This winkling city will reveal itself to you during a guided visit by coach and on foot. Our excursion will start with a stop at the Fourvière Basilica. You'll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Basilica before entering it. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old roman forum. The small chapel that was first dedicated to Saint Thomas and then to the Virgin Mary has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its current known form dates back to 1740 and its most recent renovation was in 2008. After our visit we'll return to the coach and move on to Lyon's Old Town. You will take a walking tour with our guide and discover the "traboules”, types of passageways that are typical of the city. The first traboules are thought to have been built in the 4th century. There was a water shortage in Lugdunum (the Gallo-Roman name that was given to Lyon at the time) that led its inhabitants to settle in the "lower city” on the banks of the Saône, at the foot of the hills of Fourvière. The traboules were thus used to reach the river quickly. You'll enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district, in the heart of the Old Town. Return on board for lunch.
PLEASE NOTE
- Please dress appropriately to enter the Basilica.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Times are approximate.
- The order of the visits can change.
This winkling city will reveal itself to you during a guided visit by coach and on foot. Our excursion will start with a stop at the Fourvière Basilica. You'll first take in the breathtaking views from the heights of the Basilica before entering it. In 1168, a chapel was built in Fourvière by Olivier de Chavannes, the Saint Jean canon, over the ruins of the old roman forum. The small chapel that was first dedicated to Saint Thomas and then to the Virgin Mary has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its current known form dates back to 1740 and its most recent renovation was in 2008. After our visit we'll return to the coach and move on to Lyon's Old Town. You will take a walking tour with our guide and discover the "traboules”, types of passageways that are typical of the city. The first traboules are thought to have been built in the 4th century. There was a water shortage in Lugdunum (the Gallo-Roman name that was given to Lyon at the time) that led its inhabitants to settle in the "lower city” on the banks of the Saône, at the foot of the hills of Fourvière. The traboules were thus used to reach the river quickly. You'll enjoy some free time in the Saint Jean district, in the heart of the Old Town. Return on board for lunch.
PLEASE NOTE
- Please dress appropriately to enter the Basilica.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- Times are approximate.
- The order of the visits can change.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
LYON - MÂCON - VIENNE - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - ARLES - VIVIERS - TOURNON - LYON
History and authenticity will be on the program throughout your cruise on the Rhone. You will discover cities with rich historical and cultural pasts such as Lyon with its famous 'traboules' - secret passages. Visit the Cluny Abbey, which has had an exceptional political, artistic and religious influence on Europe, then admire the castle of Tournon which stands upright on its majestic rock in the heart of the town and houses a museum labeled "Museum of France" since 1927.
The tip of Provence to Lyon on the Rhône and Saône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
MARTIGUES(1) - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - The Camargue - ARLES - AVIGNON - VIVIERS - LA VOULTE - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - LYON - MÂCON - BELLEVILLE - TRÉVOUX - LYON
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Martigues to Lyon, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
LYON - MACON - The Beaujolais vineyards - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - The Vercors - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - MARTIGUES(1)
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Lyon to Martigues, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
LYON - MACON - The Beaujolais vineyards - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - The Vercors - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - MARTIGUES(1) - Lyon or Marseille(2)
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Lyon to Martigues, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
The tip of Provence to Lyon on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
Lyon or Marseille(2) - MARTIGUES(1) - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - The Camargue - ARLES - AVIGNON - VIVIERS - LA VOULTE - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - LYON - MÂCON - BELLEVILLE - TRÉVOUX - LYON
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Martigues to Lyon, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
The Valleys of the Rhône and Saône: Gastronomy and vineyards (port-to-port cruise)
LYON - TAIN L'HERMITAGE - VIENNE - LYON - COLLONGES AU MONT D'OR - MÂCON - BELLEVILLE - LYON
Gastronomy and viticulture enthusiasts, this cruise between Rhône and Saône will seduce you. From the Rhone Valley to the Beaujolais vineyards, through the vineyards of Côte Rôtie and the terroir of Condrieu, go for a discovery tour with tastings that will tantalize your palate.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon (port-to-port cruise)
LYON
Take a pre-holiday break at Lyon’s annual Festival of Lights—a magical, ephemeral tradition dating back to 1852. At nightfall, as the city’s beautiful buildings begin to glow, you'll experience an enchantment unique to Lyon.