Arrive in Lyon on suggested flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), a private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

At 18:00, join your tour leader CJ Johnson and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing followed by dinner.

(D)

Begin the day with a talk by CJ. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Musée Lumière, located in the Art Nouveau home of brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière. The museum explores the process of the invention of cinema and gives centre stage to the Cinematograph, the Lumière brothers’ most famous invention, that screened the first ten films on 28 December 1895 at the Grand Café in Paris before the 33 spectators of the first fee-paying public screening.

After lunch, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or further explore Lyon at your own pace.

(BL)

This morning, embark on a walking tour of the medieval and Renaissance district of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), whose remarkable preservation has seen it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Walk through the narrow cobbled alleyways and the famous traboules (passageways) that reveal superbly renovated architectural treasures.

Step back in time at Musée Gadagne, a stunning Renaissance complex housing the World Puppet Museum. Uncover the roots of storytelling and visual effects that paved the way for modern cinema, from the traditional Guignol to stop-motion animation.

In the evening, attend the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Festival Lumière in the presence of special guests and cinema professionals at the Halle Tony Garnier.

(B)

The Lumière Film Festival
Since its creation in 2009, the Lumière Film Festival has established itself as a preeminent celebration of the history of cinema and those who have shaped the art and craft of filmmaking. Under the artistic direction of Thierry Frémaux, the festival showcases restored and rare films on the big screen, alongside retrospectives dedicated to significant filmmakers, cinema concerts, masterclasses and exhibitions at the Institut Lumière’s festival village.

Each year, the Lumière Award is presented to a cinema personality for his or her entire body of work. In 2025, director Michael Mann received the award, joining a distinguished roster of recipients including Isabelle Huppert, Wim Wenders, Tim Burton, Francis Ford Coppola, Jane Fonda, Catherine Deneuve, Martin Scorsese, Pedro Almodóvar, Quentin Tarantino, Ken Loach and Clint Eastwood, to name a few.

The full festival program of screenings will be announced about one month prior to the festival. The tour’s itinerary might be adjusted once the schedule is available. 

Today, learn about the inner workings of cinema at the Cinema and Miniature Museum, located inside a striking 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage building. The expansive collection of this one-of-a-kind museum founded by miniaturist artist Dan Ohlmann is home to numerous cinematic paraphernalia, including animatronics, masks, prostheses, robots, costumes, creatures and monsters of all kinds. Discover the secrets of Superman’s special effects from the 1970s and see the strange and wonderful aliens of the Men in Black films, as well as a number of items from the Star Wars series.

In the afternoon, experience an intimate masterclass at the Pathé Bellecour cinema, where acclaimed filmmakers or actors share exclusive insights into their creative process. Recent editions have included directors Michael Mann and Tim Burton, and Academy Award winners Sean Penn and Natalie Portman.

(BL)

Journey north of Lyon to the world-famous Beaujolais region, with more than 17,000 hectares of vines under cultivation. Visit a historic château and enjoy a wine tasting to appreciate the richness and diversity of the region’s wines. Return to Lyon after lunch.

This evening, enjoy a film screening at one of Festival Lumière’s venues, such as the Institut Lumière or one of Lyon’s historic cinemas.

(BL)

After a morning talk by CJ, discover the historic covered market Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse on a guided tour. Learn about the country’s rich culinary culture, meet local producers and indulge in a variety of food tastings in the ‘Food Capital of the World’.

Later today, enjoy another film screening at one of Festival Lumière’s venues.

(BL)

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the picturesque city of Annecy. Once a Gallo-Roman settlement and the seat of the Counts of Geneva until the 15th century, Annecy commands some of the most breathtaking mountain and lake views in the French Alps. The city is gearing up to the opening of the Cité Internationale du Cinéma d’Animation in time for the annual Animation Film Festival in June 2026. Enjoy a private, guided tour of the highly anticipated Animation Film Museum, which will present the history and creative processes behind the art of animation.

In the afternoon, explore the charming Old Town on a guided walking tour and see the imposing Château d’Annecy, former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours.

(B)

This morning, explore the majestic Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, which dominates the city’s skyline. Built in the late 19th century as a votive offering for sparing the city from plague and invasion, this architectural masterpiece reveals an interior adorned with dazzling Byzantine-style mosaics, deep turquoise hues and shimmering gold leaf.

Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, home to a wide-ranging collection of ancient artefacts found in the Rhône Valley as well as superb mosaics.

The afternoon is at leisure until tonight’s ciné-concert at the Auditorium de Lyon, where a restored film comes alive through the live accompaniment of the Orchestre National de Lyon.

(B)

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the second-largest fine arts collection in France. Housed in a majestic 17th-century Benedictine abbey, the museum showcases 5,000 years of history, from ancient Egyptian treasures to modern masterpieces by Rodin, Monet and Picasso.

Afterwards, enjoy a special farewell lunch with CJ and fellow travellers.

This evening, attend the Lumière Award Ceremony of the 2026 Festival Lumière, followed by an exclusive film screening celebrating the laureate’s legacy.

(BL)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private airport transfer, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)