Guided walking tours in English: Lyon, Vienne & Côte-Rôtie

I'm François Durand, a local guide living in Ampuis, in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie vineyards, between Lyon and Vienne. I run small-group walking tours in French and in English: no crowds, no recited speech, time to stop and ask questions.

A note on my English: I speak it well, but I sometimes struggle with strong accents, so please don't hesitate to repeat.

Lyon: Fourvière, Old Lyon and the traboules — €45 per person

When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and some Saturdays, starting at 9:45 am. 2 to 3 hours depending on group size. Small group of 2 to 10 people.

Meeting point: Place Saint-Jean, by the statue in front of the cathedral (metro line D, Vieux Lyon station). The tour ends at Place du Change, in front of the Loge du Change.

The route: Saint-Jean cathedral, the funicular up the hill (ticket included), the Fourvière esplanade and its view over the city, the basilica (you visit it at your own pace after my introduction), the Roman theatres of Lugdunum, the Antiquaille, then down on foot to Old Lyon: rue du Bœuf, the Longue Traboule, Guignol's window and Place du Change.

Included: your guide and the funicular ticket. Not included: the Antiquaille crypt, optional (€5 per person, paid on site), food and drinks.

Good to know: about 3 km, mostly downhill, with steps and cobblestones. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Vienne: Roman Vienne on foot — €35 per person

When: Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2 pm. 2 hours. Small group of 2 to 10 people.

Meeting point: the forecourt of Vienne train station (direct regional train from Lyon, about 20 minutes). The tour ends at Saint-Maurice cathedral, less than 10 minutes' walk from the station.

The route: the Roman theatre set against Mont Pipet, the Cybele garden and its Roman arcades, the Temple of Augustus and Livia, Saint-Maurice cathedral.

Option: for groups of up to 4 people, an extension up to the Pipet viewpoint above the theatre (€25 per group, paid on site).

Not included: entry to the Roman theatre and museums, food and drinks. About 2 km on foot, with a climb up to the theatre. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Côte-Rôtie: the vineyard terraces on foot and a wine tasting — from €45 per person

When: Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 am, Saturdays at 1:30 pm. 3 hours. Small group of 2 to 6 people.

Meeting point: Place de l'Église in Ampuis, in front of the church porch; free parking on the square.

The tour: the hillside read from below, the climb between the plots, dry-stone walls and vine stakes, the view over the Côte Brune, the Côte Blonde and the Rhône, then one hour with a winemaker of the appellation.

Price per person depending on group size: 2 people €59, 3 people €52, 4 to 6 people €45. Included: your guide for 3 hours and the booking of the tasting slot. Not included: the tasting itself, paid at the estate (€20 per person for the tasting, a platter and the cellar visit; €25 for a private session), and travel to Ampuis.

Good to know: the path is steep; wear closed shoes and bring water (and a hat in summer). Tasting for adults only. Dogs are not allowed in the vineyards.

What travellers say

“François is a very friendly and interesting guide. A lovely tour with information and explanations without being overloaded. As the group was small, we could chat with François in a relaxed way. After the tour he took the time to give us tips on other places to discover. A great way to discover Lyon.”

— Eve, France, Lyon tour, October 2026 (translated from French) · ★★★★★ 5/5 on GetYourGuide (1 review)

Booking

Book directly with me by phone or text message on +33 6 72 41 97 47, or by email at fdurand509@hotmail.com. The Lyon tour can also be booked on GetYourGuide, at the same price. Nothing is paid on this website.

Would you like a different tour, a private tour or another date? Tell me what you have in mind: the quote is free and I reply within 48 hours.