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

Highlights

  • Experience Lyon as Theatre of the Revolution as an actor-guide explains events

  • Stroll along the city’s historic streets and discover their hidden history

  • Relive the Lyon Uprising and the terrible repression that followed in its wake

  • See how Lyon is marked still today by this episode in the of France’s past

  • Understand the Revolution as no history book could ever convey

Summary

Discover the history of the Seige of Lyon in 1793 through a theatrical stroll in the city's historic streets and learn of this bloody episode in the company of the mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined by the revolutionaries.

Tour info

Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
15
Pricing (From)
Adult: (18-99 years)
€69.90
Child: (4-10 years)
€34.90
Youth: (11-17 years)
€49.90
Infant: (0-3 years)
€0.00
Commentary
Meeting Point

Why take this tour?

Your journey will begin at Place Bellecour, where André-Marie Ampère will inform you of the terrible sentence decreed by the National Convention of Paris: "Lyon made war on liberty, Lyon exists no more. The name of Lyon will be erased from the list of cities of the Republic." And this destruction will commence at Place Bellecour, renamed "Place de la Fédération."

How did we arrive at such a situation? By stopping in front of the Saint-Nizier church, Ampère will explain to you the complex situation of Lyon during the French Revolution. With clarity and vehemence, he will share his perspective on the fierce struggle between the Montagnards and the Girondins, on their fatal division, and on the consequences of this division, which led the National Convention of Paris to consider Lyon as a counter-revolutionary city. You will discover how Paris sent terrible emissaries against Lyon, Couthon and then Fouché, who repressed and massacred its population.

Imagine the sound of the guillotine tirelessly operated at Place des Terreaux, where many innocents, including Judge Ampère himself, will fall victim to the excesses of the revolutionary repression. On this square, you will retry the trial of the National Convention of Paris, where you will be led to distinguish on one side the historical truth and on the other, the passions that still surround this tragic episode in the history of the city of Lyon. 

Finally, you will discover a gallery of colorful historical figures, starting with Marie-Joseph Chalier, Lyon's "exaggerated" revolutionary, who aspired to be "the Christ of the Revolution." His execution sparked the siege of Lyon by the troops of the National Convention. Ampère will thus lead you to discover the house of the "Grand Tambour," where Chalier lived. You will conclude your visit in the astonishing Chapel of Sainte-Croix where the mysterious Crypt of Brotteaux is located, an ossuary erected in homage to the innocent victims of Lyon.


What’s included?

  • Fully guided walking tour with a professional actor-guide

  • Limited groups of 15 people or fewer

  • Hotel pick up/drop off

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 1h 30m

  • Instant confirmation

Before you go

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Redemption information

    Please note this tour requires a reasonable amount of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes!


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Memories France is a small, experienced team, working together to offer our guests unforgettable experiences in and around Paris. Living and working in Paris, we are a truly local company! We work with the very best guides, professionals who are fully accredited, fluent in English and passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of their city. We source first-rate local partners, uncover hidden treasures and put together unique tours that allow our guests to experience world famous sites in the most relaxed and memorable way possible, and to discover the authentic, local aspects of our beautiful city. We are committed to quality, to ensuring that each experience is special, and to sharing the very best that our city has to offer, so that our heritage becomes your memories.

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