Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Non smoking
History
Lyon, founded as Lugdunum in 43 BC by the Romans, was a major capital of Roman Gaul, known for its strategic position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its ancient heritage is evident in landmarks like the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a 19th-century symbol of Lyon’s religious and cultural prominence. The Vieux Lyon district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Renaissance architecture with its traboules (hidden passageways) and preserved 15th-17th century buildings, reflecting the city’s wealth as a silk-trading hub.
Lyon’s cultural legacy extends to its modern identity as France’s gastronomic capital and a center for art and innovation, seen in landmarks like the Fresque des Lyonnais, a vibrant mural celebrating local figures, and the futuristic Musée des Confluences. The city’s blend of Roman roots, Renaissance prosperity, and contemporary vibrancy makes it a dynamic destination, with this hop-on hop-off tour offering a window into its layered history and architectural diversity.
Highlights
- Visit the iconic Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
- See the famous Fresque des Lyonnais painted wall.
- Discover the historic Vieux Lyon district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Full Description
Explore Lyon’s rich tapestry of history and culture with a 1-day (or optional 2-day) hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour, starting at 15 Place Bellecour. Aboard an open-top double-decker bus, enjoy panoramic views of the city’s landmarks across 9 strategically placed stops, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The tour includes a free multilingual audio guide via the REWIND app (downloadable to your smartphone, bring headphones), offering commentary in multiple languages about Lyon’s heritage and attractions.
Pass iconic sites like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, perched atop Fourvière hill with sweeping city views, and the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a Roman relic. Explore the charming Vieux Lyon district, known for its Renaissance architecture and traboules, and admire the Fresque des Lyonnais mural, celebrating Lyon’s notable figures. Other stops include the futuristic Musée des Confluences, Place des Terreaux, and Palais de Justice. With departures from Place Bellecour at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM (no service 12–2 PM), this flexible tour lets you tailor your itinerary, hopping on and off to visit sites like the cathedral or riverfront at your leisure.
Why Choose This Experience?
This hop-on hop-off tour is ideal for visitors seeking a flexible, comprehensive introduction to Lyon’s landmarks, perfect for first-timers or those with limited time. The open-top bus offers unobstructed views, while the REWIND app’s audio guide provides engaging insights into Lyon’s Roman, Renaissance, and modern heritage. With 9 stops, including Vieux Lyon and Fourvière, it covers the city’s must-see sites efficiently.
The option to upgrade to a 2-day pass for just €5 more allows for a relaxed pace, ideal for exploring Lyon’s gastronomic scene or museums like the Musée des Confluences. Suitable for all ages, the tour’s eco-friendly audio app and free city map enhance convenience, making it a great way to discover Lyon’s charm and history without logistical hassle.
What’s Included
- 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket.
- Access to the REWIND app with multilingual audio commentary.
- Free map of Lyon.
- Access to 9 stops across key landmarks.
Itinerary
- Start at 15 Place Bellecour (main departure).
- Bus tour (75 minutes per loop) with stops at:
- Place Bellecour
- Place des Terreaux (21 rue d’Algérie)
- Palais de Justice (2 Quai des Célestins)
- Vieux Lyon (6 rue Adolphe Max)
- Musée des Confluences (86 Quai Perrache)
- Ancient Theatre of Fourvière (6 rue de l’Antiquaille)
- Fourvière (3 Place de Fourvière)
- Fresque des Lyonnais (49 Quai St Vincent)
- Return to Place Bellecour.
Pricing
From $29 per person (2-day pass: additional €5)
Meeting Point
Main departure at 15 Place Bellecour, Lyon (Open in Google Maps).
How to Get There
- By Metro: Take Line D to Bellecour station, directly at Place Bellecour.
- By Bus: Routes C20 or 27 stop at Bellecour, steps from the meeting point.
- By Foot: From Vieux Lyon, it’s a 10-minute walk across the Saône River to Place Bellecour.
- By Taxi/Rideshare: Request a drop-off at 15 Place Bellecour for direct access.
Good to Know
What to Bring:
- Passport or ID card (for verification).
- Headphones for the REWIND audio guide app.
- Charged smartphone for app access.
- Sun hat and sunscreen for open-top bus exposure.
- Water bottle (no food/drinks allowed on the bus).
Know Before You Go:
- Not allowed: Smoking, food, alcohol, bikes, or drugs on the bus.
- Download the REWIND app before the tour; bring personal headphones.
- Departure times from Place Bellecour: 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM (no service 12–2 PM).
- Tours operate rain or shine; dress for weather, as the bus is open-top.
- The bus is not fully wheelchair-accessible; contact the operator for mobility concerns.
- Stops are subject to minor changes due to traffic or events; check with staff at boarding.
Reviews
- Great way to get a layout of Lyon! The hop-on hop-off format was convenient, and I highly recommend it for first-time visitors.
- Enjoyed the tour; the REWIND app provided fascinating history about Lyon’s landmarks. Merci for a great experience!
- Excellent tour with a knowledgeable guide. The large group was well-managed, and the sights, like Vieux Lyon, were stunning.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
How does the REWIND audio guide app work, and do I need my own headphones?
The REWIND app, downloadable to your smartphone, provides multilingual audio commentary on Lyon’s landmarks, like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Fresque des Lyonnais. Download it before the tour using instructions in your booking. Bring personal headphones for clear listening, as none are provided, though the bus’s speakers may also play the audio. The app is eco-friendly and user-friendly, offering insights at each stop, enhancing your self-guided exploration of Lyon’s history and culture.
Can I hop on and off at any stop, and how long does each loop take?
Yes, you can hop on and off at any of the 9 stops (e.g., Vieux Lyon, Fourvière, Musée des Confluences) as many times as you like during the 1 or 2-day ticket validity. Each full loop takes approximately 75 minutes without disembarking, starting and ending at Place Bellecour. Plan extra time for exploring stops like Vieux Lyon’s traboules or the Fourvière hill, as the flexible format allows you to customize your itinerary based on interest.
Is the tour suitable for families with young children?
The tour is family-friendly, with no strenuous activity, as it’s entirely on a comfortable open-top bus. The audio guide’s stories about sites like the Basilica and Vieux Lyon can engage older children (6+), but younger ones may need supervision to stay interested. All attendees require a ticket. No strollers are needed, but food/drinks are not allowed on the bus, so bring snacks for kids to enjoy at stops. The open-top views and short loop make it manageable for families.
What happens if I miss a bus departure time?
Buses depart Place Bellecour hourly from 10 AM to 5 PM (except 12–2 PM). If you miss a departure, wait for the next bus at any of the 9 stops, as your ticket allows unlimited hop-on hop-off access during its validity (1 or 2 days). Check the schedule at boarding or ask staff for updates, as traffic or events may cause minor delays. Arrive early at stops to ensure seating, especially in peak seasons like summer.
How accessible is the tour for people with mobility challenges?
The bus is not fully wheelchair-accessible, and some stops, like Fourvière or Vieux Lyon, involve steps or uneven terrain if you hop off to explore. Those with mild mobility issues can stay on the bus for the full 75-minute loop, but disembarking may be challenging. Contact the operator in advance to discuss needs, though accommodations are limited. Bring comfortable shoes if planning to explore stops, and consider a companion for support on uneven paths like those in Vieux Lyon.
