What to do and see in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes: The Best Private Tours

December 1, 2021 Renato Branum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon has 2,000 years of history imprinted on its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history in Vieux Lyon (one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods) and Lyon's two Roman amphitheatres, which still stage rock concerts today. It's no wonder Lyon is a popular area for travelers, with its dynamic university, first-class shopping, antique markets, vibrant theatre and music festivals, and a range of interesting museums, such as the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets. (When we say "interesting," we mean it.)
Restaurants in Lyon

1. Rhône Valley Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Lyon

Au Tour Du Vin Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

On the tour, you will discover the history of wine in this essential region and enjoy some great wine tastings with Syrah-based appellations (Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph) and Viognier-based appellations (Condrieu).

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By kstich4

We’d give Olivier more points if we could. He met us downtown Lyon and we took the long drive out to Bourgogne and had pleasant conversation the whole way. We visited a premier vineyard, a couple tasting rooms, and a couple region specific wine attractions and Olivier answered all of our questions along the way. We had a delicious lunch in a small town where we also did some sightseeing. Olivier has our full hearted recommendation for anyone looking to do a wine tour out of Lyon.

2. Beaujolais Region Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Lyon

Au Tour Du Vin Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

There’s a saying in Lyon that the third river flowing in Lyon is… Beaujolais wine. Enjoy this full day tour to discover this beautiful region: the rolling hills and vineyards of the Beaujolais region. You will have the opportunity to taste various local wines, not only the world-renown Beaujolais, but also the other types of wine produced in this area, as well as meeting professional wine-makers.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By mikeF5327YZ

My wife and I, our two adult children and their partners met Olivier at our rental apartment in Lyon for a full day in the northern Rhone Valley. We visited three outstanding wineries and tasted a variety of wines, including some delicious Cornas and an unusual white Chateau-neuf du Pape. We met with the winemakers in each case and learned about the history of the wineries. Olivier gave us a lot of history of the region. Two of the three wineries were able to ship purchases to the US. One referred me to their US importer. All do carry-out purchases, of course, so our apartment is stocked. We made a lunch stop at a very nice restaurant on the Rhone. We started at 9am (earlier than normal, as crowds were large due to Women's World Cup games in Lyon). We were back by 6pm. None of the wineries we visited were crowded; there were a couple of other small groups at two of them, but we still had a very nice private tour experience. We were the only people at the third. Olivier's English is great. He was able to accommodate our largeish group with no trouble. He knows the region and has studied wines and the industry. He was born and grew up in Lyon, so has lots of good advice for the city and surrounding activities. He is flexible and can tune the itinerary to suit the customer. Highly recommended!

3. Private Gourmet Tour : Halles Paul Bocuse Covered Market

Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon, France Tasty Lyon
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Immerse yourself in the very heart of the covered market to discover the best of local cuisine. High place of the Lyonnaise gastronomy, the covered market of Les Halles Paul Bocuse, is a must to discover the culinary culture and flavours of the city. Strolling through the market with your epicurean guide you will taste the best produce of the region which show the excellence of the producers but also creativity of the local cuisine. You will learn all about the « Mères Lyonnaises » and the little anecdotes around stared chefs and local specialities in a fun and convivial atmosphere. The gastro-nomic reputation of Lyon will no longer have secrets for you. We will have multiple tastings: from the traditional quenelle to the numerous cheeses and charcuterie, including sweet treats such as pink pralines and “Coussin de Lyon”. Tastings vary based on the season, but every tour is a real culinary delight for you taste buds !

Inclusions: Food tasting, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Private tour

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By J_from_Dusseldorf

I unfortunately cannot recommend this tour operator. I booked a tour with them and got the information that the tour was fully refundable. Given the Corona crisis, I had to cancel my tour. After the initial information that refunds need a bit longer (which I fully understand), nothing happened. I still haven´t received the refund after months and I have not received any information when/if this will happen at all, either. Any attempt to contact the company is being ignored. Neither do they answer to messages nor phone calls. Very disappointing...

4. Vienne & Côte Rôtie Private tour

Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France Tasty Lyon
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Wine lovers, you will fall under the spell of the beauty of this vineyard and the quality of its wines. An authentic tour with a cultural and gourmet discovery. Discover the famous Côte-Rôtie vineyards with this half-day tour which combines cultural discovery and tastings of local specialities and wine. Your passionate driver-guide takes you to the heart of the roman city of Vienne, where you will discover antic and medieval buildings. You will also enjoy a gourmet stop where you will taste the local charcuterie and cheeses and wine. The tour will continue with a visit of a family-run winery in the Côte-Rôtie vineyard. You will stroll in the wines and get a chance to meet with the winemaker and exchange with him. Of course, you will have a wine tasting of several wines. The Côte-Rôtie vineyard will no longer have secrets for you!

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Food tasting

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By J_from_Dusseldorf

I unfortunately cannot recommend this tour operator. I booked a tour with them and got the information that the tour was fully refundable. Given the Corona crisis, I had to cancel my tour. After the initial information that refunds need a bit longer (which I fully understand), nothing happened. I still haven´t received the refund after months and I have not received any information when/if this will happen at all, either. Any attempt to contact the company is being ignored. Neither do they answer to messages nor phone calls. Very disappointing...

5. Lyon Like a Local Customized Private Guided Tour

Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV, Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France Statue de Louis XIV, Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction to the city. Make travel about the people you meet not just the places you see. With our walking tours, you’ll skip the mundane historical tours and discover the city through a local’s eyes. Experience a tour that will transform the way you travel to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. Our local guides (Lokafyers) are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective. Since Lokafyers are not professional guides and tour occasionally, they provide an experience that’s authentic and personal, like a friend showing you around their city. By the end of the tour, you'll feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay.

Inclusions: Local guide ("Lokafyer", Customized private walking tour

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (optional), Optional activity costs, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)

6. Rhône Valley Terroir Private Tour with Local Cheese & Wine Tasting from Lyon

Rhône Trip
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the lyonnais terroir in 4 hours. On this back roads tour you will discover the fabulous wines of the Northern Rhône Valley and another local speciality, which is worth the trip for those people who love the “food & wine“ matching : the Rigotte de Condrieu, a goat cheese with a subtle and fragrant taste! Aboard our minivan you will see authentic and beautiful landscapes.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Wine tasting, Cheese tasting, licensed/certified guide-driver, Local guide, Transport by private air-conditioned minivan, Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By BigIslandGuyTravels

Having experienced wine tours in southern France, and other wine growing regions in other countries and having members in our family that are in the wine business. I understand the importance of selecting and having local guide that is from the region and has a passion for wine to inform you about the local variations. This is why I would recommend a private tour with this outfit.

7. Beaujolais Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Lyon

Rhône Trip
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

You will explore the most sensual vineyard in France ! Let’s go to the north of Lyon to discover a very nice hilly wine region that produces a light, fruity and gourmet wine with some character.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Lunch, Restroom on board

Reviewed By BigIslandGuyTravels

Having experienced wine tours in southern France, and other wine growing regions in other countries and having members in our family that are in the wine business. I understand the importance of selecting and having local guide that is from the region and has a passion for wine to inform you about the local variations. This is why I would recommend a private tour with this outfit.

8. Lyon Old District : Private Walking Tour

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Place Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France Akopso
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This private walking tour will take you to the most famous landmarks of UNESCO world heritage site, Lyon. Expert, multilingual guides create the ideal tour for first time visitors. Being a private tour, it can be tailored to your own personal interests if you specify them at your booking. Experience Lyon, France’s famous gastronomic capital. This tour is perfect for the first time visitor to Lyon. Get a summary of Lyon's old district: one of France’s most beautiful and historical cities. The tour will take you through the enchanting neighborhood of Saint-Jean. and you'll also be taken through Lyon’s famous ‘Traboules'. Here, your expert guide will explain the fascinating history behind these ancient underground passageways a true highlight for many visitors to Lyon. If you have a mobility issue/ reduced mobility please let us know after you have made your reservation, so that we can adapt this tour to you. We are happy to have you with us!

Inclusions: Live Tour Guide

Exclusions: Bottled water, Gratuities, Entrance fee to monuments or museums

Reviewed By Pia G

Interesting tour presenting a good overview of Lyon. Good start of a weekend visit. Best stop was Basilisque Fourvière.

9. Private Tour of Parc de la Tête d'or in Lyon

Porte des Enfants du Rhône, Parc de la Tête d'Or, Rue de Créqui, 69006 Lyon, France Lyon Pedicab Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

105 hectares, including a 16 hectare lake, three million visitors per year, 8,800 trees, 6,500 m2 of greenhouses, 30,000 rose bushes, a 3.9 km tour, the names of 10,600 dead for France engraved on a monument, 800 animals cared for by 21 agents and nearly a hundred gardeners ... Can we summarize a park such as that of the Tête d'Or by a few figures? The answer is absolutely NO. For this reason, let yourself be advised by your passionate guide who will tell you about all the wonders that this magical park hides. Combining a structured route to discover the different secrets of the park. Through its origins and its history, its botany and its curiosities we will discover this magnificent park and in the background we will discover the history of the city of Lyon. The tour includes two options: the walking tour for group tours and a pedicab option (maximum 2 people) for people with reduced mobility.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water

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Reviewed By sophiesF5934YZ

highly recommended in order to discover the old town of Lyon. I was the only participant of the day, but the guide didn't mind of it. He explained enthusiastically important facts of the history of Lyon. Very pleasant experience ! 신청했던 다른 투어는 일방적으로 캔슬당했는데 이 가이드는 매우 친절하게 투어를 진행했습니다. 리옹 여행 첫날에 신청해서 구시가지를 훑은 덕분에 남은 여행이 더욱 알찼습니다.

10. 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon

Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon, Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France Cyclo City Tours
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5.0 based on 47 reviews

Health and safety commitments: The tours have been suited to meet all of your requirements and provide you with a safe tour experience. Once you are comfortably seated in the electric pedicab, begin a tour of Lyon with a local guide who is passionate about the city. Learn about the history of Lyon from Roman times to the Renaissance and discover the city from another angle, in the heart of the historic districts. Discover the old town of Lyon, "Vieux Lyon", part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” On an extended 2-hour tour, visit the area of "Presqu'île", which is at the heart of the city and continue along the banks of the Rhone to enjoy a panoramic view of the hills of Fourviere and Croix-Rousse. Hear stories, historical facts, and anecdotes, as you explore some of the highlights of the city. Up to 2 adults and one child under 6 years old. 1 or 2-hour guided tour.

Inclusions: Explore Lyon by pedicab on a private and guided tour, Outdoor activity with a panoramic view, Hydroalcoholic gel and masks available, Equipped with a protective glass between the driver and his passengers, Pedicabs disinfected between each visit, Free for children under 6 years old

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