Lyon Segway Tour: The highlights

Introduction

If you’re looking for a fresh and engaging way to explore Lyon, this Segway tour offers a fantastic blend of sightseeing and adventure. While we haven’t personally spun through the city on a Segway, reviews and detailed itineraries show it’s a smooth, enjoyable experience suitable for many travelers.

What immediately catches the eye are the views along the rivers—a scenic route that captures Lyon’s vibrant charm. Plus, the tour’s affordable price of $59, combined with its small group size, promises a personalized experience.

One thing to consider is that this tour doesn’t include restroom facilities at the departure point, which might be inconvenient for some. Still, it’s perfect for those wanting a quick, fun overview of Lyon’s top sights.

This adventure suits visitors who appreciate a relaxed pace, enjoy outdoor activities, and want to cover more ground than a walking tour allows.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Scenic route along both the Rhône and Saône rivers offers picturesque views and a relaxed pace.
• Accessible for beginners after a short training session, making it ideal for first-time Segway users.
• Includes visits to key landmarks like Vieux Lyon, Place Bellecour, and Tête d’Or park.
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention and safety.
• Excellent value at $59 for 1.5 hours of guided exploration.
• Weather-resistant gear provided, so the tour runs rain or shine.

What to Expect from the Lyon Segway Tour

This 1.5-hour adventure is designed to be low-stress and high-fun, perfect for anyone wanting to see Lyon without exhausting themselves on foot. The experience begins at 7 Quai Romain Rolland, where you’ll meet your guide and receive a brief safety and operation tutorial. The guides, such as Luce and Cécile, are noted for being welcoming and knowledgeable, helping even newcomers feel confident on the Segway.

Once comfortable, your journey kicks off with a glide through the Vieux-Lyon, the city’s historic heart. Expect narrow cobbled streets and Renaissance architecture, all explored from a unique vantage point on your Segway. The reviews praise guides for their anecdotes and ability to share Lyon’s stories effectively—Eric from France, for example, mentioned “the anecdotes on Lyon were very engaging.”

Next, you’ll roll onto Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest open squares, offering sweeping views and lively crowds. The 15-minute glide here is a highlight, giving you that perfect photo opportunity.

The tour continues to Place des Jacobins, a smaller but charming square, before heading toward the Berges du Rhône. Here, you’ll enjoy a longer stretch (about 20 minutes) along the riverbank, soaking in the scenery and city life. This part of the tour is often praised for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic vistas, which Emilie from France pointed out as a standout feature.

Passing the Lyon National Opera and the Place des Terreaux, known for its striking fountain and cultural vibe, the tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Lyon’s cultural and historic highlights.

As the tour concludes back at the starting point, you’ll have seen many of Lyon’s most iconic spots without feeling rushed or overly tired.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: 7 Quai Romain Rolland

Here, you’ll meet your guide and get fitted with a helmet and hygienic cap. The shop is easy to spot with a red flag, and arriving 15 minutes early is recommended. Despite the lack of toilets at this location, the staff’s friendly reception makes up for it. The initial training session lasts about 5-10 minutes, focusing on safety and control, so even total beginners usually feel ready to go.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Vieux Lyon (15-minute ride)

This is the historical core of the city, with UNESCO-listed architecture and winding streets. The guides tend to share stories about Lyon’s past, which adds context and makes the ride more engaging. Guests often find the Segway easy to control after a short practice, and the guide’s encouragement makes first-timers comfortable.

Place Bellecour (15-minute ride)

Standing at one of Europe’s largest squares, you’ll enjoy wide-open space and lively surroundings. The quick ride here allows you to feel the city’s pulse and snap some memorable photos. Reviewers like Potsy appreciated the safety and fun, noting the guide Cécile as especially helpful.

Place des Jacobins (5-minute ride)

A cozy, attractive square, perfect for a quick stop. The compact nature of this part keeps the tour moving smoothly while giving you a taste of local life.

Berges du Rhône (20-minute ride)

This is the longest stretch along the riverbanks, where you’ll experience Lyon’s natural beauty and urban life side by side. Many reviews highlight how peaceful and scenic this segment is, perfect for photo ops and enjoying the breeze. Emilie mentioned how fun and interesting the tour was with her guide Lilou, who is noted for her availability and warm approach.

Lyon National Opera & Place des Terreaux (15-minute rides each)

Passing by the grand opera house and the lively square, you get a sense of Lyon’s vibrant cultural scene. The tour offers a good balance of historic sights and lively public spaces, making it a well-rounded experience.

Return to starting point

The last glide leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and a new appreciation for Lyon’s layout. The guides are committed to safety, and the small group size, capped at 10 people, means they’re attentive to your needs.

Value and Practicalities

At $59, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the length, the guided commentary, and the chance to see multiple neighborhoods quickly. The inclusion of safety gear, lockers for belongings, and flexible booking options (like free cancellation and pay later) further enhance its appeal.

The tour runs in all weather conditions, and ponchos are provided if it rains, ensuring that your experience remains comfortable regardless of weather. However, note that there are no toilets at the departure point, so plan accordingly before arriving.

Given the 1.5-hour duration, it’s a manageable activity for most travelers, fitting well into a day of sightseeing without feeling like a commitment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a fun, active way to see Lyon’s key sights without the fatigue of walking. It’s perfect for first-time Segway users, groups of friends, or families with teenagers (14 and older). The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it suitable for those seeking a personalized experience.

It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy scenic routes, cultural landmarks, and learning local stories in an interactive way. If you’re after a relaxed yet engaging introduction to Lyon’s highlights, this tour won’t disappoint.

Final Thoughts

This Lyon Segway Tour combines simplicity, scenic beauty, and a dash of adventure for a memorable city experience. It’s a fantastic way to cover Lyon’s highlights—from historic squares to riverside parks—without the exhaustion that sometimes comes with extensive walking tours.

The guides’ friendly approach and local knowledge elevate the experience, making it accessible and fun for all skill levels. While the tour doesn’t include amenities like toilets at the start point, the overall value and the chance to explore Lyon from a new perspective make it well worth considering.

If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and practical sightseeing option that fits into a half-day plan, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a training session to help you learn how to control the Segway, making it suitable for first-timers.

What age do I need to be to join?
You must be at least 14 years old to ride a Segway. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any physical requirements?
Comfortable clothes and flat shoes are recommended, and you should be able to stand and balance on the Segway during the ride.

What happens if it rains?
The tour takes place in all weather conditions. Ponchos are provided to keep you dry.

Are toilets available at the start?
No, unfortunately, there are no toilets at the departure point, so plan accordingly.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is it possible to have a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available upon request, perfect for special occasions or a more tailored experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including training and the guided ride.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak both French and English, accommodating most travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: