At the risk of ruffling a few feathers, let’s say modern Lyon begins with the construction of the Basilica of Fourvière in 1884. From then on, the city shines through its rich history and spirit of innovation. Just nine years later, the Lumière brothers invented cinema—an art form that would forever change the way we see the world. Lyon unfolds around the Presqu’île and the Saône River, revealing its treasures along the way: the traboules of Vieux-Lyon, its riverbanks, Croix-Rousse, and the splendid Tête d’Or Park.
But beyond these heritage landmarks, Lyon is best explored through its deep connection to cinema. Every façade, every dish, every view becomes a set, a story, an homage. With Lorens, follow the path from the Lumière brothers’ first films to modern-day productions, and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind journey where history, gastronomy, and the seventh art meet.
Cinema: the obvious way
to discover Lyon differently!
The tour begins between the Opera and City Hall, in this vibrant heart where Lyon has always asserted itself as a city of balance: a crossroads of power, culture, and civic engagement. Just a few steps away, in 1895, the first public film screening marked Lyon’s entry into the global history of moving images. With Lorens, these emblematic locations become anchor points to tell how the city, through the films shot here, has built and projected its image.
Heading towards the Saône River, the tour dives into Lyon’s spiritual memory. From the early days of Christianity to the majesty of Fourvière, the city shapes its identity in a constant dialogue between religious heritage, popular traditions, and cinematic representation. From this panoramic view of the city, its hills, and Fourvière, Lyon’s history, identity, and postcard-perfect cinematic image intertwine ceaselessly.
Who said Lyon can only be discovered
through its food?
Vieux Lyon: Between
Prague Revolutions
and Historical Dramas…
The heart of the Lorens experience then unfolds in the narrow streets and layered history of Vieux Lyon. Once a stage for uprisings, popular tales, and shadowy visions, the district long embodied a city frozen in time, almost hidden. But the urban renewal launched in 1964, driven by the Malraux Law, gradually transformed its image—both in urban planning and in cinema. Here more than anywhere else, Lyon shifts from black and white to colour, revealing a city that is diverse, vibrant, and deeply lived in.
The immersive tour ends in a well-known local restaurant, where a refreshing drink is offered to extend the experience. It’s also your chance to test your knowledge in a final quiz. Through these images, Lorens reminds us that Lyon in cinema goes far beyond Vieux Lyon: it’s the entire city, in all its diversity, that becomes the true set.
ThiThis tour is in French. For any questions about an English-language tour, feel free to contact us!
Itinerary: From the Terreaux district heading toward the riverbanks, the Saône gorge and Old Lyon.
The experience ends just a short walk from Metro line D, Vieux-Lyon station.
Meeting point: Departure from the corner of the Bank of China building, at 1 rue du Président Edouard Herriot, 69001, LYON.
Accessibility:
-
Easy access route with planned stops.
-
Route not accessible to wheelchair users.
Minimum booking: Minimum of 2 people. If the minimum number is not reached, we will contact you to offer an alternative or a refund according to our cancellation policy.
More info:
Please come with your smartphone fully charged!
Cancellation or modification requests must be made via a message from the booking page on MiReservaOnline.es, so that there is a written record of the date and time of the request.
If the cancellation is made more than 24 hours before the start of the tour, 100% of the amount paid will be refunded.
If the cancellation is made between 24 and 2 hours before the tour, 50% of the amount paid will be refunded.
No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is made less than 2 hours before the tour or if the customer does not show up.
