Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour
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Quick answer
Is Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour worth booking?
Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Lyon, France, from $376 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $376 per person
Explore Lyon's history under Nazi occupation, from the Resistance and the Holocaust to the trial of Klaus Barbie. Walk through key sites connected to the city's wartime history with a private guide. Begin at the historic Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville, where you’ll uncover how this city became the heart of the Resistance. Learn about the trial of Klaus Barbie, revealing the complexities of post-war justice. Experience the poignant stories of bravery and tragedy as you make your way to iconic sites such as Place Bellecour and Montluc Prison, learning about the Resistance's courageous efforts. This tour offers a deep dive into Lyon's role in WWII and is perfect for history enthusiasts. - Unravel Lyon's significant role in the Resistance during WWII - Visit key historical sites including Hôtel de Ville and Montluc Prison - Hear compelling stories of bravery, tragedy, and justice - Ideal for history buffs interested in WWII and its impact on France
What you get
About this experience
Explore Lyon's history under Nazi occupation, from the Resistance and the Holocaust to the trial of Klaus Barbie. Walk through key sites connected to the city's wartime history with a private guide. Begin at the historic Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville, where you’ll uncover how this city became the heart of the Resistance. Learn about the trial of Klaus Barbie, revealing the complexities of post-war justice. Experience the poignant stories of bravery and tragedy as you make your way to iconic sites such as Place Bellecour and Montluc Prison, learning about the Resistance's courageous efforts. This tour offers a deep dive into Lyon's role in WWII and is perfect for history enthusiasts. - Unravel Lyon's significant role in the Resistance during WWII - Visit key historical sites including Hôtel de Ville and Montluc Prison - Hear compelling stories of bravery, tragedy, and justice - Ideal for history buffs interested in WWII and its impact on France
What's included
Included
- Live-tour guide
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
Not included
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Place des Terreaux
Begin your tour at Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville. Learn why Lyon became the capital of the Resistance and how the Hôtel de Ville was used during the occupation. Hear about the arrival of the Germans in November 1942 and the events that took place at Place des Terreaux after liberation.
10 minutes here
Continue to Rue Sainte-Catherine and learn about the Rafle, one of the most significant—and tragic—events of the Holocaust in Lyon. Hear about the Gestapo raid at 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine in Lyon's 1st arrondissement, the building that housed the offices of the Union Générale des Israélites de France (UGIF), an organization responsible for providing social assistance, food, medical care, and administrative support to Jewish refugees and families in need.
5 minutes here
Next, head to the Cour d’appel de Lyon, the law court where the trial of Klaus Barbie happened. Learn about Klaus Barbie's arrest, extradition, and trial, one of the most important judicial chapters in post-war European history. Hear about his trial in 1987, the first trial in France for crimes against humanity, and how it forced the country to confront both Nazi atrocities and the role of French collaboration.
5 minutes here
Place Bellecour
Then, visit Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, which became a gathering place for the city’s residents at the end of German occupation in September 1944. Learn about the hidden story of the Resistance and how it worked in ordinary places.
5 minutes here
Next, visit the Monument de la résistance intérieure - Veilleur de pierre, a monument that pays tribute to the French internal Resistance. Hear about the bomb that exploded in the coffee shop called Moulin à vent, at Place Bellecour, and how it was a good target to attack for the Resistance. Learn about the execution of 5 prisoners well known for their acts of resistance and how their cadavers were left in Bellecour for several days to terrorize people.
5 minutes here
If open, visit Montluc Prison, built in 1921 near Fort Montluc, originally designed as a military prison after the First World War. Learn about its role during the Second World War as a place of detention for members of the Resistance, Jews, hostages, and forced labor objectors. Hear about Jean Moulin and the unification of the Resistance, the arrest of Jean Moulin, and Marc Bloch & Montluc Prison.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Continue to Fort de Montluc, which became part of the military and repressive apparatus surrounding Montluc Prison during World War II. Learn about its role as a tool of control and intimidation, with executions and temporary detentions occurring here, often away from public view. Hear about its continued use for military and police purposes after the war, hosting the CRS from 1949 until 1982.
5 minutes here
Finally, visit the Quartier Monplaisir/Rue Viala, where the clandestine printing press of the newspaper Combat stood, a vital hub for Lyon’s Resistance. Learn about how this press produced leaflets, newspapers, and secret messages to inform and mobilize the population against the German occupation.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Lyon
Please wait next to the fountain Bartholdi. You will be able to recognize the guide through his badge/ID.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Price for a group of <8 people
Price for a group of <4 people
Price for a group of <15 p.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cognosimo
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $376 to $769
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cognosimo, who run 40 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 46.1.
See everything Cognosimo runsWhy this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lyon.
How much does Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $376 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lyon usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lyon is not rushed.
Is Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lyon, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lyon can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lyon and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lyon within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Lyon?
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On Outty we rank every Lyon experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular, Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English), Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 5 Authentic Dishes & Fine Wine. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Lyon?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour?
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Included: Live-tour guide; and Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.). Not included: Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour?
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Please wait next to the fountain Bartholdi. You will be able to recognize the guide through his badge/ID. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Lyon. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Price for a group of <8 people, Price for a group of <4 people, Price for a group of <15 p.. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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