Lyon WWII and Resistance Tour with Audio Guide
Description
Explore Lyon's profound World War II narrative, where every street and square whispers stories of courage and resistance. The city stands as a living monument to human dignity, transforming historical trauma into a powerful testament of hope. From the secret stairways of Cour des Voraces to the silent tributes like Le Veilleur de Pierre, Lyon reveals layers of heroism hidden within its urban landscape. Walk Rue Victor-Hugo and Place Bellecour, where ordinary citizens became extraordinary resistance fighters. Visit the CHRD Lyon to delve into the raw, unfiltered stories of those who defied Nazi occupation. Saint-Nizier Church and Hôtel de Ville bear witness to Lyon's unbreakable spirit, while murals and historic sites transform urban spaces into powerful historical narratives. Each location is a chapter in a remarkable story of human resilience where art, heritage, and imagination intersect to honor those who fought for freedom against overwhelming odds.
Tour Options
Itinerary
At 9 Cours Gambetta, six young Resistance leaders were arrested by the Gestapo in 1944. Their courage ended in execution, but their legacy lives on as symbols of youthful defiance and sacrifice.
The CHRD honors Lyon’s role in the Resistance, housed in the former Gestapo HQ. It preserves testimonies, artifacts, and stories of courage, defiance, and the fight for justice during WWII.
Pont Gallieni spans the Rhône, a silent witness to wartime crossings and Resistance efforts. Once a lifeline for secret missions, it now flows peacefully through Lyon’s living history.
Place Carnot’s Monument aux Morts honors Lyon’s fallen heroes of both World Wars and the Resistance. A site of remembrance, it’s central to Liberation Day and VE Day commemorations.
Rue Victor-Hugo, now a lively shopping street, was once a vital artery for the Resistance where secret messages, whispered plans, and quiet courage helped fight Nazi occupation in the heart of Lyon.
Place Bellecour, Lyon’s central square, was once a key site of WWII occupation, arrests, and secret Resistance activity. Today, it stands as a vibrant tribute to the city’s enduring fight for freedom.
Place des Jacobins: once a Resistance hub, now a peaceful square honoring secret wartime bravery, underground presses, and heroic acts of rescue and defiance in Lyon’s Ainay Quarter.
Saint-Nizier Church, a Gothic landmark in Lyon, holds deep roots in history and defiance sheltering relics, surviving war, and even hosting a 1975 protest that echoed the spirit of Resistance.
Place des Terreaux blends beauty with history, once a covert hub for Resistance fighters, now a vibrant square echoing Lyon’s past of courage, secret presses, and silent defiance.
Lyon’s City Hall, a grand symbol of civic pride, became a silent witness to WWII Resistance efforts and the city’s liberation. A place where history, defiance, and celebration all met.
At 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine, a plaque honors 86 Jews arrested by the Gestapo in 1943. This haunting site marks one of Lyon’s darkest Holocaust tragedies never forgotten, never erased.
A hidden Resistance letterbox where General Delestraint was arrested in 1943, marking a turning point in Lyon's fight against Nazi occupation. Quiet walls with echoes of courage and betrayal.
A quiet fountain with wartime scars, honoring Auguste Burdeau and Lyon’s resilience, where even a missing statue tells a story of memory, loss, and the city’s enduring spirit.
The Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls echoes ancient Rome, Christian martyrdom, and Lyon’s spirit of resistance, standing as a timeless witness to faith, courage, and defiance.
Cour des Voraces is a powerful symbol of Lyon’s spirit, from silk worker revolts to WWII Resistance. Its stairway and traboule served as escape routes and secret strongholds.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(10)
I expected a lot of walking on this WWII tour and when I finished, I had walked six miles, some of it up a very long steep hill. I found the general info given interesting but each number (of which there are 39) only gives you around two minutes of info. To me, this just wasn't enough with the extensive walking between points. As I began the tour in the morning, the Prison museum wasn't open and did not open until the afternoon - 1400. Perhaps it would be beneficial to reverse the tour and finish at the prison when it opens in the afternoon. In addition, some of the information could do with updating. There were several places where the info said to look out for plaques that were no longer there, and especially the secret letterbox - the door entryway is encased in security fencing and gate, but on looking in there is no plaque indicating it. Really disappointing. I also advise jumping ahead on the info as some of the numbers say, 'keeping going and turn left' or 'right', even though you are following the map via GPS. Lastly, I feel the people on the tour would benefit from visual photos from archives to see the stopping points in the era or close to the era being described. As I did the tour on a hot, sunny bustling day in the city, I found it hard to fully imagine or relate to those dark moments. Altogether, this us a surface level tour about an incredibly important time in history. A lot more info could be shared and shown, as well as updated. I would only recommend it because there isn't another.
Great way to see Lyon. Lot’s of walking involved, though. If you are not ready for a 20km plus hike, this tour is probably not for you. But for us it worked really well. The narrative is a little repetitive, though.
There is a lot of walking and the audio stops often didn’t seem to have relevance to the surroundings and pointed out very few actual landmarks. The audio also got quite repetitious. Also for others, there is no need to start at number 1 to work your way through. You can start anywhere. Also the narrator pronounced Lyon as lion throughout and it really grated.
This was a great experience. Very thorough and detailed. You can do this at your own pace. So much great info about Lyon during WW2 and resistance activity. Covers all the key areas and you can listen while you walk to each landmark. Don’t miss the end in Croix-Rousse and the traboules.
Wow, this one really hit me. I didn’t expect to feel that emotional, but the stories just pull you in. You can feel the care behind every word it’s powerful, honest, and stays with you long after.
This walk through Lyon’s World War II story truly touched me. Every street carries a memory and every corner whispers courage. The stories felt so real and emotional, like meeting the past face to face.
This experience showed a side of Lyon I hadn’t seen before. The mix of history, art, and human emotion was beautiful. It’s not about war itself but about the people who never gave up. Truly touching and worth it.
Such a lovely way to explore Lyon. You walk through charming old streets while hearing stories of real bravery. The pace is relaxed, the guide easy to follow, and every stop feels meaningful.
If you plan on doing the tour completely in 1 day, take a portable phone charger with you as the tour will deplete your phone battery before it’s over
Excellent very informative audio tour. Dictionary was clear and very well researched giving it a local perspective. Allow plenty of time and coffee stops if completing the entire tour in one go. Will take between 3 to 4 hours, but worth it.
