Tour With an Actor-Guide: the Revolution and the End of Lyon

Explore Lyon’s tumultuous revolutionary past with a captivating tour led by a professional actor. For just $76.31 per person, you’ll uncover hidden narratives and key figures like André-Marie Ampère as you stroll through the city’s historic streets. This 1.5-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to relive the Lyon Uprising and its profound impact, with personalized attention in groups of 15 or fewer. Enjoy the city’s captivating history and discover how it shaped the course of the French Revolution.

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Key Points

A 1.5-hour guided walking tour in Lyon focused on the city’s revolutionary past, led by a professional actor-guide available in French and English.
The tour explores historic streets related to the 1793 Siege of Lyon and the struggle between the Montagnards and Girondins during the French Revolution.
Participants have the opportunity to relive the Lyon Uprising and its repression, with key figures like mathematician André-Marie Ampère featured in the narrative.
The tour concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix and the Crypt of Brotteaux, providing insights into the lasting impact of the revolution on the city.
The tour is priced from $76.31 per person, with a maximum group size of 15 people for a personalized experience, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "The Revolution and the End of Lyon," offers an immersive experience with an actor-guide leading participants through the historic streets of Lyon.

Priced from $76.31 per person, the 1.5-hour tour provides a guided exploration of the city’s revolutionary past.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Groups are limited to 15 people or fewer, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour starts at Place Bellecour and includes a fully guided walking tour with a professional actor-guide available in French and English.

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Experience Highlights

With an actor-guide leading the way, participants can experience Lyon as a theater of the Revolution.

Participants can experience Lyon as a theater of the Revolution with an actor-guide leading the way.

The tour allows visitors to:

Stroll historic streets and uncover hidden histories.
Relive the Lyon Uprising and its subsequent repression.
Understand the Revolution beyond traditional history books.
Learn about key figures like mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined.

Tour Details

The tour starts at Place Bellecour, by the Louis XIV statue.

It’s a fully guided walking tour with a professional actor-guide who’s available in both French and English.

The tour includes exploring historic streets and uncovering hidden histories related to the Lyon Uprising and its aftermath.

Guests will relive the fierce struggle between the Montagnards and Girondins, and learn about the National Convention’s decree against Lyon, branding it counter-revolutionary.

The tour concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix and the Crypt of Brotteaux, an ossuary for Lyon’s victims of the revolution.

Historical Context

As the 1793 Siege of Lyon unfolded, the city found itself at the center of a fierce struggle between the Montagnards and Girondins, two factions vying for control during the French Revolution.

This tumultuous period had a profound impact on the city and its people. Key historical context includes:

The National Convention’s decree branding Lyon as counter-revolutionary.
The execution of revolutionary figure Marie-Joseph Chalier, which played a pivotal role in the siege.
The story of mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined during this turbulent time.
The lasting impact of the Lyon Uprising and its subsequent repression.

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Key Locations and Figures

Visitors on the tour explore significant sites that provide insight into Lyon’s revolutionary history. They visit Saint-Nizier Church, where Montagnard leader Marie-Joseph Chalier was executed, and Place des Terreaux, the site of the National Convention’s trial against Lyon. The tour concludes at the Chapel of Sainte-Croix and the Crypt of Brotteaux, an ossuary for Lyon’s victims.

| Site | Significance |

|——|————–|

| Saint-Nizier Church | Execution site of Marie-Joseph Chalier |

| Place des Terreaux | Trial location of the National Convention against Lyon |

| Chapel of Sainte-Croix | Resting place for Lyon’s revolutionary victims |

| Crypt of Brotteaux | Ossuary for those killed during the siege of Lyon |

| André-Marie Ampère’s Birthplace | Birthplace of the famous mathematician whose father was guillotined |

There's plenty more to explore in Lyon

The Lyon Uprising and Its Repression

Though a stronghold of revolutionary fervor, Lyon faced a brutal crackdown from the Montagnards in 1793.

Girondins and royalists were at odds, and the city was soon declared counter-revolutionary. The National Convention dispatched an army to lay siege, leading to a fierce battle and widespread destruction.

The repression that followed was severe:

The repression that followed was severe, with Marie-Joseph Chalier executed, over 2,000 Lyonnais killed or imprisoned, and the city’s name changed.

Marie-Joseph Chalier, a prominent Montagnard, was executed.
Over 2,000 Lyonnais were killed or imprisoned.
The city’s name was changed to "Ville Affranchie" (Liberated City).
Lyon’s status as a thriving commercial center was severely diminished.

The Revolution’s impact on Lyon was profound, leaving a legacy of violence and repression.

The Aftermath of the Revolution in Lyon

The aftermath of the Revolution left a profound impact on Lyon, transforming the once-thriving commercial center into a shadow of its former self.

The city’s industries and trade were crippled, its population decimated, and its buildings damaged or destroyed. The National Convention’s decree branding Lyon as counter-revolutionary led to severe reprisals, including the mass executions of Revolutionaries like Marie-Joseph Chalier.

The story of mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined, exemplifies the personal tragedies that unfolded.

Yet, amidst the devastation, the Tour with an Actor-Guide provides a captivating way to relive and understand this pivotal chapter in Lyon’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children, as it focuses on the violent history of the French Revolution and covers sensitive topics like executions and repression. Parents should consider the maturity level of their children before booking.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for the Tour?

The tour offers limited accessibility options. While the walking route is mostly flat, visitors with mobility issues may find the experience challenging. Advanced notice of any special needs is recommended to ensure the best possible experience.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. The tour company encourages visitors to capture the historic sites and share their experiences. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour or other participants.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?

No, there’s no audio guide available for this tour. The tour is led by a live actor-guide who provides the commentary in French and English as you explore the historic sites related to the French Revolution in Lyon.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended. However, the 1.5-hour tour provides a rundown of Lyon’s revolutionary history with an immersive actor-guided experience. Guests can also explore the city further on their own after the tour.

The Sum Up

The "The Revolution and the End of Lyon" tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s tumultuous revolutionary past. Led by a professional actor, the 1.5-hour experience explores key historical figures and locations, providing personalized attention in small groups. For just $76.31 per person, this captivating tour is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Lyon’s revolutionary heritage firsthand.