Lyon: Walking Tour with Funicular & Old Town Secrets

Summary

Walk Lyon’s old streets, take the funicular, hear hidden stories

You’ll follow winding streets through Old Lyon with a local guide who knows every secret corner, ride the city’s funicular up to Fourvière, and slip quietly into hidden traboules where history feels close enough to touch. Expect laughter, small surprises, and stories you’ll want to share later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a walking tour, but something about Lyon gets under your skin — maybe it was the way our guide, Camille, started us off by pointing at a crooked window and telling us it had survived three revolutions (she winked like she’d lived through them herself). We’d barely left Place Bellecour when I caught the smell of fresh bread drifting out from a side street — honestly, I almost ditched the group for a croissant. But Camille promised secrets if we kept up. So we did.

The funicular ride was short but weirdly thrilling; I guess I hadn’t been on one since I was a kid. Everyone crammed in together, locals and tourists alike, someone’s little dog sniffing my shoes. When we popped out in Fourvière, the light felt different — softer somehow. Camille pointed out details I’d never have noticed: lion carvings hiding in plain sight, a faded Resistance plaque tucked behind some ivy. She told us how Lyon was once France’s publishing capital and you could almost feel the weight of all those stories hanging in the air.

Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) is all stone passageways and echoes. At one point we ducked into a traboule (I still can’t pronounce that right), and it was suddenly quiet except for our footsteps on worn stairs. Someone whispered about silk workers sneaking through here centuries ago. It made me shiver a bit — or maybe that was just the draft. By the end, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with odd facts and half-remembered legends. I keep thinking about that crooked window now whenever I see old buildings back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover Lyon's secrets and highlights

• Begin surprise walking route
• Explore Old Lyon area
• Visit hidden secret places

Top questions

How long does this Lyon walking tour last?

The guided walking tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is the funicular ride included in the tour?

Yes, your tour includes a ride on Lyon’s funicular.

Does this tour visit Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon)?

Yes, you’ll explore Old Lyon as part of the route.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will there be surprises along the route?

The exact route is kept secret for extra fun—expect some surprises!

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour begins.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through both famous sights and lesser-known corners of Old Lyon, a ride on the city’s historic funicular with your local guide leading the way, plus plenty of stories and anecdotes shared along each stop.