour?

Bellecour Square, Célestins Theatre, Lyon Cathedral, traboules, Hôtel de Ville area with Bartholdi Fountain and Opera House.

Can infants join the pedicab tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted.

How flexible is the itinerary during the tour?

The itinerary is flexible—spontaneous stops are possible based on your interests.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour ends?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near drop-off points.

What’s included

Your day includes professional local guide services throughout your private pedicab ride across central Lyon—with flexiglass protection screen for comfort—and hotel pickup if you book either the 2- or 3-hour option. All ages are welcome and you can bring service animals along too.