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

Discover the history of the 1793 Seige of Lyon in the city's historic streets. Learn of this bloody episode with mathematician André-Marie Ampère, whose father was guillotined by revolutionaries.
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.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.