Maureen H.United States
Clémence was very knowledgeable and very personable. We learned so much and really enjoyed the tour.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Lyon Clémence G
The hidden Resistance of Lyon: stories, secrets & WWII survival
5.0
(10) reviews
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Clémence G.
5.0
Guide rating
76
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello and welcome, happy travelers! My name is Clémence, a licensed professional guide specializing in Lyon and the beautiful Rhône-Alpes region. Born in the French Alps and raised between countryside and city life, I developed an early fascination for heritage and storytelling. Childhood visits to historic castles with guided tours sparked what later became my vocation. After studying Tourism, I became a guide in 2011, combining my love for history, culture, and human connection. Since then, I’ve had the chance to meet travelers from all over the world, which continuously enriches my perspective and keeps my work inspiring. I am based just outside Lyon, one of France’s most remarkable cities, and I offer a wide range of tours there and in the surrounding region. My main interests include gastronomy, Roman and medieval history, WW2 history, landscapes, photography, arts and crafts, and music. I enjoy showing both iconic highlights and authentic local places such as markets, hidden streets, and everyday neighborhoods. My guiding style is dynamic, friendly, and tailored to your interests. I aim to go beyond dates and facts by sharing how people live here, what makes this region unique, and what might surprise you as a visitor. I also place great importance on flexibility and personalization — your experience is always my priority. Feel free to contact me for any special request. I will be happy to design a fully customized tour for you. I look forward to meeting you! Clémence
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Clémence G.
Step into the hidden world of the French Resistance in Lyon
Overview of your Lyon tour
In 1943 - 1944, Lyon was one of the most dangerous cities in France. Behind closed doors and hidden passageways, ordinary people risked everything to resist. What looked like a quiet city was in fact a nerve center of the French Resistance. During this immersive walk, you won’t just learn about history — you will follow the footsteps of those who lived it. Starting from Croix-Rousse hill, we will move through secret traboules and discreet streets once used to hide messages, escape arrests, and organize clandestine operations. You will discover how the Resistance was structured, who its key figures were — including Jean Moulin — and how ordinary citizens became heroes under constant threat. But beyond the facts, this tour reveals the atmosphere of the time: fear, courage, and the silent fight happening behind every door. This is not a typical historical tour — it’s an immersion into a hidden side of Lyon that most visitors never see. By the end of the tour, you won’t see Lyon the same way again.
Recent Reviews
Angela S.United States
Clémence G. gave our group of four a very well-paced, informative, and inspiring tour of Lyon and its role in the creation and growth of a centralized Resistance to the Third Reich during WW II. She didn't just walk us around Lyon--she helped us experience the layout of the Croix Rousse district, the intricacies of the traboules, and the role that many incredible men and women played in helping the Allies defeat the Third Reich. She also added a personal face to this amazing part of Lyon's history. We were so inspired by her stories that we paid a visit to the excellent Centre de la Resistance and Deportation. She knows Lyon, its history throughout the centuries, and its role in WW II, and she imparts that knowledge in a personable and professional manner. We highly recommend Clémence G. and this history tour of a very crucial time for Lyon and indeed for France.
Marc O.
The WW2 and Resistance guided tour we took with Clemence was fabulous. Clemence was informative, engaging and very pleasant. The 2 hour tour went by quickly . Clemence drew our attention to things that we would probably miss as we walked by. She gave us a very good understanding of how the Resistance movements functioned in Lyon, and elsewhere. She provided context, history and colourful anecdotes. I highly recommend her tour.
Heather M.United States
Clemence was extremely knowledgeable about the Resistance. We had done some reading prior to coming to Lyon but Clemence enhanced our learning. We would highly recommend her.
Anne W.United States
Clemence provided a wonderful WW2 and Resistance tour, even my husband who had no interest in the subject thoroughly enjoyed it. Clemence was very knowledgeable and prepared. She had photos to further illustrate as she took us to the various locations throughout Lyon. We learned a great deal and I read quite a bit on the French Resistance. She also shared individual stories at the various locations throughout Lyon. Clemence was also very accommodating, great afternoon all around. Highly recommend!
David S.United States
I thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Clémence. She started by giving us some background information on the Resistance and some of the important people so that we would understand the significance of the places she showed us, including one place that had personally affected her family. She was friendly and informative and very responsive to our questions, and brought photos which added to the tour. I highly recommend this tour and Clémence.
Your Lyon tour itinerary
Your journey begins on Croix-Rousse hill, a key stronghold of the French Resistance in Lyon. From there, you will slip into hidden traboules — secret passageways used to move, hide, and escape under the constant threat of the Gestapo. As we walk through narrow streets and discreet doors, you will follow the footsteps of ordinary men and women who risked everything for freedom. Their stories reveal a city living in fear, yet driven by courage. Reaching the Presqu’île, you’ll see places like the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, a symbol of German control at the time. The tour ends in Place des Terreaux or can continue to Bellecour. An alternative route on the flat Peninsula is available, ending at the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour only, there are lots of big stairs to go down. I can adapt the itinerary if this is a problem for you : - a tour only in the district of the city hall - a tour between Bellecour square and the museum of Resistance
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Meeting location
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Place de la Croix-Rousse, in front of the statue of Jacquard, at the exit of metro station "Croix-Rousse"
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
918975
Languages
French
English
SpanishActivity level
Light
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Lyon best suited for?
This private tour in Lyon is perfect for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in World War II and the French Resistance. It's also ideal for travellers who want to explore the hidden side of Lyon and connect with a local guide, Clémence G., for deeper insights into the city's past.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Lyon be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Lyon by Clémence G.
Explore more of Lyon
Lyon: WWII and the ResistanceWine full day Tour in the Northern Rhône ValleyFull day tour in LyonFull Day - Annecy, Old town and Lake Cruise in the French AlpsFourvière - Vieux Lyon Private Walking Tour"Old Town" of Lyon - Express Walking TourLyon and the Jews: A History half day tourLyon City Tour with transportationBest of LyonDiscover the Beaujolais and its winesLyon in 3 hours : the best of the city for you !Let's "traboule" in the Vieux-LyonLyon Highlights Tour: Old Town, Fourvière & Croix-RousseFrom the foundation to the contemporary timesBeaujolais wine tour - Full DayFood tour in Halles of Lyon Paul BocuseHighlights of Lyon Half Day tourHighlights of Lyon, France - Half Day Walking TourTraboules and Courtyards of the Old TownLyon City and Gourmet Express TourFull Day in Lyon Private TourFood Tour in La Croix RousseThe Covered Market Tour - Temple Of The Lyonnaise GastronomyNorthern Rhone Valley Wine Tour - Half DayLyon Full Day TourArchitectural tour of LyonHighlights of Lyon TourEnter the capital of the Gauls!Fourvière Hill & Old Town of Lyon, France - Express Walking TourSilk weaving in LyonLyon: Historical Walking TourLyonnaises delicacies The hidden Resistance of Lyon: stories, secrets & WWII survivalA World Of ColorsThe "Presqu'île", The Heart of Lyon, France - Express Walking TourLyon during World War IIHalles Paul Bocuse MarketSilk Tour in LyonHalf Day - A Beaujolais Wine Tour in the golden stones wine countryFood and Silk Tour in Lyon
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.