Lyon Walking Tour: Traboules, Croix-Rousse & Vieux Lyon Stories

Summary

Walk Lyon’s secret traboules, silk lanes & old town with stories

You’ll feel Lyon’s layers as you walk its secret traboules, hear stories of silk workers in Croix-Rousse, and wander golden courtyards in Vieux Lyon. A local guide brings small moments to life—like music drifting from windows or the smell of fresh bread—before you end right where lunch is calling your name.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me was the echo of my own footsteps in one of those traboules — the hidden passageways twisting under old buildings in Vieux Lyon. It was cooler inside, almost damp, and our guide (I think her name was Camille) paused to let us listen. Someone upstairs was playing piano, just faintly. I remember touching the stone wall — smooth in some places, crumbly in others. Camille told us how silk workers used these shortcuts to move their precious fabric safely during rainy mornings or protests. I’d never really thought about how much weather could shape a city’s design until then.

Croix-Rousse felt different — lighter somehow, with murals splashed across walls and little cafés where people actually seemed to know each other. We stopped at the Fresque des Lyonnais (that huge mural with all the famous locals painted on it). Camille pointed out Paul Bocuse and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, but honestly I was more distracted by a kid on a scooter nearly knocking over an old man’s baguette. The air smelled like baking bread mixed with something sweet — pralines maybe? There’s this rhythm to the neighborhood that made me want to linger.

We wandered through courtyards off Rue Juiverie where sunlight fell in weird angles and everything looked gold for a second. In one corner, an artist was setting up canvases for sale — she nodded at us but kept painting. Lunch was just around the corner (literally), and by then I’d lost track of time. I still think about that view from above the amphitheatre — roofs packed tight together, laundry flapping like flags. You get why people fall for this place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lyon's historic and cultural sites

• Visit Place des Terreaux main square
• View courtyard of Lyon Museum of Fine Arts
• Explore historic Croix-Rousse neighborhood
• Visit hidden traboules passageways
• See Village des Createurs passageway
• Enjoy viewpoint over old amphitheatre
• Admire Fresque des Lyonnais fresco
• Pass by gothic church
• Walk through old Jewish quarter courtyards
• Visit museum courtyard if open
• Pass busy main street and hidden courtyards in Vieux Lyon

Top questions

How long is the guided walking tour in Lyon?

The tour starts at 10:00 AM and ends around lunchtime; exact duration may vary but typically lasts a few hours.

What are traboules in Lyon?

Traboules are hidden passageways running through buildings in Lyon, originally used by silk workers to transport goods discreetly.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but the tour finishes near many great eateries in Vieux Lyon.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller.

Does the tour include visits inside museums?

If open, you’ll visit museum courtyards like Musée des Beaux Arts de Lyon; full interior visits aren’t guaranteed.

Will we see Croix-Rousse on this day trip?

Yes, Croix-Rousse is part of the itinerary along with its murals and creative atmosphere.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the route.

What’s included

Your morning includes all entry fees and taxes as you follow a local guide through Place des Terreaux, explore Croix-Rousse’s creative side streets, slip into traboules of Vieux Lyon, admire murals like Fresque des Lyonnais, and finish right where plenty of lunch options await you nearby.