Self-Guided Tours in Lyon with 100 Captivating Audio Stories

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to La Presqu'ile!

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Let me take you on a journey to the western heights of Lyon, to a prominent hill and its central district, known as Fourvière. Dubbed the hill that prays, Fourvière is a place where whispers of history and echoes of prayers intersect. The counterpart of the city's industrious hill that works (Croix-Rousse), it carries a title that reflects its spiritual aura and the religious architectures that grace its landscape.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Picture yourself meandering through the labyrinthine streets of Lyon, the city's rich history echoing from every corner. Suddenly, you stumble upon an intriguing passageway - a Traboule. Now, these are no ordinary pedestrian routes, they're a distinctive feature of several French cities, but the most renowned are found right here in Lyon. Intrigued? Well, you should be!

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Hold your breath as we step into Park de la Tête-d'Or located in Lyon; not just an ordinary park, but a mesmerizing urban sanctuary, ranking amongst the largest in France. Opened in 1857, it's a true masterpiece by the renowned Bühler brothers and coexists with Central Park in New York, birthed the same year.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Discover Place Bellecour, a gem of urban grandeur. With its awe-inspiring size of 62,000 square meters, it stands as the largest pedestrian square in Europe and the fifth-largest square in all of France. As the heartbeat of Lyon, it marks the zero-kilometer point, from which all distances in Lyon are measured.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Step into the mesmerizing time capsule that is Le Vieux Lyon, the medieval and Renaissance heart of the city of Lyon. Located on the right banks of the Saône, at the foot of Fourvière Hill, this not only one of the largest Medieval and Renaissance districts but also one of the least changed over centuries.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Imagine standing atop the hill of Fourvière, your breath stolen by the commanding view of Lyon sprawling beneath your feet. You're not alone, for with you stands an architectural marvel - the awe-inspiring Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

ique, ensconced in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Gather around, listeners, as we delve into the enthralling tales of the greater Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste-et-Saint-Étienne, located in the center of medieval Old Lyon. This venerated seat of the Archbishop of Lyon isn't just a cathedral! Bearing a dual status, it also chimes as the primate of Gaul.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Step into Lyon's heart, the world-renowned Place des Terreaux. This bustling square, nestled within Lyon's first arrondissement, is embraced by two iconic landmarks, the City Hall (the Hôtel de Ville) and the Museum of Fine Arts (le musée des Beaux-Arts), providing an atmosphere that is as captivating as it is inspiring.

of Lyon's peninsula, between the Terreaux and Jacobins squares, lies Saint-Nizier church - an architectural jewel that serves as one of the most significant spiritual centers in the Capital of Gaules. But did you know this Catholic monument wasn't always the prestigious edifice that we see today?

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to Rue Saint-Jean, the pedestrian heartbeat of Vieux Lyon, nestled in the 5th arrondissement of this exquisite town. As the main artery of the quarter, it sees a river of locals and tourists day in, out, creating a harmony of different languages and cultures intertwined.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to the belly of Lyon, more officially known as the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse! Nestled in the 3rd arrondissement, this vibrant hub is a gastronomic paradise, serving as an emblem of Lyon's culinary magic.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Step right up and allow me introduce you to the charm of La Croix-Rousse. Perched high on a hill of Lyon, this district is a captivating mélange of history and contemporary charm, offering enthralling stories and titbits for the curious traveller.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Imagine you're standing in Lyon's historic Vieux-Lyon district, before one of the city's oldest churches – St Paul’s Church. A dance of romance and gothic architecture tells the tale of this landmark, the pride of St Paul’s neighborhood, steeped in history and shrouded in mystery.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: We explore a towering marvel, situated on the Fourvière hill in Lyon. The metallic tower of Fourvière, or le Picon as some locals lovingly call it. An architectural wonder, straight from the pages of history, this tower offers an unobstructed panorama of the Vieux Lyon district and the Saône course. Standing at a height of 372 meters above sea level, it commands the city's highest point.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: A historic and quintessential Lyon square, the Place Carnot. Sited in Ainay, a quarter in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement, Place Carnot is a beacon of the city's ever-changing political tides and a testament to its rich past.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Step into the beating heart of Lyon at the Place des Jacobins, an enchanting square nestled in the reputable Bellecour district. With a history that is as numerous as the tiles beneath your feet, this location is a tale of transformation, from humble beginnings to the thriving hub it is today.

ement of Lyon, hidden amidst towering modern edifices and busy streets, awaits a rare jewel. The enchanting Church of Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux, one of the city's elusive Baroque relics, teems with captivating tales and a tranquil grace that will captivate your soul.

e magnificent Lyon-Perrache railway station, it's easy to imagine the smell of steam, the churning of gears, and the cacophony of arrivals and departures. Nestled in the heart of Lyon, the capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this station is much more than a transportation hub; it's a page pulled straight from the book of history.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: We now delve into the tale of the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls nestled in the heart of Lugdunum, now known as Lyon. This ancient edifice, now immersed in modernity, is not just stone and mortar. It’s a testament to the profound Roman influence that once swathed the Three Gauls and the rich history that unfolded within its mighty walls.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to the historic Place Sathonay. Anchored at the foot of the iconic neighborhood of Croix-Rousse in Lyon, France, this quaint square pulsates with life and history. It derives its name from Nicolas-Marie-Jean-Claude Fay de Sathonay, the mayor of Lyon from 1805 to 1812.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to the captivating Parc Blandan, an urban haven spanning 17 hectares nestled within Lyon's seventh arrondissement. Once the site of the historic Sergeant Blandan Barracks, known as Fort Lamothe, this area has been transfigured into a prominent public park unveiled on September 13, 2013.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Allow me to transport you to the opulent Palais de la Bourse, also known as Palais du Commerce, which resides elegantly within Lyon's second arrondissement in France. This architectural marvel was inaugurated in 1860 by none other than Emperor Napoleon III.

or the ComUE Lyon Saint-Étienne, an influential entity that binds together not merely one or two, but eleven higher education and research institutions bridging the cities of Lyon and Saint-Étienne, along with the prestigious National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS.

of the Ainay district, a captivating tale captured within the walls of the Basilique Saint-Martin d'Ainay, an ancient Romanesque-style abbey from the twelfth century sitting in the heart of the peninsula of Lyon.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to the world of the ancient Roman Aqueduct of Gier, a captivating architectural masterpiece that once served the ancient city of Lugdunum, known today as Lyon. A thrilling feat of Roman engineering, this monolithic behemoth carves a winding path of 85 kilometers, making it the longest of the four aqueducts that served the city. The gargantuan architectural marvel derives its name from the illustrious fact that it drew water from the springs of the Gier, a tributary of the Rhone.

he Place du Maréchal-Lyautey, a square that has been a chameleon of names through the ages.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Lyon as we delve into the story of a lesser-known but every bit as fascinating public square, Place Rouville.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Imagine a steep, cobbled passage winding its way up and around a hill, leading from the bustling centre of Lyon to the historic district of Croix-Rousse. This is Montée de la Grande-Côte, an iconic pathway that has stood the test of time since the Middle Ages, and a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: An oasis of tranquility nestled within the bustling city of Lyon, France - the Ile Barbe. This island in the Saône River offers much more than a mere geographic destination—it's a voyage through time.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Unravel the fabric of Lyon's rich historical narrative as we delve into the tale of the Bourse du Travail. Today, it's a thriving venue for cultural events, but once, the walls of this grand structure throbbed with the pulsating fervor of revolutionary activism since its founding year in 1891.

amic cultural hub situated in Lyon’s first arrondissement.

of the 3rd Arrondissement of Lyon: Place Voltaire.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: the Rue Victor-Hugo, once known as Rue de Bourbon, a pedestrian walkway that breathes with vibrant stories.

gineering and sheer romanticism synonymous with trains at the incredible Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station, located in Colombier-Saugnieu, a mere 20 kilometres from Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in France. Initially named Satolas-TGV, this French high-speed train station is a key service point for the Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Imagine for a moment, the river Saône gently flowing under the majestic Pont Bonaparte, a vital bridge linking the vibrant neighborhoods of Bellecour and Saint-Jean in Lyon.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Pont de la Guillotière, the oldest bridge across the Rhône in Lyon, France.

and spanning 8 hectares (nearly 20 acres) cradled within the enchanting Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon. This is the Lyon Botanical Garden, a living, breathing library of over 15,000 species of plants.

re, the vibrant artery of the Cordeliers district in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France.

Château de La Motte, nestled in the heart of Lyon's 7th arrondissement on the city's left bank. The château, a strategic outpost and shelter from the floods, proffers an intriguing history steeped in regional influence and grandeur.

ly gracing the city of Lyon, nestled between the Mulatière bridge and a former water station. This is the Port Rambaud, a historical gem located in the Confluence district at the end of the presqu'île, on the Saône River.

on of Lyon's rich past and blooming future.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: An enchanting destination just north of Lyon, France: Les Monts d'Or. Unravel the mysteries of these mountains, where intriguing stories of the past and geological wonders await.

he Saône, the towering Fort Saint-Jean is a proud testament to Lyon's rich military history. This bastion from the 16th century graces the heart of the city in the 1st arrondissement, on the east bank of the Saône.

ity of Irigny, amongst the vibrant cityscape of Lyon and the striking backdrop of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, you'll find the captivating Château de la Combe.

d space without leaving the ground as we delve into the fascinating history of the Lyon Observatory. This grand institution, located in Saint-Genis-Laval, near Lyon, was established in 1878, under the presidential decree of Mac Mahon.

One of 100 location-based stories to explore: Welcome to the beating heart of Lyon's distinct village within a city, the Place de la Croix-Rousse. Nestled in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon, its intriguing geometry is a result of two uniquely shaped parts, an alluring northern triangle and luring southern trapezoid, meshing together in perfect harmony.

More affectionately referred to as Place du Pont due to its proximity to the iconic Pont de la Guillotière, this public square offers a vibrant heart to the city, striding confidently between the 3rd and 7th arrondissements.

Nestled at 5 rue du General Mouton Duvernet in Lyon's 3rd arrondissement, this compelling fortress stands like a sentinel, stoic and resilient, a silent witness to French history's many layers.