Lyon Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour, France - City of lights, Architecture, History, Markets & Culture
Places: 28 POIs
Distance: 3.31 mi
Duration: 2h:02m
GPS-guided narration through
Your Smartphone
Tour #2065
About this English self-guided 2h:02m walking tour in Lyon
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Lyon, France, a city steeped in history, culture, and culinary delights. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure showing you around la Ville des Lumières, or (the City of Lights.) As you embark on this walking tour, prepare to be enchanted by the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, the grandeur of its Renaissance architecture, and the serene beauty of its riverside panoramas. From the ancient hilltop basilica of Fourvière to the bustling markets of Les Halles, Lyon offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered around every corner. Join us as we journey through the heart of this vibrant city, where past and present intertwine to create a truly unforgettable exploration of French heritage.
We will begin today on Rue de Bonnel, at Les Halles Market, conveniently located next to 2 parking lots servicing the market. I hope you have brought your comfortable walking shoes, because we have quite a journey for you today that will include some moderate climbs. But don’t worry, we have included good spots to take a break and get refreshment. Everybody ready? Great! Follow your navigation and we will begin shortly.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
- Category
- Language
- Mode
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Market
44 Rue de Bonnel, 69003 Lyon, France
Les Halles
We begin today at Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, commonly referred to as Les Halles, a renowned covered food market located right behind us. Named after the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, this culinary haven is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Established in 1859, Les Halles has evolved into a gastronomic paradise, showcasing the finest products from local producers, artisans, and chefs. Inside its bustling halls, visitors are greeted by a cornucopia of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, seafood, pastries, and gourmet specialties, each offering a tantalizing glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Lyon and the surrounding region.
One of the highlights of Les Halles is its vibrant atmosphere, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market create an immersive sensory experience. Visitors can wander through the aisles, sampling artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and wines, engaging with passionate vendors who take pride in their craft and are eager to share their expertise.
In addition to its array of fresh produce and gourmet delights, Les Halles is home to a variety of eateries, ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, visitors can savor traditional Lyonnaise dishes, such as quenelles, saucisson, and coq au vin, prepared with the finest ingredients sourced directly from the market.
Beyond its role as a culinary destination, Les Halles serves as a cultural landmark and a hub of community activity, hosting events, cooking demonstrations, and tastings throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned food connoisseur or simply seeking to immerse yourself in Lyon's gastronomic heritage, a visit to Les Halles promises a feast for the senses and an unforgettable culinary experience.
Established in 1859, Les Halles has evolved into a gastronomic paradise, showcasing the finest products from local producers, artisans, and chefs. Inside its bustling halls, visitors are greeted by a cornucopia of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, seafood, pastries, and gourmet specialties, each offering a tantalizing glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Lyon and the surrounding region.
One of the highlights of Les Halles is its vibrant atmosphere, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market create an immersive sensory experience. Visitors can wander through the aisles, sampling artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and wines, engaging with passionate vendors who take pride in their craft and are eager to share their expertise.
In addition to its array of fresh produce and gourmet delights, Les Halles is home to a variety of eateries, ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, visitors can savor traditional Lyonnaise dishes, such as quenelles, saucisson, and coq au vin, prepared with the finest ingredients sourced directly from the market.
Beyond its role as a culinary destination, Les Halles serves as a cultural landmark and a hub of community activity, hosting events, cooking demonstrations, and tastings throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned food connoisseur or simply seeking to immerse yourself in Lyon's gastronomic heritage, a visit to Les Halles promises a feast for the senses and an unforgettable culinary experience.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.09mi
, Attraction : Dining
5 Quai Victor Augagneur, 69003 Lyon, France
Cuisine
Lyon, often hailed as the gastronomic capital of France, boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects the city's history, culture, and geography. Lyon's cuisine is characterized by its hearty, rustic flavors, emphasis on local ingredients, and a deep appreciation for culinary craftsmanship.
Traditional Lyonnais Bouchons bistros are at the heart of the city's culinary scene. Known for their convivial atmosphere and hearty fare, bouchons serve up classic Lyonnais dishes like quenelles (fish dumplings), pike perch dumplings), and tablier de sapeur (breaded and fried beef tripe).
Lyon is famous for its charcuterie, or cured meats, which play a prominent role in its cuisine. Specialties include saucisson sec (dry-cured sausage), rosette (cured pork loin), and andouillette (tripe sausage). These meats are often served as part of a charcuterie board or incorporated into dishes like salade lyonnaise, which features frisée lettuce, lardons, poached egg, and croutons.
Lyonnais cuisine embraces offal, or organ meats, as a culinary delicacy. Dishes like tête de veau (calf's head), cervelle de canut (fresh cheese seasoned with herbs), and gras double (tripe) are beloved by locals and visitors alike for their rich, robust flavors.
Sausages hold a special place in Lyonnais cuisine, with varieties like saucisson de Lyon (pork sausage flavored with pistachios) and andouillette (tripe sausage) being particularly popular. These sausages are often served grilled or cooked in a variety of stews and casseroles.
Lyon is home to several iconic dishes that have become synonymous with the city's culinary identity. Poulet au vinaigre (chicken in vinegar sauce), quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings served with sauce Nantua), and coq au vin (chicken braised in red wine) are just a few examples of the hearty, flavorful fare you'll find in Lyon.
No visit to Lyon would be complete without indulging in its decadent pastries and desserts. From the buttery delights of tarte aux pralines (praline tart) to the delicate perfection of île flottante (floating island dessert), Lyon offers a sweet treat for every palate.
Traditional Lyonnais Bouchons bistros are at the heart of the city's culinary scene. Known for their convivial atmosphere and hearty fare, bouchons serve up classic Lyonnais dishes like quenelles (fish dumplings), pike perch dumplings), and tablier de sapeur (breaded and fried beef tripe).
Lyon is famous for its charcuterie, or cured meats, which play a prominent role in its cuisine. Specialties include saucisson sec (dry-cured sausage), rosette (cured pork loin), and andouillette (tripe sausage). These meats are often served as part of a charcuterie board or incorporated into dishes like salade lyonnaise, which features frisée lettuce, lardons, poached egg, and croutons.
Lyonnais cuisine embraces offal, or organ meats, as a culinary delicacy. Dishes like tête de veau (calf's head), cervelle de canut (fresh cheese seasoned with herbs), and gras double (tripe) are beloved by locals and visitors alike for their rich, robust flavors.
Sausages hold a special place in Lyonnais cuisine, with varieties like saucisson de Lyon (pork sausage flavored with pistachios) and andouillette (tripe sausage) being particularly popular. These sausages are often served grilled or cooked in a variety of stews and casseroles.
Lyon is home to several iconic dishes that have become synonymous with the city's culinary identity. Poulet au vinaigre (chicken in vinegar sauce), quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings served with sauce Nantua), and coq au vin (chicken braised in red wine) are just a few examples of the hearty, flavorful fare you'll find in Lyon.
No visit to Lyon would be complete without indulging in its decadent pastries and desserts. From the buttery delights of tarte aux pralines (praline tart) to the delicate perfection of île flottante (floating island dessert), Lyon offers a sweet treat for every palate.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Les Halles
Place 2
Cuisine
Place 3
Rhone
Place 4
Place de la Republique
Place 5
Place de Jacobins
Place 6
Place Bellecour
Place 7
Saone and Pont Bonaparte
Place 8
Tramassac and Funicular
Place 9
Cathedral Saint-Jean Baptiste
Place 10
Old Lyon
Place 11
Les Traboules
Place 12
Puppetry
Place 13
Cabaret
Place 14
Urban Legends
Place 15
Passerelle Saint-Vincent
Place 16
Fresque des Lyonanaise
Place 17
Famous Figures
Place 18
Place des Terreaux
Place 19
The Lyon National Opera
Place 20
Louis Pradel Square and Sculptures
Place 21
Story TIme
Place 22
Escalier Mermet
Place 23
The Roman Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
Place 24
Montee de la Grande-Cote
Place 25
Jardin de la Grand Cote
Place 26
Place de la Croix-Rousse
Place 27
Silk Industry
Place 28
La Maison des Canuts
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 28 stops, covering top attractions such as Les Halles, Cuisine, Rhone, Place de la Republique, Place de Jacobins.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Les Halles (Address: 44 Rue de Bonnel, 69003 Lyon, France). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!