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Rhone-Alpes Culture & history

Our most recommended Rhone-Alpes Culture & history

Lyon: 2-Hour Panoramic E-Bike Tour

1. Lyon: 2-Hour Panoramic E-Bike Tour

Begin your tour with a 15 minute training session on how to safely use your e-bike. Then head out on a fantastic trip discovering the two must-see hills of Lyon: Fourvière and Croix-Rousse.  During the tour, you will stop at various points to admire views over Lyon. You will be impressed by the beautiful panorama visible from the hill of Fourvière, famous for its wonderful basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. You will also see a Gallo-Roman theater and your guide will describe to you the foundation of Lyon, called at that time Lugdunum.  Next head to the Croix-Rousse, well known for the silk industry, where the Canuts or silk workers once lived and worked. Admire the beautifully painted buildings which now make up one of the city's most unique and vibrant districts.

From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

2. From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

Board a comfortable vehicle, drive along Geneva lake to reach the fortified village of Yvoire. It is authentic, with its ramparts and gates that were used to defend the town. Built in 1036, Yvoire’s castle is the target of all photography-lovers of Yvoire. When under construction in the 14th century, the military dungeon was used to watch the navigation and control the road that linked Geneva to the high valley of the Rhône and to Italy. Today, the majestic shape of the castle is still standing as a sentinel on Lake Geneva. Spend some free time and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place. Enjoy the restaurants with its typical fish dish called “filet de perche” in front of the magnificent Lake. Classified among the most beautiful villages of France, the medieval city of Yvoire, fishermen's authentic village, is situated right by the Leman Lake. It is outstandingly flowery and livened up by artists and craftsmen, is one of the inescapable sites of Chablais. You will be enchanted with the Garden “des Cinq Sens” and its labyrinth of greenery. 700-years-old, the village has miraculously preserved invaluable testimonies of past: castle, ramparts, doors and ditch. It is a member of a prestigious Association of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. You will have a map and you can wonder yourself in this beautiful village. To come back to Geneva, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque” cruise, an original journey to enjoy the banks of the lake from the water.

Lyon: Old Town City Exploration Game

3. Lyon: Old Town City Exploration Game

Discover Lyon’s fascinating history and attractions while you solve clues around the old town. Explore this charming city in France by playing a quest with your friends, significant other, or family. Each clue leads you from one place to another, so you won't need a map, GPS, or guide. As you solve the problems and guess the answers, the secret story of each location is unlocked. The city game will take you about 1.5 hours to complete, but there’s no time limit, allowing you to go at your own pace. You won't need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point, and begin the adventure.

Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center

4. Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center

Visit one of the loveliest cities of the Rhône-Alpes region of France: Annecy. It's situated in the Alps, so if you love skiing this is the place for you. Today, you can enjoy a private walking tour of Annecy with private guides who will take you to all the spots that interest you most! Also known as the "Second Venice," Annecy has plenty of beauty in store. See the Palais de l'Isle, which was a prison in the 12th century, and for something completely different, move on to cross the bridge of lovers. Another must-see is the gleaming lake of Annecy, inarguably a city highlight. Before you end your day in Annecy, you are also recommended to visit the Old Town, a lovely area full of quaint cafés to keep visitors well-fueled and busy. If there is any place in particular you would like to go but it is not mentioned in the tour description, just ask your guide and he or she will be happy to take you wherever you want to go.

Aosta: Private Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings

5. Aosta: Private Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings

Aosta is an ancient city with a complex and charming history; Take the chance to discover it with a qualified guide who will show you the artistic excellence and landmarks, pointing out the most secret corners of the city, as well as the amazing Mont Blanc.   The walk begins from Porta Pretoria, the main gate of the Roman center, before heading towards the stupefying facade of the Roman Theater. See the amazing cryptoporticus, an underground gallery framing the two original twin temples of the holy terrace. Next, pass by the classic landmarks the Sant'Orso collegiate church and the Aosta Cathedral with its two characteristic clock towers.   The tour will end with a tasting of typical products including a selection of cured meat, two kinds of Fontina cheese, Toma from Gressoney, and two glasses of local wine.

Lyon Unesco: Private Walking Tour

6. Lyon Unesco: Private Walking Tour

Embark on a guided walking tour of Lyon and discover city highlights, from the dramatic views at Fourvière to the secretive traboules. Step inside the Guignol Puppet Museum and enjoy insightful commentary from your guide. Begin your guided adventure at Place Saint-Jean and scout out the hidden traboules. Learn about these covered passageways and how weavers and silk merchants used them to transport fabrics. Stroll along the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon and stop at the Guignol Puppet Museum. Explore the interior and see the creative and unusual puppets. Continue to the Fourvière Hill and marvel at the Basilica perched on top. Hear fun facts and stories about Lyon as your guide explains the local history, culture, tradition, gastronomy, and the best activities to do in Lyon during your stay. Finish your tour at the bustling Rue Mercière.

Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

7. Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

If you are looking for a romantic adventure, then this excursion is the perfect match for you! This trip can be organised according to your preferences, offering a personal approach. Start the journey from any convenient location for you in Geneva. Hop into a comfortable car or minivan for a short but pleasant ride to the charming town of Annecy, situated 35 km away from Geneva and right at the base of the snow-covered Alps. Annecy is also known as the “Venice of the Alps” due to the Thiou River flowing through the town creating canals reminiscent of Venice. Located beside the clear waters of Lake Annecy, the town offers a large green park with walkways, tiny bridges, fountains, swans and options for boating activities. Wander around and explore the delightful Old town, which was built in the Middle Ages. Take a look at the central landmark of Annecy – Palais de I’lsle, a medieval castle and prison built in the 12th century that is now an art and history museum. Discover the Chateau d’Annecy – a renovated castle, dominating the town. Afterward, you will take a boat trip and sail around the lake to see the tiny villages dotted at the shores of the lake, the Menthon Saint Bernard – a castle built in the 13th century and enjoy the beautiful view.  You can have a meal by trying local dishes at one of the canal-side cafes or restaurants. Do not forget to bring your camera, as it is going to be a very picturesque journey!

Lyon : Fourvière District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

8. Lyon : Fourvière District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Explore a district known as the cradle of Lyon with its incredible ruins still standing. Let the district come to life with stories of its history automatically triggered by your location as you walk. Begin your tour on the Esplanade de Fourvière and its mini replica of the Eiffel Tower. Discover the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the symbol of the city, majestically placed on the hill. Stroll through sights like the Amphitheater and the Sanctuary of Cybèle. Use the app to go at your own pace, and take breaks whenever you wish. Hear fascinating facts about the district as your discover its heritage in this relaxed and informative way.

Lyon: French Resistance Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

9. Lyon: French Resistance Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Follow in the footsteps of those who fought the Nazi's in WWII during the French resistance in Lyon. Use your smartphone that will automatically activate as you pass different locations. Stop and start as you please and see the Capital of the Resistance as it was during the war. Relive the dark history of the French resistance from 1940 to 1944 as you are lead through the streets, traboules and secret meeting places. Discover clandestine printing shops and walk in the footsteps of Jean Moulin and all the other known and unknown Resistance fighters.

Lyon: City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour with App

10. Lyon: City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour with App

Explore Lyon like a local using an app with audio narration and excellent navigation. Choose which sights you'd like to see and let the app do the work by customizing a walking route for you. Stop at each landmark to listen to information provided by the app, learning about each area in depth. Immerse yourself in Lyon's fascinating culture and history thanks to this app. Visit iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyon Cathedral, and many more. Best of all, steer clear of crowded group tours with strict schedules. Stop whenever you feel like it to visit each sight in depth or to taste the delicious local dishes Lyon is famous for, and enjoy a walking tour of this city at your own pace.

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What people are saying about Rhone-Alpes

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 155 reviews

Cool bike ride through Lyon along all the sights, monumental buildings in the different districts, the amphitheatre, Olympic Swimming Pool, park along rivers and the two lookout hills. There will be time to visit the basilica inside and the amphitheater. There is a tap halfway through to fill your water bottle. The electric bikes are wonderful and have a basket in front for your stuff. The staff is nice and lives in Lyon. They know the road and city very well and are nice.

Excellent and informative walking tour of Annecy. Aude, our guide, packed a tremendous amount of history, geography, and architecture into a two-hour tour. My wife, who’s not as big a fan of walking tours as I am, thoroughly enjoyed it. Aude also offered numerous helpful suggestions for things to do on the remainder of our stay. We says parts of the old city we likely would not have encountered if we’d simply wandered the city ourselves. Highly recommended.

Very interesting information and a fun way to start exploring the city. App was a bit challenging to get going but worked wonderfully once started. App does a great job of guiding. Looking forward to finding another one!

Great way to see the city and all the major points of interest with a local! Worth it!

Great way to explore Lyon. E-bikes are a must - lots of fun.