La Croix-Rousse Free Walking Tour

Discover the highlights of historic Lyon, from the vibrant former silk workers’ area to the lively city center and the old town, renowned as the most emblematic segment of the city!

Tour Overview

At the scheduled time, we will gather at 9 Mnt de la Grande-Côte?, right outside the Barabaar Restaurant, to commence an engaging free tour that delves into Lyon's rich past. Let's embark on this adventure!

Our exploration kicks off at Le Mur des Canuts, recognized as the largest mural across Europe. This remarkable fresco narrates the story of Lyon’s silk artisans, and we will delve into its intriguing history while taking in the artwork.

Next, our path leads us through the La Croix-Rousse neighborhood, celebrated for its delightful pâtisseries and wine bars. As we wander through its picturesque streets, we will reach the Croix-Rousse Market, the lively hub of the area, frequented by locals for their grocery needs. Continuing our journey, we aim for the Maison des Canuts Museum, which highlights Lyon’s longstanding ties to the silk industry through an impressive array of collections and displays.

Did you know about the resistance movement that took place in Lyon in 1848? As we head towards the Cour des Voraces courtyard, we will explore the backdrop to this uprising and uncover the significant impact of Jean Moulin in the city’s narrative. Here, we will also come across one of Lyon’s notable traboules—secret passages formerly utilized by silk workers and those involved in the resistance.

We will then cross through Place Chardonnet, an additional central plaza, as we progress towards the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls. This Roman historical site played a vital role during Lyon’s days as a pivotal Roman city. Following this, we will descend Montée de la Grande-Côte, which leads us to the stunning Fontaine Bartholdi, a magnificent fountain created by the same artist behind the Statue of Liberty.

After approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of engaging sightseeing, we will conclude our experience at the Place du Gouvernement. We look forward to seeing you again!

Group Size

This free tour accommodates a maximum of six people per group, even when booking separately. For those traveling in larger parties, we suggest exploring the option of a private tour of Lyon.