Listen to the tour introductionA short audio preview of this tour
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Lyon: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Old Lyon incl. the Traboules & Place Bellecour
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.
Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 2h:02m walking tour in Lyon
For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant () to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place 1
Les Halles Recommended starting point
Distance: 0.00 mi · Attraction: Market
44 Rue de Bonnel, 69003 Lyon, France
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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.
Distance: 0.09 mi · Attraction: Dining
5 Quai Victor Augagneur, 69003 Lyon, France
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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.
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms. Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
Food and drinks
Physical tour guide.
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.
What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Place Bellecour, Cathedral Saint-Jean Baptiste, Les Traboules, Les Halles, Old Lyon and Tramassac and Funicular. In total, the tour has 28 points of interest along the route.
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!
Walking (OffRoad) tour
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
