Optional Social Events

Travel through time, styles and eras…

From Lugdunum to Lyon, 2000 years are watching you!

The esplanade of Fourvière offers a magnificent uninterrupted view of Lyon.

The discovery of the basilica, one of the symbols of the city, immerses you in the late 19th century. Don’t walk by without taking a look inside, because the interior is just as remarkable as the outside.

The tour brings you from the Basilica to the Gallo-Roman site where there is a great view of the entire Peninsula. Do not forget that Lugdunum was founded on the hill of Fourvière in 43 BC.

Your walk then takes you down towards Old Lyon. At the bottom of the hill, the Renaissance town stretches out along the banks of the river Saône. Walk through a few of the narrow streets and the squares and delve into the “traboules” to discover hidden courtyards, galleries and wells…

Worth Knowing

• Be careful, the descent of Fourvière hill involves many stairs.
• End of the visit in Old Lyon.
• Visit of the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica subject to access.

Old Lyon, Renaissance and its Traboules

An iconic district of the city,

The Secrets of Lyon’s Gastronomy

m the silk workers’ mâchon to the contents of the cooking pots of the mères lyonnais, the town has earned itself the firm reputation of a town in which the art of cooking has become a veritable religion. Inspired by this heritage, Paul Bocuse has added his own knowhow, becoming the first Chef to exert his influence at international level.

In the Presqu’île district this visit includes culinary anecdotes, food tasting in a “Bouchon lyonnais” and will enable you to discover Lyon’s heritage as well as its gastronomy.

Listed as a conservation area since 1964 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vieux-Lyon reveals its secrets as you delve into its history.

Urbanised since the Middle Ages, today the district covers 24 hectares and features buildings dating mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Starting at St. Jean Cathedral, with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, discover the treasures of the old town as you wander through the cobbled streets, between courtyards and Renaissance ‘traboules’. You will learn about the history of this district, going back to the time of the great fairs that brought wealth and fame to the city.

Relive the history of the great families of Lyon and abroad and discover the mark they have left on the city.

Pass through the traboules to discover these amazing passages from one street to another through the houses. Behind the doors of the neighbourhood, superbly renovated architectural treasures offer a glimpse of Lyon’s golden age, with galleries, towers and spiral staircases. 

From the silk workers’ mâchon to the contents of the cooking pots of the mères lyonnais, the town has earned itself the firm reputation of a town in which the art of cooking has become a veritable religion.
Inspired by this heritage, Paul Bocuse has added his own knowhow, becoming the first Chef to exert his influence at international level.

In the Presqu’île district this visit includes culinary anecdotes, food tasting in a “Bouchon lyonnais” and will enable you to discover Lyon’s heritage as well as its gastronomy.

Tasting session organised in a Bouchon Lyonnais restaurant, exclusive partner of the Lyon Tourist Office, in the spirit of the Lyon mâchon tradition. (Sweet and savoury tasting (with alcohol)  included)

Savoury specialities: rosette sausage, Jésus sausage, cooking sausage, grattons (pork rinds), cervelle de canut (cheese spread), Saint Marcelin or Saint Félicien cheese

Sweet Lyon specialities: pralines – Voisin Lyon cushions – Voisin Lyon quenelles 

Drinks: mineral water – regional wines (red and/or white Côte du Rhône, rosé) – non-alcoholic drinks on request: soft drinks, fruit juices