CURATED ITINERARIES

Discover the origins of Christianity in Lugdunum (Lyon), home to one of the earliest major Christian communities in Gaul, and explore the dramatic account of the Martyrs of Lyon (177 AD) as preserved by the historian Eusebius of Caesarea. 

What makes this experience particularly powerful is the opportunity to walk the very streets where these events unfolded, where these early Christians lived, gathered, and ultimately died. 

The tour then continues in the footsteps of Saint Irenaeus, second bishop of Lyon and disciple of Saint Polycarp, a foundational figure in early Christian theology, who shepherded the local community—and the emerging universal Church—through its recovery after persecution. 

This immersive half-day journey truly brings to life the city’s earliest Christian heritage.

We start at the Great Roman Theatres of Lugdunum, before continuing to the L’Antiquaille Museum, where the story of the martyrs is vividly brought to life. Here, we visit the Dungeon of Saint Pothinus and the remarkable Crypt of Mosaics, which recounts the fate of the 48 martyrs who perished during the persecution of Lyon’s first Christians in 177 AD.

From there, we proceed to the Roman baths, from which Christians were excluded as part of the persecution period , before concluding at the Church and Crypt of Saint Irenaeus, site of Lyon’s oldest church and its famous Calvary garden. From June 2026, visitors will also be able to visit the crypt in person. This sacred place once held the tomb of Saint Irenaeus until its descration during the Wars of Religion, alongside the martyrs Alexander and Epipodius of 178 AD.

(4 hours, €300)

 Optional Extras:

A. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
A short guided visit offered before the main tour begins, providing an introduction to some of the basilica’s hidden symbolism and deeply meaningful messages. (+1 hour)

B. Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
Visit the site where Saint Blandina (Blandine) and five companions—non-Roman Christians—were tortured and martyred. Recognised as the oldest amphitheatre in Gaul, it is a powerful place of early Christian memory. (+2 hours)

C. House and Chapel of Blessed Pauline Jaricot
A peaceful and inspiring site dedicated to the founder of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Association of the Living Rosary, reflecting a life of devotion, prayer, and charitable mission. (+1 hour)

D. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Saint Jean-Baptiste Cathedral & Vieux Lyon
A guided exploration of Lyon’s historic Renaissance quarter and its cathedral, built on the site of a 6th-century church. Discover its rich history, admire its renowned astronomical clock, and explore the treasures of the district. Morning visits are required to guarantee access to a traboule. (+1h 30)

A compact, unforgettable journey through Lyon’s earliest Christian heritage.

 Step into the ancient heart of Lyon on this exclusive full-day tour, tracing the city’s Christian heritage from its Roman foundations through the Renaissance and into the 19th century. Carefully curated, this journey offers an intimate and in-depth experience, ideal for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper understanding of Lyon’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Begin at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and the nearby 4th century remains of the Churches of Saint Stephen and of the Holy Cross where Lyon's first baptistry was housed  (dating from the 4th century), before exploring the hidden yet celebrated Grande Traboule and other highlights of Lyon’s Renaissance quarter. From there, we ascend Fourvière Hill, the birthplace of ancient Lugdunum (Lyon). We started with a short guided visit of the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a masterpiece of devotion a major national pilgrimage site, second only to Lourdes in scale of international devotion and Lyon’s greatest spiritual and architectural landmark. We then move towards the historic district of Saint-Just and the impressive Great Roman Theatres.  We continue to the Crypt of Mosaics at the L’Antiquaille Museum, dedicated to the memory of the Christian martyrs of 177 AD, followed by a visit to the Dungeon of Saint Pothinus, believed to mark the place of his death. This is the moment to delve more deeply into the powerful and often shocking story of the martyrs of Lyon before continuing to the district of Saint-Irénée, the rarely visited cradle of early Christianity in the city passing  the Roman Baths, from which early Christians were famously excluded during the persecution. Once in St Irénée district, we visit the Church of Saint Irenaeus, site of the oldest church in Lyon, along with its Calvary Garden—and, from June 2026, its crypt, where Saint Irenaeus, Saint Alexander, and Saint Epipodius are believed to have been laid to rest.

This visit also offers the opportunity to spend time in the very place where the towering figure of Saint Irenaeus lived, taught, and humbly ministered to the Christian community of Lyon as its second bishop. Far beyond his local pastoral role, he became one of the most influential voices of the early Church, shaping Christian doctrine through his writings, which would guide the Church for centuries to come.

His legacy as a theologian and defender of the apostolic faith has endured across generations, and it is no surprise that he is now recognised as a Doctor of the Church. Standing in these ancient sites offers a rare and tangible connection to the world in which this foundational figure of Christianity once walked, prayed, and led.

This is more than a tour — it’s a comprehensive journey through Lyon’s living story of faith, courage, and history, an experience that will leave a lasting impression.  

As a full-day itinerary, it does require a good level of energy and readiness for walking and exploration throughout the day. 

€500

Optional Add-on:

House and Chapel of Blessed Pauline Jaricot: Founder of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Association of the Living Rosary. A peaceful and inspiring site of devotion and charity.  (+1 hour)

 The Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, on the slopes of Croix-Rousse in Lyon, is considered the oldest Roman amphitheatre in Gaul. It formed part of the Federal Sanctuary of the Three Gauls, dedicated to Rome and the cult of Augustus. It has special meaning as the place of the martyrdom of Saint Blandina and her five companions in 177 AD.

Although currently not open to the public, we walk its perimeter and interpret its remains, exploring its history as both a centre of Roman power and a place of profound Christian memory, later honoured in a prayerful pilgrimage made there by Saint Pope John Paul II.

We then begin a gentle descent through this charming, bohemian former silk-weaving district—so influential in shaping Lyon’s later identity—pausing to take in key highlights of Croix-Rousse before arriving at Place des Terreaux.

We will conclude with a brief visit to the Lyon Cathedral and the remains of the earlier 4th-century Churches of Saint Stephen and of the Holy Cross Lyon, where Lyon's first baptistry was housed. The cathedral is renowned for its striking medieval architecture and its celebrated astronomical clock.

This part of the city forms one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe, dating mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries, though its origins reach back to Roman times, when Lugdunum was established in the 1st century BC.

Duration 3 hours

Optional Add-on:

Allow an additional 45 minutes to explore the district with your private guide.

For a further extension, take the funicular up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière to discover its remarkable interiors and enjoy panoramic views over the city (+ 1hour)

A private, once-in-a-lifetime journey through Lyon’s living history of faith, with a particular focus on the impact of the French Revolution on the city’s Christian communities and the broader spiritual heritage of the Presqu’île.

Step into Lyon’s hidden history on this exclusive private tour. Visit the Brotteaux Crypt at the Sainte-Croix Chapel, a deeply moving memorial to the victims and martyrs of the Siege of Lyon in 1793, where the remains of many of those executed during the Revolution are interred. The crypt stands as a place of remembrance for the city’s extraordinary story of suffering, resilience, and faith.

Continue through some of the Presqu’île’s most significant historic landmarks, including Place des Terreaux, the Church of Saint-Nizier, the Basilica and Tomb of Saint Bonaventure, and Place des Cordeliers, each revealing a different layer of Lyon’s religious and civic history, all arranged around your private crypt visit.

(Duration: 4 hours)

Optional add-on: 

Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls (Croix-Rousse)
Begin instead at the ancient Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, located in Croix-Rousse—the charming, bohemian silk-weaving district that shaped Lyon’s later identity. Considered the oldest amphitheatre in France, it is traditionally associated with the martyrdom of Saint Blandina and five fellow Christians. From here, we descend on foot, taking in some of the highlights of Croix-Rousse before arriving at Place des Terreaux. 

It is also possible to book a dedicated crypt-only experience, allowing time for reflection and prayer, with the option to include visits to a selection of nearby churches of exceptional beauty and significance. 

(3.5 hours - 4 - €300)