best food tours in lyon france

🇫🇷 10 Best Lyon Food Tours & Cooking Classes

• Post author: Lisa Garrett
• Post last modified: March 29, 2024
• Post category: Lyon Things to Do / Lyon Tours

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Looking for the best Lyon food tours?

Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, and taking a food tour is the most delicious way to explore this fabulous French city.

I loved sampling Lyon’s famous dishes such as the praline rose and savory quenelles on my visit to Lyon last summer, and I can’t wait to go back for more!

In a hurry? No worries! The best food tour in Lyon is this walking food tour of Old Lyon . Explore Vieux Lyon while you indulge your inner foodie !

I’ve got all of the best food tours in Lyon right here for you, whether you want to tour Vieux Lyon or see the famous Les Halles de Lyon gourmet market.

So put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and skip breakfast.

Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Food Tours in Lyon France

#1 TOP PICK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Old Town Walking Food Tour + Lunch ✔️ 6 tasting stops ✔️ 10 favorite Lyon dishes (cheeses to charcuterie) ✔️Best value

Secret Foods Tour Lyon ✔️ Traditional Lyonnais breakfast ✔️French cheeses ✔️ Red & white wines

Market Tour, Cooking Class + Lunch ✔️ Learn French cooking techniques with local chef ✔️Saint-Antoine Market ✔️3-course lunch

10 Best Lyon Food Tours

1. lyon old town walking food tour + lunch (top pick).

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (225+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

🍴 Highlights:

• 6 tasting stops in fabulous Vieux Lyon
• 10 delicious product tastings
• Coffee and Tea

No visit to Lyon is complete without a journey to the Old Town, or Vieux Lyon . What better way to explore France’s gastronomic capital than with this Lyon Old Town walking food tour ?

Visit a bouchon and sample traditional Lyon favorites from cheese to charcuterie as you explore Vieux Lyon. Exploring the Old Town is definitely one of the top things to do in Lyon , even if you’re only here for a day!

The food and drinks were absolutely delicious and plentiful. The cheese, charcuterie, and ice cream were standouts. I’m still dreaming about the sausage baked in brioche. The history lessons and walks through the traboules were great. Highly recommended! Myra V ( Read more reviews )

You’ll love learning about the history of Lyon (I love the traboules) as you embark on this culinary journey.

Note: there may be some steps to negotiate to enter the tasting cellars.

This walking food tour of Old Lyon is the perfect way to kick off your visit to Lyon. Discover fabulous markets and restaurants you’ll want to return to during the rest of your stay!

🔑 Key Information:

• Tour offered in English and French
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Small group tour: There will be a maximum of 12 people on your tour

2. Secret Food Tours Lyon

⏳ Tour Length: ~3.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (240+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Traditional Lyonnais breakfast
• French pastries (my favorite!)
• French cheeses
• Delicious secret dish
• French red and white wines

This Secret Food tour of Lyon will take you on a culinary journey through Lyon and its culinary history.

From the humble culinary origins of Lyon’s founding ‘mothers’ ( Mères Lyonnaises ) to famous modern chefs like the Michelin-starred Paul Bocuse, the cuisine of Lyon can’t be beat.

Start off with local charcuterie and a glass of wine from a ‘ Pot Lyonnais ‘ as you learn about Lyon’s food traditions.

Absolutely wonderful tour. Very informative regarding foods, region and loved learning more about the history of the city. Went back in the evening to the lemon shop she recommended for tastings, will go back to the amazing pastry shop tomorrow. Learned so much. Very fun!!! Highly recommend. Thomas H. ( Read more Secret Food Tours Lyon reviews )

Sample a pink praline brioche in Lyon’s Old Town (my favorite way to enjoy Lyon’s praline rose ) and enjoy dishes at an authentic bouchon .

Finish off your Lyon Secret Food Tour with a coffee and a sweet treat from one of Lyon’s premier chocolatiers!

Tip: This tour ends in Place Bellecour, the location of Lyon’s Tourist Information office. I highly recommend stopping here to get a Lyon City Card — it’s the best way to save money in Lyon !

• Tour offered in English
• Stroller accessible
• NOTE: This tour is non-refundable , so be sure of your travel plans when booking!
• Small group tour: A maximum of 12 people will be on your tour.

3. Market Tour, Cooking Class + Lunch with Lyon Chef

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.9 out of 5 stars (60+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Visit to Saint-Antoine Market
• Learn traditional French cooking techniques
• Enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch
• Passionate, classically trained Lyon chef

If you love to cook (or enjoy learning new skills), this Vieux Lyon cooking class is perfect for you!

Your tour starts with a visit to my favorite market in Lyon, the Saint-Antoine market. Here you’ll select the freshest local produce to use in creating your gourmet dishes.

Next, head to the chef’s private atelier to make dishes such as quiche, chicken Bourguignon, and Lyon’s signature tarte à la praline.

What a fantastic experience! Thierry shared his knowledge of food and Lyon culture and history during the market trip and cooking. Can’t wait to get home to try the tips Thierry showed us. Highly recommend! Cynthia ( Read more reviews )

Even if you’re not an experienced chef, you’ll have a lot of fun in this class! You’ll be guided through the steps to make delicious dishes using traditional French cooking techniques.

And best of all, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a mouth-watering lunch. (You’re welcome to bring along your own beverage of choice to enjoy with your meal.)

This incredible Lyon cooking class is the best choice for people who love to eat — and love to learn!

• Free cancellation up to 2 days before the class
• Small group : There will be maximum of 6 people in your class

4. French Pastry-Making Class

⏳ Tour Length: ~3 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.9 out of 5 stars (60+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Learn to make classic French pastries such as cream puffs or macarons
• Learn French baking tips and tricks
• Coffee and juice provided (you can bring alcohol)
• Talented local professional chef

Do you have a sweet tooth? I sure do! Grab an apron and prepare to make some decadent desserts in this French pastry-making class !

Talented local chef Thierry will walk you through all the traditional French baking techniques needed to make mouthwatering pastries and goodies like macarons and eclairs.

We had a great time learning how to make a few Lyonnaise pastries with Thierry. The setting was fantastic and made for a very memorable experience.. Everything turned out amazing and delicious… highlight of the trip so far. Erik ( Read more reviews )

I love taking cooking classes, so I’m signing up for this class on my next trip to Lyon. I can’t wait to learn new tips and techniques to try out at home. New skills will be a great souvenir from Lyon!

You’re welcome to bring along your alcohol of choice to make the afternoon even more fun — ooh la la!

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie, you’re sure to have a fantastic time in this Lyon pastry class!

• Free cancellation up to 2 days prior to the class
• There will be maximum of 8 people in your class

5. Walking Food Tour in Vieux Lyon

⏳ Tour Length: ~3-4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (130+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Traditional Lyonnais foods
• Pastries, cheeses, sweets, local wines
• History & culture culinary tour
• Passionate foodie local guide

If you want to learn about the history, culture, and gastronomy of Lyon as you sample its best dishes, look no further than this walking food tour in Vieux Lyon .

Hear interesting stories about Lyon’s culinary history from bouchons to Michelin stars as you visit local shops and sample sweet and savory Lyonnais dishes.

WOW. What an experience. I cannot recommend this tour enough: warm welcome, great tips, little bit of sightseeing, great food and even better wine. Well organised tour. Dora K ( Read more reviews )

Keep your eyes open as you stroll through Vieux Lyon as you pass by its famous traboules. You might even pass by some of Lyon’s top museums on your tour.

Nibble on a delectable pastry from one of Lyon’s top bakeries and sample delicious cheeses paired with wines. Discover a new favorite dish, like the uniquely Lyonnais quenelles (a fish dumpling in a luscious seafood sauce).

This Vieux Lyon food tour is the best choice for people who love to eat — and love to learn!

• There will be maximum of 15 people on your tour

6. Lyon Wine Tasting & Cheese Pairings

⏳ Tour Length: ~2.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (75+ reviews) | 🍷 Book now

🍷 Highlights:

• Sparkling wine
• Cheeses and local charcuterie
• Artisanal fruit brandy with a Lyonnais dessert

This wine and cheese tasting in Lyon is the perfect tour for any wine lover!

You’ll sample wines from across France, paired with cheeses and charcuterie. Learn about what makes the perfect wine and cheese pairing from your unique vantage point inside a fromagerie!

Hugo was a phenomenal guide through French wines and cheeses. We loved getting to taste several new and unique unusual varietals. The setting in a local fromagerie was perfect as well. Charles L. ( Read more reviews )

You’ll sample nine different wines from famous wine-making regions close to Lyon, such as the Beaujolais and the Rhone Valley. And generous tasting portions mean you won’t need to make dinner plans after this tour.

Wines, cheeses, dessert — this tour sounds like one of the most romantic things to do in Lyon !

If you want to learn more about French wines, this Lyon wine and cheese tour is for you!

• Private tours: Only your group will be on this tour

7. Lyon Vegan Food Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~3 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (35+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Delicious snacks
• Private tour
• Explore Croix-Rousse neighborhood
• Passionate, local vegan guide

Are you a vegan? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the famous gastronomy of Lyon on this vegan food tour of Lyon !

Your local vegan guide will take you on an exploration of Lyon’s colorful Croix-Rousse neighborhood, and maybe you’ll spy the Cour des Voraces, one of the most instagrammable places in Lyon .

Don’t eat ahead of time… portions are generous. Guide is super knowledgeable about vegan jam and croix rousse history. All around happy with my choice! Naomi B. ( Read more reviews )

Along the way, enjoy delicious snacks as you take in the sights and history of Lyon. Visit vegan restaurants and sample delectable baked goods at a patisserie.

This Lyon vegan food tour is a fantastic way to explore the cuisine of Lyon, so come hungry!

• Private tour : Only your group will be on this tour

8. Foodie Tour in Lyon

⏳ Tour Length: ~3.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars (160+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Traditional quenelles (pike dumplings)
• Cervelle des Canuts (cheese dip)
• Pink praline brioche
• Regional wines

Treat your taste buds to the best food in Lyon France on this foodie walking tour of Old Lyon !

Explore the culinary hidden gems of Vieux Lyon and sample traditional Lyon foods from quenelles (pike dumplings) to Cervelle des Canuts (a savory cheese dip).

Enjoy your tastings along with regional wines with the help of a local sommelier — it’s the perfect Lyon foodie experience!

A wonderful experience! We were treated to 5 stops, including a full lunch of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine and met lovely shop owners who explained much about the cultural and culinary history of Lyon. A must do! Go hungry as the food is delicious and plentiful. Jill B ( Read more reviews )

And of course, you can’t forget dessert! Sample Lyon’s favorite sweet treat, the praline rose, in a pink praline brioche.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to savor the most popular foods in Lyon, you’ll love this food-lover’s tour of Lyon !

• Small group tour: Your tour will have a maximum of 12 people

9. Les Halles Paul Bocuse Private Market Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~2 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (10+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Traditional Lyon dishes like quenelles
• Cheese and charcuterie
• Sweet treats such as pink pralines and the coussin de Lyon
• Private tour of Les Halles gourmet market

Visit Lyon’s famous gourmet market on this private tour of Les Halles Paul Bocuse !

This high-end food market is a showcase of the French gastronomy of Lyon. I drooled over the tempting array of pastries and miniature cakes and was amazed by the giant wheels of cheese on display in the shops of Les Halles.

Claire was very informative and knowledgeable. We enjoyed ample tastings and feel like we got a great overview of Les Halles. Would recommend to all foodies! Mary S ( Read more reviews )

Your epicurean guide will take you on an amazing culinary adventure, sampling Lyon’s classic dishes and delectable sweet treats. All the while, you’ll be entertained by stories of the famous chefs of Lyon such as Paul Bocuse.

This private food tour of Les Halles is sure to be an unforgettable gastronomic experience in Lyon!

Without butter, without eggs, there is no reason to come to France. Paul Bocuse (this is one of my favorite France quotes about food !)

• Private Lyon tour : Only your group will be on this tour

10. Afternoon Old Town Food Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~3 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (180+ reviews) | 🍴 Book now

• Local cold cuts and red wine
• Savory Lyonnais dishes and sweet treats
• Local artisanal ice cream
• Alcoholic beverages

This afternoon food tour in Lyon is the perfect combination of Vieux Lyon sightseeing and delicious food and wine!

You’ll explore Lyon’s famous traboules, covered passages that are part of Lyon’s UNESCO designation . All the way, you’ll be eating and drinking your way through Lyon’s most beloved dishes.

In three hours we took a trip through the history, culture and gastronomy of Lyon. All the tastings were delicious, and the attention in all the places was wonderful. A good start to get to know Lyon. We had a great time. We recommend it 100 percent. Claire H. ( Read more reviews )

Sample regional cheeses and charcuterie along with local wines as you meet with local producers who create the foods that make Lyon famous.

Your culinary itinerary varies depending on the day of the week. So, you could even take this tour twice and have two different tasting experiences!

Either way, you won’t need to plan on having dinner after taking this food tour in Vieux Lyon !

• Small group activity: A maximum of 12 people will be in your tour

Bonus: Lyon E-Bike Tour + Food Tasting

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (150+ reviews) | 🚲 Book now

🚲 Highlights:

• Use of E-Bike and Helmet
• Food tastings of regional specialties
• Glass of wine

Looking for a way to see more of Lyon’s top sights, plus enjoy tasty treats? This family-friendly Lyon e-bike tour is the best of both worlds!

Work up an appetite (or let the e-bike do most of the work for you) as you explore the sights of Lyon. See the Parc de la Tete d’Or, Lyon’s Roman Theater, and take a scenic bike ride along the Rhône River.

Our bike tour was fabulous! Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. This was a great way to explore Lyon with the whole family (including 11 and 13 yo children). Blake N ( Read more reviews )

Along the way, you’ll take a break in Vieux Lyon to sample local favorites like cheeses and cured meats and enjoy a glass of wine.

Tip: If you have the time, choose the 4-hour tour option. This includes a trip up Fourvière Hill to the Notre Dame Basilica. I definitely think this is the place to enjoy the best views of Lyon!

This Lyon bike tour is the best way to get some fresh air, see the sights of Lyon, and to sample some classic Lyon foods!

• 2.5-hour and 4-hour tour options
• Minimum age is 10 years
• Minimum height (for adult bike) is 4.5 feet
• Bike skills are required
• Small group: A maximum of 10 people will be on your tour

Lyon Food Tour Tips and FAQ

Yes, it is definitely worth doing a food tour in Lyon!  It’s more than just the delicious food and drinks that you will enjoy during your tour. You’ll also get the experience and knowledge of an enthusiastic local guide and visit local restaurants and food shops that you’d never find on your own!

The best time to take a food tour in Lyon is on the first day of your trip,  so that you can learn tips on all of the best local places to eat! If you take a food tour around mealtime, you’ll have so many samples that you won’t need dinner!

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France. There are many Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoy in Lyon!

One of the most famous foods in Lyon is the quenelles de brochet. These are dumplings made of fish, served in a delicious seafood sauce. I like to soak up every last bit of the sauce with a fresh baguette!

The most famous tart in Lyon is the tarte aux pralines, or praline tart. This delicious dessert is made with Lyon’s famous candy, the praline rose — pink-colored sugared almonds.

No, tips are not included in the cost of your food tour in Lyon. If you enjoyed your tour, it’s always appreciated to tip your tour guide! Always carry some money for tipping!

Final Thoughts..

Food tours of Lyon are a fantastic way to explore the city’s celebrated French cuisine. I highly recommend taking one on your first day in Lyon to help you make the best food choices during your trip.

But — you’ll need more to do in Lyon than eat! (Well, maybe..)

Whether you’re interested in visiting Lyon’s best museums , seeing the famous trompe l’oeil murals , or a full list of the best things to do and see in Lyon , I’ve got you covered!

• Best Things to Do and See in Lyon, France
• Vieux Lyon Guide
• Top Lyon Instagram Spots
• Lyon’s famous Le Mur des Canuts Mural
• Top Museums in Lyon
• Romantic Things to Do in Lyon for Couples
• How to Save Money in Lyon with the Lyon City Card
• Perfect One Day in Lyon: Top Picks & Hidden Gems

Are you ready to book your trip to Lyon?

Looking for the top picks for your trip to Lyon? Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to help you plan the perfect vacation!

Top Tours and Experiences in Lyon

• Old Town Walking Food Tour (Vieux Lyon sightseeing + tasty local favorites)
• E-Bike Tour of Lyon (A fun & easy way to see Lyon’s top sights!)
• Market Tour, Cooking Class+ Lunch (Perfect for those who love to cook!)
• Beaujolais Golden Stones Wine Tour (The best day trip for wine lovers)
• Lyon City Card (Amazing value! I buy this every time I visit Lyon)

Top Hotels in Lyon

• Villa Florentine (Fabulous 5-star hotel in Vieux Lyon)
• Grand Hotel des Terreaux (I stayed here! Great location)
• Hôtel Bayard Bellecour (Highly rated budget-friendly hotel)

Has this post made you hungry? Pin it for later!

Lisa Garrett

Lisa Garrett is the founder of Travel to Lyon.

She has explored Lyon with her husband (Chris) as well as on solo trips to France. She will be living in Lyon this summer to bring you even more tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Lyon!

Learn more about Lisa !

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• Best Lyon Food Tours

The 7 Best Lyon Food Tours in France’s Gastronomic Capital

Published 06 November 2023 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Lyon is known for many things - and great food is at the top of the list. If you're looking for an introduction to the city's food specialties, taking one of these 7 Lyon food tours is the best way to start. 

Walking tours are ideal to discover Lyon and lyonnaise cuisine.

My first Lyon food tour was typical: it involved walking around the Old Town, sampling everything from pralines to saucisson. But the best part was meeting the various restaurant and shop owners, who explained the "why" of dishes, and the stories behind them.

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

NO TIME TO READ EVERYTHING?

Just want the #1 best Lyon food tour? 

Secret Food Tours Lyon with Private Food Tour Option

This tour has it all, from delicious food samples of local specialties to authentic French wine. Their local guides are filled with knowledge about Lyon’s food culture and they have over 200 five-star reviews.

Book It Now!

7 Best food tours in LYON

• 1. Secret Food Tours Lyon with Private Tour Option
• 2. Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch
• 3. Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour
• 4. Lyon: Food Walking Tour with a Local Guide
• 5. Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience
• 6. Lyon Vegan Food Tour
• 7. Lyon Electric Bike Tour including Food Tasting with a Local Guide

The 7 Best Lyon Food Tours

Below you’ll find a list of the top 7 food tours to take in Lyon, and they're all highly rated, with a minimum of 4.5 out of 5 stars (most actually have 5/5).

Lyon has over 4,000 restaurants that feature French cuisine, including many local and regional specialties. Food has long been an important part of the local culture, and many of the best-loved recipes have been passed down through generations − that's how important food is here.

Most Lyon food gourmet tours traditionally involve a walk through the historic old town, where you'll visit several establishments and sample food and wine. A few other tours may take you to different parts of town, like the vegan tour that goes to Croix-Rousse or the bike tour that explores several parts of Lyon. 

Whichever you choose will be a great start to your Lyon culinary adventure − and you won't have to face the overwhelming decisions of what to try first, where, and you'll gain plenty of insight into the food culture. 

Let me add that many of the Lyon food tours are similar, varying only in length and the choice of local artisans along the way, whether charcuterie producers or praline makers. They're all highly rated and you'll do well with any of them.

Also, descriptions are accurate at the time of writing but stops and samples may change, so be sure to click through and check before you book!

1. Secret Food Tours Lyon with Private Food Tour Option

Indulge in the best of French cuisine including freshly baked pastries, a traditional Canut breakfast sampling, Lyonnais sweet treats, French cheeses, and a secret dish on this tasty Lyon food tour − which also, by the way, includes a tasting of French wine. 

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours    ✔︎  Sample a traditional Canut (silk weaver's) breakfast ✔︎  Fresh pastries ✔︎  Hot dish in a traditional "bouchon" ✔︎  Creamy French cheeses ✔︎ Walk through the Old Town in the heart of Lyon ✔︎ French red and white wine

🍽️  BOOK YOUR SECRET FOOD TOUR HERE

This secret food tour in Lyon will explore the Old Town Neighborhood of the city. The group is limited to 12 people so it is the perfect way to experience the food culture in Lyon without a large crowd. 

You can also book this as a completely private tour for just your group. Not only does a private tour give you a more personalized experience, but it also can fit better with your schedule as you can select a start time based on your needs.

⭐️  Rating: 5 / 5  ⭐️

“Highly recommended, you get to see some of the sights of Lyon and taste your way through some true culinary delights.” －John

"Charlotte provided us with such knowledge of Lyon (and all of France) and brought us to the most amazing food stops. Would absolutely take another Secret Food tour!! － Samantha E.

See more reviews here

2. Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties

This half-day food tour takes place in Lyon’s historic old town and stops  at 6 different establishments, where you'll taste 10 different local specialities, meet local food producers and learn more about Lyon’s incredible gastronomical scene. Make sure you show up for this tour hungry, because it also includes a delicious lunch.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours    ✔︎  10 food tastings in 6 different establishments ✔︎  Passionate and expert guides ✔︎  Small group with a maximum of 12 people ✔︎  Walk through Lyon’s Old Town and meet local producers ✔︎  Lunch included

🍷  BOOK YOUR OLD LYON TOUR HERE

This highly rated food tour is limited to a small group of 12, so you’ll get a personalized experience and be able to interact with the local guide.

The tour takes place in Lyon’s old town and includes a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of the neighborhood.

⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 ⭐️

“This was by far the best tour we did while in France! A perfect combination of history, seeing the city, and trying plenty of food (with generous portions)." －Maria

"Wonderful meeting the shop owners and seeing the obvious pride they have in their products!" －Nicol_W "We loved every place we stopped at and appreciated they were all locally owned and operated. The entire tour was wonderful! I highly recommend it!" －Diane_M

3. Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour

Another exploration of Vieux Lyon takes place with this 4-hour Lyon food tour, during which you'll taste 14 delicious local products. As part of your tour, you'll explore  St Jean Cathedral, along with Old Lyon's traboules, or secret passageways, once used by merchants to keep their silk cloth dry.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours    ✔︎  14 food tastings at 5 different places, equivalent to a typical lunch ✔︎  Expert local guide ✔︎  Walk through Lyon’s Old Town, one of Europe's largest Renaissance areas ✔︎ See the Cathedral of St. Jean and the famous passageways

🍗  BOOK YOUR OLD LYON 4-HR FOOD TOUR HERE

This tour mixes history and food tastings and gives you the chance to explore Lyon’s oldest neighborhood while tasting some delicious food. Your guide will show you 5 different places where you can enjoy local food tastings and learn more about the food culture of Lyon.

⭐️  Rating: 4.8 / 5  ⭐️

“Our tour was outstanding. Three tours in one. Historical, architectural, and, of course, culinary. Superbly well-designed and managed by Erick, who was extremely well-versed in the history and origins of food in Lyon.” － Anonymous

4. Lyon Food Walking Tour with a Local Guide

This Old Town walking tour stops at 4 different places to meet with local artisans to learn more about French cuisine in Lyon.  This afternoon food tour allows you to sample some of the best French food, including typical dishes – an assortment of regional cheeses, local cold-cut meats, brioche, praline pie and artisanal regional ice cream, along with French wine and local beer.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours     ✔︎  10 food tastings at 4 different places ✔︎ Expert local guide and small group tour ✔︎  Local cold cuts with red wine ✔︎ Selection of regional cheeses with white wine ✔︎ Praline pie and chocolates ✔︎  Alcoholic beverages included

🍫  BOOK YOUR WALKING FOOD TOUR HERE

This food-tasting tour offers late afternoon starting times, which is perfect for anyone wanting to do their sightseeing in the morning, and is capped at 12 people to keep it small and intimate.

⭐️  Rating: 4.7 / 5  ⭐️

"Our guide was both knowledgeable and passionate about Lyon, its history, and its food. The food samples were VERY good. A great way to explore Vieux Lyon.” －Mitch

5. Do Eat Better Lyon Food Tour

Lyon is the perfect destination for foodies, and this food-tasting tour is sure to meet expectations for some delicious French cuisine. Wander through the Old Town of Lyon while making stops at 5 different places for some unique food tastings.

Try such Lyonnaise specialties as pike quenelle (dumplings) with rice, cervelle de Canut (a creamy cheese dip), praline brioche, and more while your guide explains more details about food culture in Lyon.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours    ✔︎  5 unique food tastings at 5 different locations ✔︎  Local expert guide ✔︎  Try cervelle de canut, the artisanal creamy cheese, and taste a pike quenelle ✔︎ Top it off with a praline brioche and a typical Lyon sweet, the "coussin lyonnais" ✔︎ Wine and bottled water included ✔︎ Small group tour

🍭  BOOK YOUR DO EAT BETTER TOUR HERE

This small group tour is limited to 10 or fewer participants so that you can sample the foods promptly and have a chance to ask questions. The tour visits local artisan shops, bakeries, and more in the area of Lyon’s Old Town.

⭐️  Rating: 4.5 / 5  ⭐️

“Great to be informed about the local delicacies and introduced to new things we hadn’t come across yet. Perfect sized group.” － Shannon

"We enjoyed the great local people, shops and food and Baptiste's connections across Vieux Lyon. A must experience for anyone." －Neal_E

6. Lyon Vegan Food Tour

This vegan food tour in Lyon is an incredible food-tasting experience for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and lifestyle, and as of this writing, this is the only vegan tour in the city of Lyon. 

Not only will you get to experience some of the best vegan food in France, but you will also get to taste foods from a few of the best vegan restaurants in Lyon. Your professional guide will also be able to give you recommendations on where to eat vegan or vegetarian-friendly food during your stay in Lyon.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours    ✔︎  Vegan food tastings ✔︎  Local expert guide ✔︎  Explore the bohemian Croix-Rousse neighborhood of Lyon ✔︎ Perfect tour option for vegans and vegetarians

🍇  BOOK YOUR VEGAN FOOD TOUR HERE

This small-group tour features 100% vegan food tastings, but you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. It is also a great option for people who want to try something different from the typical food tours in Old Town, whether they are vegan or not.

The tour explores the Croix-Rousse neighborhood of Lyon, which has an artsy, bohemian feel to it. This was once home to the silk weavers and their workshops, and today, it is filled with beautiful street murals, art galleries, and eateries.

⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 ⭐️

“Lulu is a super guide. In addition to taking us to many fine vegan restaurants and a patisserie, she showed us the Croix-Rousse on a very interesting tour.” －Fred_H

"Don’t eat ahead of time… portions are generous. Guide is super knowledgeable about vegan jam and Croix-Rousse history. All around happy with my choice!" －Naomi_B

"I am a non-vegan (and non-vegetarian) and booked this tour because my children are vegetarians. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased at how good the food was on this tour!" － Anonymous

7. Lyon Electric Bike Guided Tour With Food Tasting

Combine a food tour in Lyon with sightseeing on this electric bike tour with food tastings. A local guide will take you around the highlights of Lyon by electric bike, seeing all the interesting sites in Lyon’s UNESCO-heritage old town and along the beautiful Rhône River.

Your guide will tell you more about the history of Lyon and how it became known as the food capital of France. In addition to stopping at several historical sites, you’ll wrt stop at a local eatery to sample some of Lyon’s best foods.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours    ✔︎  Electric bicycle and helmet ✔︎  Option to book a 2.5-hour tour or 4-hour tour ✔︎  Local expert guide ✔︎  Explore Lyon’s Old Town pedestrian zone ✔︎ Stop at a local eatery for delicious food samples ✔︎  Glass of wine or drink of your choice ✔︎  Small group tour

🥖  BOOK YOUR ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR HERE

On this tour of Lyon, you’ll see important sites such as the Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and more. The food stop at a local restaurant will also allow you to taste some of the famous Lyon cuisine. 

This is a great option for those who want to combine food tasting with sightseeing on either a 2.5-hour or a 4-hour tour. Both tours include food tasting and sightseeing, but the 4-hour tour includes a ride up to La Croix-Rousse for incredible views of Lyon.

“The bikes were fun and the route was quite safe. It is a great orientation to everything you would want to see in Lyon. Bring a refillable water bottle!” —Mike

"Definitely need electric bike to go up steep hills – effortless via e-bike and well worth going." —Awi_K

"A fantastic tour of the overall layout of the city along with a great pit stop for wine and a snack. Do this one early on your trip so you can take full advantage of all their recommendations for food, shopping, and fun local experiences." —Spencer_R

Before you go...

In my story on Lyon as the  world capital of gastronomy,   read all about the Lyonnaise mothers, or mères lyonnaises, who contributed so much to the city's local culture as chefs during the 19th century.

Lyon is home to many regional and local food specialties, many with recipes passed down through generations.

Eating well is important here, and is one of the best things to do in Lyon .

My favorite foodie activity? Spend a few hours in  Les Halles Paul Bocuse , the city's covered market with a wide range of high-end products.

So go out, explore, and eat to your heart's content!

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla, born in Paris, I now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France. My days are spent exploring my country. 

As a journalist and former diplomat, I spent years living abroad and now, it’s time to rediscover my own back yard.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!  Read more here .

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

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A unique gastronomy experience!

Lyon FOOD Tour offers a unique gastronomy experience. Accompanied by a passionate local guide you will discover the capital of gastronomy during a rhythmic guided visit full of unusual anecdotes and exceptional culinary tastings. Explore must see places, meet local artisans and taste products that identify with the reputation of Lyon’s heritage. Make your choice between four types of our gastronomic tours and immerse yourself in the heart of a trip that will delight the gourmet who resides inside of you.

Included in our formulas

Small groups.

Our visits are limited at 12 persons in order to guarantee a convivial moment

Accessible to all

2.5 km of walk at the maximum

Passionate local guide

They will share with you their love for Lyon and its gastronomy

Combine visit and culinary taste

Unusual anecdotes

An original and funny way to discover Lyon

Advices and good addresses

All the tips you need for a successful stay in Lyon !

Local passionate artisans

La Crèmerie Lyonnaise – Cheeses shop

I took over this cheese dairy, which had been open for 8 years, in the Saint Georges district 6 years ago. Having previously worked in catering and food distribution, I wanted to devote myself to my passion for good local products. In collaboration with several regional artisans such as Christian Janier (MOF 2000), I take great pleasure in selecting various and varied quality cheeses for everyone’s enjoyment.

BMD – Wine bar

Passionate about wine since always, I decided to open this establishment 6 years ago. Making myself happy by working with quality products is a priority for me! I select and offer wines from producers in the region but also French and international wines. Having grown up in Old Lyon, this new adventure is a homecoming.

Luminarium – Praline pie and drinks

Alexandre is captain of the Luminarium, a charming establishment with a cozy atmosphere. The Luminarium offers you a wide selection of teas developed by them, but coffee lovers will also be combined. Alexandre has chosen a Mokxa roaster from Lyon and he will be delighted to introduce you to their selection according to the rules of the art, espresso, ristretto or cappuccino, it’s like being in Italy! Sweet tooths will not be left out and could enjoy cheesecake, cookies and other sweets!

Les Fines Gueules –  Bouchon Lyonnais

Here we have two quality requirements: Serving a real Lyonnais food and using fresh local products.

First of all, he studied at the Hotel School of Chamalières and after several experiences in Lyon, Paris and London he had a job at the Paul Bocuse Institute and finally worked 11 years with Paul Bocuse in Collonges as Deputy Director. As a result he is back to the fundamentals of Lyon’s kitchen: Here we peel, we bone, we simmer, in a word we cook “… Enjoy your meal and let you be parched in our beautiful district of Old Lyon!

La chope de Lug – Beer cellar

For 14 years Frédéric has been the master of the place, a real AliBaba cave for those looking for quality Lyonnaise specialties. Here, only good food, artisanal cured meats, Lyonnaise sweets and above all a sense of welcome and unparalleled generosity. Frédéric is a real gone and he will be happy to introduce you to the spirit of Lyon’s ripailleur. “Bon appetit and thirsty”!

La Fabrique Givrée – Artisanal ice creams

The adventure of Fabrique Givrée, is that of three childhood friends: Jérémie, Martin, et Hugues. Jérémie, a young expert and offbeat chef spent his early years in the saucepans. But when he was adolescent he chose to be a pastry chef! After 15 years in prestigious houses (Fauchon, le Bristol, Valrhona), in 2012 Jérémie chooses to leave with his sidekicks in search of the ultimate ice cream, putting his mastery of tastes and textures at the service of his unbridled imagination and his love for sharing.

Etienne (MOF)

Mons – cheeses.

In 1964, Hubert Mons and his wife decided to sell cheeses on the markets of the Roannaise region. In 1983, Hervé, the eldest son, after a career with the greatest Parisian cheese maker, established the first point of sale at the Halles Diderot. He continues to travel around France in search of the best products, producers who still produce in a traditional way respecting the ancestral know-how. Products which then he refines in his cellars.

This is why Maison MONS is now the official supplier of the best restaurants around the world and the reference in terms of cheese specialties.

“Girls”

Bobosse – charcuteries  (cold cuts).

Since the 1960s, René Besson a.k.a Bobosse created a cold cuts shop whose foundations were fresh products, quality and friendliness. From Lyon’s bouchons to the great Parisian restaurants, to the inns of France and Navarre, this ambassador of St Antoine – patron of the charcutiers – has made known his products, thereby developing the image of the whole Beaujolais region. Of course, the years have passed away, but stringed titled andouillettes, baked sausages and other dishes are the best proof of the well-preserved know-how.

“Boys”

Merle – oysters.

In 1938, Alphonse Merle bought the Maison Forte “Oysters and Shellfish” to set up at Les Halles des Cordeliers. With the help of his son Alain, champion of France’s oyster sellers in 1971, he made possible that the house Merle become the reference for the tasting of oysters in Lyon. In 2005, Alain Merle sold his house to the Lameloise family, owner of the Brasserie Georges. Today, the director Philippe Allard and his Chef, Oyster seller, Romain Masse continue this beautiful story with passion and talent.

Groups or Companies

Contact us for each particular request.

Lyon Food Tour provides personal custom-made formulas for a unique gastronomy moment!

Any question ? You want to book? Contact us !

Phone : +(33)6 50 98 39 49

Mail : [email protected]

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15+ French Dishes You Need To Try On Your Lyon Food Tour

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It had been our dream to visit Lyon, France for the longest time, and we finally made it happen this year!! Dubbed the “food capital of the world,” Lyon is every foodie’s dream come true. Home to many top chefs like Mère Fillioux, Paul Bocuse, and Mathieu Viannay, Lyon is no doubt the ideal place for you to fall in love with French cuisine!

Before you embark on your Lyon food tour, make sure to familiarize with the Lyonnaise cuisine. That way you can feel like a local as you experience the best Lyon has to offer. This introductory food guide highlights the typical French dishes you will find in Lyon as well as a list of the best bouchons in Lyon and top Michelin restaurants in France to add to your itinerary.

Salade Lyonnaise

Let’s start with appetizers!

You’ll find Salade Lyonnaise (Lyonnaise salad) at almost every restaurant in Lyon. What’s so special about Lyonnaise salad?

Typically, the bowl comprises of fresh lettuce with small pieces of bacon, poached eggs, croutons, and vinaigrette dressing, but every restaurant does it a bit differently.

Some bouchons (old-fashioned bistros) have their own magic recipe to tempt diners’ taste buds. For example, at Daniel & Denise, the salad also comes with snout slices, lentils, smoked herring, and potato amandine. It is the most unforgettable Salade Lyonnaise we have ever tried!

Cervelle de Canut

Don’t gross out by its literal translation “silk worker’s brains, ” there is no component of brains in Cervelle de Canut whatsoever. Instead, this specialty is more like a cheese spread, made of fromage blanc, chopped herbs, shallots, salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar. It is enjoyed with sliced baguette as an hors-d’œuvre.

So, where did the name “silk worker’s brains” come from?

Back in the day, silk production was the pillar of Lyon’s economy. The city was known as the silk-weaving capital of France . When the silk industry reached its peak in the 19th century, there were over 100,000 looms in business!!

Silk workers, known as ‘ canuts ’, would start working before dawn. To recharge, they would visit bouchons for a hearty morning meal ( mâchon ), and the seasoned cheese spread was typically served on the table.

Rosette de Lyon

Along with baguette and Cervelle de Canut, it is common to find   dry-cured pork sausage ( Rosette de Lyon ) served as an appetizer. This signature specialty is made with a casing from a pig’s lower intestine, stuffed with coarse ground pork. It makes a tasty addition to sandwiches and charcuterie boards.

Andouillette

Speaking of sausages, you will come across andouillette in markets or on restaurant menus. The famous Andouilette is made entirely of pork (sometimes veal) intestines and stomachs, seasoned with pepper, wine, and onions.

It is known to have a very strong, distinctive smell so be prepared. Most of the time, it is served hot, either boiled, panfried or barbecued, but it can be eaten cold as well.

Fonds d’Artichauts aux Foie Gras

Another classic starter is Fonds d’Artichauts aux Foie Gras.  First created by la mère Filloux, later modified by Eugénie Brazier, this dish combines delicate melting foie gras and crisp artichoke hearts, providing a remarkable depth of flavour!

Pâté en Croûte

Literally “pâté in a pastry crust,” Pâté en Croûte is a popular cold dish. Typically, the pâté is made of pork, but sometimes it can be veal, poultry or rabbit. Between the meat pie and pastry crust, chilled transparent jelly is added to fill the top cavity.

The end product is rich, dense and divinely good.

Saucisson de Lyon Brioche

One of our favourite French dish in Lyon is Saucisson de Lyon Brioche (sausage in a brioche).  Salty and sweet, it is amazing how something simple like this can be so satisfying. Cooked sausage stuffed in a wonderfully soft and buttery brioche, it is a taste you can never forget!

You will see Quenelles everywhere in Lyon bistros. This football-shaped specialty is typically made with pike (a freshwater fish), mixed with butter, flour, milk, and eggs. It is cooked with tomato sauce, béchamel, or the famous Nantua sauce (prepared with crayfish, carrots, celery and cognac).

Coq au Vin (Rooster in wine sauce) , another legendary dish in Lyonnaise cuisine. Essentially, it comprises of chicken seasoned with herbs and vegetables. The meat is then slowly braised in a Burgundy wine sauce until it is tender on the inside. The stew dish promises textured, juicy meat!

Soupe aux Truffes Noires V.G.E.

When speaking of French dishes, we can’t leave out Chef Paul Bocuse, the pope of French cooking and the founding father of modern French cuisine.

His most famous dish was Soupe aux Truffes Noires V.G.E. (black-truffle soup named after former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing). This famed soup contains foie gras, mushrooms, truffles, and chicken broth;all held captive under a dome of puff pastry.

You can try this classic dish at his three Michelin-starred restaurant in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or located just 4km north of Lyon.

Poulet En Vessie

Another one of Bocuse’s iconic dishes is Poulet en Vessie (truffle-stuffed bresse chicken cooked in a pig’s bladder).

We know what you’re thinking: Cooking in pig’s bladder? How? This is a technique pioneered by Brazier (remember we mentioned her earlier?). It begins by stuffing slices of black truffles and foie gras under the chicken skin. The chicken is then enclosed in the bladder and packed in an aromatic broth. The method makes the meat extremely flavorful and moist!

At Paul Bocuse Restaurant, the staff will deflate the bladder and debone the entire chicken in front of your eyes. In case you are curious about how it is done, check out the clip below:

Bugnes Lyonnaises

Now, let’s move onto desserts!

Bugnes Lyonnaises is a classic Lyonnaise dessert, similar to beignet but not quite the same. This lemon-scented pastry is thinner and crunchier, sprinkled with powdered sugar.

You will see pink pralines (almonds with pink sugar coating) everywhere on the streets of Lyon. This traditional French confection is unique to Lyon, can be eaten alone as it is or added to desserts.

Tarte aux Pralines

The most common pralines dessert is Tarte aux Pralines (Pralines Tart).  The combination of crushed pralines and all-butter shortcrust pastry delivers an irresistible taste!

Coussin de Lyon

Shaped in a pillow, this sweet specialty of Lyon is made with chocolate, marzipan, flavoured with curacao liqueur. It can be distinguished with its aqua green colour.

Best Restaurants in Lyon for Classic Lyonnaise Meals

All those sound delicious, but where can you have a classic Lyonnaise meal? below are a few bouchons and Michelin star restaurants in Lyon we recommend you stop by!

Daniel Et Denise

To try traditional Lyonnaise food, we highly suggest putting Daniel et Denise on your agenda. As one of the best bouchons in Lyon, the bistro is dedicated to serving local specialties. Their delicious Lyonnaise dishes like quenelle and salade Lyonnaise are sure to dazzle taste buds!

The restaurant has four locations across the city. Reservation is recommended as they can get quite busy (even on weekdays)!

La Mère Brazier

We mentioned Eugénie Brazier a few times earlier. She is the mother of modern French cooking and the first woman to be awarded six Michelin stars! Many renowned chefs including Paul Bocuse were her student.

To get a taste of her recipes, visit La Mère Brazier – her first restaurant, which was established in 1921 when she was only 26 years old. Today, the establishment holds two Michelin stars and is run by executive chef Mathieu Viannay.

Auberge Du Pont De Collonges

The Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyon is a destination itself, attracting foodies around the world year-round. This luxury establishment has held three Michelin stars continually since 1965. It is also the only one in Lyon to receive three stars.

You will quickly understand why it is worth a special journey as soon as you arrive. The dining rooms in Paul Bocuse Restaurant is pure elegance. Service is impeccable. Each dish is carefully planned to balance tastes and textures. The entire dining experience is unmatched by any other Lyon Michelin restaurants.

Today, Chef Bocuse is no longer there, but a trio of chefs, Christophe Muller, Gilles Reinhardt, and Olivier Couvin, carry on his legacy so that you can enjoy his classic dishes like black truffle soup and sea bass stuffed in puff pastry shell.

Les Halles De Lyon Paul Bocuse

For casual eateries, we recommend Les Halles De Lyon Paul Bocuse, a well-known indoor food market in Lyon, named after the famous chef Paul Bocuse.

The market houses 48 food stalls impressing you with gourmet delights, like cured meat, pastries, cheeses, and chocolates (perfect place to go food shopping in Lyon, France!). There is also a good selection of casual bars and restaurants to enjoy a sit-down meal.

Cooking Classes in Lyon, France

Want to learn to make classic Lyonnaise dishes? We recommend book a cooking class on eatwith with chef Thierry.

We did a 3-hour cooking class with him. Aside from learning the traditional cooking technique, Thierry gave us an informative introduction into the history of Lyon and its influence on the Lyonnaise food culture. He is very passionate and knowledgeable!

You can choose between 3 different options – market tour, cooking class, and pastry class. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with Lyonnaise cuisine and we recommend doing this at the beginning of your Lyon vacation!

We hope this article incentivizes you to visit Lyon, the gastronomy capital of France! Lyon is truly unique and has surprised us in so many ways!

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16 comments leave a comment ».

Pingback: 15 Secrets To Help You Visit Lyon, France Like A Local | For Two, Please

Such a great read, thanks for sharing. OMG those desserts – how can you choose between the tarte or the Coussin de Lyon? I would definitely enjoy the cooking class and visiting the restaurants in your article. So much to do I would be in ‘foodie heaven’.

That’s interesting. I live in Belgium currently, neighbour to France and we’re planning to explore the country soon and ofcourse Lyon is in the list! Cervelle de Canut sounds horrible with ‘brain’ in it, but super happy to know that its vegetarian! Oh! I didn’t know Coq au Vin is from Lyon. I know it from SATC movie when Carrie Bradshaw says, ‘I’m more Coco Chanel than Coq au Vin’!!!

Food in Lyon and your cooking class look amazing – I love Coq au Vin personally, it is such a classic. I would love to return to France sometime. I’ve spent months living in France but that was working in the Northern France refugee camps. When I wasn’t working, I was in a very suburban area that felt very much like the UK. I ate a lot of oatmeal and sandwiches and random Ethiopian curries, LOL! So I don’t think I really have gotten a “feel” for France or its more cultural sides – like the amazing food! You’ve definitely inspired me to investigate this for my October travel plans, Cat….

I loved the article! Also made me so hungry!haha, cant wait to go to Lyon to try that soup with foie gras!!!! 

So typically French, where as much care is taken with the food as with its presentation. Though I have not ventured to Lyon , I have a friend from there and he is a top-notch chef and no wonder judging from your article. The Foie Gras serving is gorgeous but what I would really like to taste is the Coq Au Vin. And of course the French Desserts (your photos make my mouth water) – who can resist them ?

My mouth’s watering after reading this post!! The Saucisson brioche looks wonderful, and is something I’d devour in 10 seconds! As I’ve a sweet tooth, the Bugnes Lyonnaise also looks interesting. They’d also make some nice gifts to take home.

I just love the “silk worker’s brains” story. And I could imagine enjoying the cheese spread with a fresh baguette, a bottle of wine, and a nice dried pork sausage, sitting on a bench and watching Lyon pass me by…until I headed off to buy some Bugnes Lyonnaises and chase a few down with a cup of coffee. Mmmmmmmmmm.

Brains of silk workers. Only the French… I just read how Buckingham Palace was built on a mulberry field. The mulberry trees were to feed British silkworms to oust French silk. The praline pie looks amazing.

I think about the only thing I’ve heard of in this post is Coq au Vin. Which is great. Nice to be introduced to some innovative new cooking. I guess Lyon is the place to go. I still haven’t been, so I must add it to the list.

A lot of people don’t know that Lyon is the food capital of France – they always assume it is Paris. I used to live 2 hours from Lyon so I had plenty of opportunities to visit, eat and explore! I So miss the praline tarts – I have not seen them in the US anywhere and they are SO delicious!

This looks absolutely delicious! I’ve never been too keen on French dishes but then again these pictures make me reconsider. La Mere Brazier and the Coussin de Lyon are my top choices but the Tarte aux Pralines looks really delicious as well. I’m positively surprised to be honest, I guess I need to give french cuisine another chance!

I never knew that Lyon is foodies paradise. It would be great to taste all those things here in Lyon. I would love to taste the Lyon dessert – bugnes lyonnaises and Pink pralines. Even the ambiance of Daniel Et Denise is beautiful. Thanks for sharing wonderful list.

wow loved the article thanks

Your food photography is always on point! I’d love to try the Bugnes Lyonnaises – they sound delicious! And, I love that beautiful mural!

I have not visited Lyon before ad only done Paris but this post surely puts it on my list to visit places in France. Being a food buff and enjoying French cuisine it makes it the perfect destination I must say. Truly an understated destination and one which needs more promotion like the capital and Nice.  I would surely want to get involved in the Cooking Class with Chef Thierry.  Thanks for sharing this great culinary journey. 

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Lyon Food Tours : 11+ Best Local Tours and activities | 2023

Taste culinary delights on a food tour through beautiful Lyon!

Lyon, the culinary capital of France, down and dirty: you’ve got Presqu’Île, Vieux Lyon, and La Croix-Rousse. You’re gonna smell quenelles , grattons , and cervelle de canut . You will see Renaissance buildings, barges-cum-bars, and greasy spoons for the proletarian sous-chefs slaving away in the tourist kitchens.

But let’s get to the heart of the matter. Sure, you may have been dreaming of Paris. But Lyon is going to be waiting for you by candlelight while dinner stays warm in the oven. Ah yes, my dear, Paris is but a dalliance! Come home to Lyon and really taste la France . Savour the romance. Life is too short for long-lost love. We’re talking about cuisine , amour , la vie . What more do you need to know? Pack your bags then book the flight. Because that’s what food tours are for.

Lyon Food Tours

French food feeds your soul, and the knowledgeable tour guides that lead the superb tours have insight about the city and its’ food scene that will feed your mind.

1. Lyon Food Tour

Lyon Food Tour welcomes everybody into town for accessible tours in small groups going short distances. They provide vibrant, passionate guided tours through Les Halles, Presqu’île and Old Town. The leisurely pace gives you the chance to receive uniquely crafted experiences full of anecdotes, serious food, and an excellent first excursion. We recommend their 4-hour Old Town Food Tour which features local artisanal delicacies and a visit at a traditional Lyonnais bouchon restaurant. The emphasis at these hyperlocal eateries is on having a good time and getting your fill.

2. Praline et Rosette Food Tour

Praline et Rosette offer a series of relaxed gourmet food tours exclusively in French . If you’re a Francophile foodie visiting Lyon for the first time, this is the company for you. With several tours and friendly guides, experience Lyonnais cuisine the way it’s meant to be! Learn about traditional specialties and tour local restaurants to practice your language skills and develop a taste for the region. Our favourite tour of theirs is the Choco’Lyon , with 5 stops to artisanal chocolatiers on the Presqu’île peninsula. If you’re thinking of extending your stay in Lyon, chocolate is a good way to resist the call of the road.

3. Tasty Lyon

Tasty Lyon offers a half-dozen guided tours in English with a chill vibe and a variety of additional services. Get in touch with the gourmet side of Lyon, or take a tour through the Croix Rousse neighbourhood, or book a private tour for a more intimate experience . Our best rec is for the Best Of Lyon Private Tour , a picturesque walking food tour that takes a half day. Educational, affordable and unique, Tasty Lyon is the best choice for parties of English-speaking first-time visitors.

4. Free Tour Lyon

Free Tour Lyon is definitely your best bet for Western Europe backpacking and impromptu family excursions. Although free to book, they are food tours making stops in local restaurants, so make sure to bring some pocket change at least. We recommend the Morning Food Tour Lyon which gives you the opportunity to get a proper French breakfast in a famous pastry shop . Just remember, if you show up out-of-season, then you can still take the self-guided tour!

5. Only Lyon

Only Lyon Tourisme offers a series of incredible food tours showcasing traditional French cuisine. The Old Lyon Food Tour begins with a mâchon breakfast, including pork tripe and Mâconnais wine. The 2-kilometre trek down along La Saône river heads into lunchtime, stopping at 6 culinary destinations, so it is advised not to make lunch plans following the tour. Along the way you’ll get acquainted with local artisans and discover secret passageways, or traboules as they’re known locally.

Lyon Wine Tours

Discover Lyon and the surrounding countryside by sipping on premium French wine that’s some of the best in the world.

7. Wine Dine Caroline

Wine Dine Caroline is the premier wine tasting tour company in Lyon. With expert sommelier Caroline Conner at the helm, tours typically include 6-7 local wines, of which Lyon has many. Each tour includes a cheese and charcuterie platter in a maximum group of 8, guaranteeing an intimate experience. For the bon vivant and connoisseur alike, we recommend the Wines of Lyon tasting . The tour includes tastings of Burgundy, Rhône and Beaujolais wines and lasts about 2 hours. So, we say santé in advance and lift our glasses to you!

7. Lyon Oenotourisme

Lyon Oenotourisme likewise offers wine tasting tours for everybody. If you wish, you can take a day trip tour or book one taking place over a period of days . Accompany the experienced local guide and winemaker Vincent Pontet on a tasteful journey through the best of the region’s varietals and bottlings. We suggest the Prestige Tannin Tour , a day trip outside of Lyon, giving you access to the best of Northern Rhône wines.

Kanpai Tourisme aims to celebrate your visit to Lyon. Take a trip through the countryside with an English-speaking driver, to see the sights and taste regional wines. With fun tour names like The Syrah/Shiraz Morning and The Beaujolais Wine Afternoon Discovery, you can’t go wrong. We’re highlighting the Beaujolais Crus Wines and Castles tour , for the authenticity of the bottlings and spectacle of the views. If you want an authentic Lyonnais experience , this is the tour for you.

9. Zingermans Food Tours

Zingermans Food Tours offer stunning and exclusive luxury tours. The 2020 Jura trip is already fully booked. However, if you have an undying love for authentic cuisine and exploring on your own, this is the company for you. Offering experienced knowledgeable guides and a group capacity of 12, these tours make for unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Each journey includes 7 nights accommodation and transportation, with behind-the-scenes tours of local artisanal food makers. Click here to join the waiting list .

Bonus Lyon Tours

Beyond food and wine, there’s more unique ways to find find your way around Lyon!

10. Lyon Bike Tour

Lyon Bike Tour offers accessible guided biking tours spanning the entire city on electric bikes . Most of their tours include pit stops for tastings and take about 2 hours each. The most unique tour they offer is the Confluence Tour , centred on a visit to the modern district that stands between the town’s two rivers. Available in English and French, they offer you everything you need, including a bottle of water and safety helmet.

11. Cybèle Unusual Guided Tours of Lyon

Cybèle describes its tours in French as unusual, but also as providing storytelling and dramatizations . These all-ages tours are indeed out of the ordinary. Five tours in English (and more in French) offer everything from role-playing as Flemish traders at the Grand Royal Fair of 1548, to a crime scene investigation, to an Amazing Race-type team tour. We highly recommend Extraordinary Tour of Lyon’s Old Town , which takes you on an intimate journey to get a closer look at the unique passageways of the Old Town, bringing tales of the Renaissance to life!

Check out our own unique food tour experiences:

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Things to do in quebec city, things to do in toronto.

A Culinary Journey through Lyon and Southern France

10 days  |  wine & food, experience the best of lyon and southern france's exceptional gastronomy, luxury | from $12,199 pp, day 1: lyon.

Luxury transfer from   Lyon Airport to Hotel in Lyon

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer from Lyon Airport to your accommodation in Lyon in a luxury vehicle.

Welcome to Lyon, the “culinary capital of France”

Lyon is an important cultural and historical center with unique geography; the city started flourishing as a Roman colony between the Rhone and the Saône rivers. The Croix-Rousse district is one of the most unique features of the city and was one of the reasons why the city was once known as the “silk capital of the world”, as the Croix-Rousse hill was home to the silk workers of the city up till the 19th century.

One of the titles of Lyon is “culinary capital of France”. Lyon is famous for its gastronomy and offers some of the best French culinary delicacies. Furthermore, Lyon is located between two of the best wine-producing regions in France, the Cotes du Rhône and the Beaujolais. Be it the rejuvenating Beaujolais red wine or local delicacies like salade Lyonnaise, ouille, and marrons glace, you will find plenty to stimulate your taste buds among an extensive choice of restaurants.

Lyon also has a very old tradition of “trompe l’œil” mural art: the art of creating the optical illusion of a three-dimensional scene, which can really take you by surprise.

Restaurant Booking – Restaurant Jeremy Galvan – Dinner

Exalte all your senses and feel free at Jeremy Galvan, a 1 Michelin-star restaurant. The theme of the restaurant is dedicated to 4 elements: Earth and Fire, Water and Air. The intimate and warm ambiance will make you feel relaxed and at ease.

The chef Jeremy Galvan boasts of preparing innovative and daring dishes whilst appreciating fresh, local, and seasonal produce.

Day 2: Lyon

Enjoy a private food walking tour in Croix Rousse

During this historic gourmet tour, you can discover the secrets of gastronomy in Lyon while you stroll around this beautiful district. You can savor exotic delicacies like cheese, charcuterie, delicious chocolates, and rich wines.

You will have a chance to meet your local epicurean guide on the top of the Croix-Rousse hill, and let yourself be guided to the rhythm of sumptuous tastings with interesting anecdotes. You will even be able to appreciate the special atmosphere of the district, a real village in the city, which is still full of memories of the fabulous period when the most beautiful silk fabrics were woven here.

Guests can begin by visiting the workshop of a renowned chocolate maker in Lyon and know about its secrets and methods. The chocolate makers will also be glad to share the techniques and intricacies of chocolate making. After this, you can learn about the history of the silk industry in Lyon while relishing the iconic praline brioche.

At the end of the tour, you can taste exotic cheese and charcuterie and your guide will accompany you through the beautiful farmers market and narrate interesting stories and explain why Lyon is considered the World’s capital of gastronomy.

For persons having sweet tooth, a traditional sweet will be offered for a memorable experience.

Day 3: Lyon

Private guided walking lunch tour

Lyon has been considered the French capital of gastronomy. From fine restaurants to the famous local bouchons, to street food, Lyon offers plenty of options for foodies. However, it is not easy to determine what to taste. With our local guide you will have an overview of Lyon gastronomy, and find a perfect place and the best thing to eat.

First, you will be offered several delicious starters which will awaken your appetite. An authentic Lyon sausage accompanied with potatoes will be served for lunch in a comfortable place.

Finally, you will be taken for a walk through the lanes and streets of Vieux Lyon and along the way get to taste sweet culinary treats.

Suggestion for the afternoon: Walks in Lyon at Tete d’Or Park, Banks of the river Rhône and River Sâone

The Parc de la Tête d’Or (“Park of the Golden Head”) is a 290-acre urban park in Lyon, France.

It includes the Jardin botanique de Lyon as well as a lake where boating is permitted during the summer season. This park attracts a large number of visitors during the summer and it is a popular destination for joggers and cyclists.

There is a small free zoo in the middle of the park that houses giraffes, deer, reptiles, primates and other animals. A velodrome, boules court, mini-golf and equestrian facility are also available, as well as a mini-train.

The Berges du Rhône (Rhône Banks) or Quais du Rhône (Rhône Quays) is a series of parks, quays, streets and walking paths that run along the river Rhône in Lyon. The modern Berges du Rhône were built between 2005 and 2007, resulting in the development of 10 hectares of land on the Rhône’s left and right banks, from Parc de la Tête d’Or to Parc de Gerland.

Day 4: Lyon - Aix-en-Provence

Luxury transfer from   Lyon Hotel to Lyon Train Station

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer from Lyon Hotel to Lyon Train Station (Part – Dieu) in a luxury vehicle.

Direct Train from Lyon to Aix-en-Provence in First Class

Luxury transfer from Aix-en-Provence TGV Train Station to Aix-en-Provence

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station and Aix-en-Provence.

Welocme in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, the capital of Provence in the 15th century is surrounded by authentic Provencal houses, traditional French-style gardens, city squares bursting with flowers, ancient fountains, and shaded narrow streets.

The Cours Mirabeau is one of the most busiest and frequently visited places in the Provence region. Named after the Revolutionary hero the Comte de Mirabeau, this fountain-studded street is surrounded by Renaissance hotels, beautiful verdant trees, and elegant private mansions.

Stroll around the 17th and 18th-century houses, where there is plenty of authentic cafes, and labyrinthine boulevards. You can relax and smell the rich aroma of the coffee, listen to some upbeat techno music, while you spend your time in vibrant ambiance, and relish some of the typical Provencal delicacies.

Restaurant Booking – L’incontournable – Lunch or dinner

Enjoy a delicious meal whilst discovering the endearing surroundings of the lively Aix-en-Provence. Excellent cuisine and delicious drinks accompany you while you relax and enjoy the environment.

Day 5: Lauris - Seguret - Sault - Lourmarin - Aix-en-Provence

Driver at disposal for the day

Enjoy a custom-built private tour from your hotel with an English-speaking driver in a luxury vehicle.

Harvest Mornings – Experience the winemaking process

Grab a pair of boots and a pair of pruning clippers and get into the game of harvesting the delicious grapes. Pick a few rows of vines and bring them back to the cellar to discover how they are transformed into wine.

You can also taste the juices during fermentation which will be followed by lunch in the vineyards.

Perched Balcony Villages of the Luberon

You will discover some of the small villages of Provence, that are built from local stone. Some of the perched villages are Gordes, Lourmarin, Roussillon, Seguret, Les Beaux-de-Provence, Sault and Aurel.

The small village of Seguret is clinging to a hillside and overlooking a vine-filled plain. Here you will see the houses built into the old ramparts. You can stroll through the narrow stone streets, then begin your walk to the chapel at the top to take in the   view of the surrounding plain and the hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

The village Sault is known as the Lavender capital of Vauclause and it is located in the heart of the Albion plateau. During the early summer season, you will witness the beautiful view of the lavender fields which will refresh your eyes and nose with its scent.

Lourmarin is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This village is all about art. In every step at this village, you will find an artist. There are varieties of art work that is made. Learn some art and take it as a souvenir. You can also visit the famous 15th century: The Chateau of Lourmarin.

Day 6: Marseille - Cassis - La Ciotat - Bandol - Le Beausset - Aix-en-Provence

Private Gourmet luxury tour to Marseille and the East coast

With this tour, you can be sure you will get the best of Provence, experiencing its gourmet food and typical wine, surrounded by Marseille and the east coast.

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences, in a luxury vehicle. First of all, you will discover the highlights of the second-largest city of France, but also its particularities that make this city so unique thanks to a vibrant cultural and food tour with your driver-guide. Enjoying Marseille from inside out and top to bottom. You will cross the Phocéenne town from the famous old harbor to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, through the winding seaside road called the “corniche”.

After enjoying the thriving Marseille, you will venture to the serene Cassis little town, which is on the way to La Ciotat. The road from Cassis to La Ciotat is taking you across beautiful landscapes. Once a very important shipyard in Europe, La Ciotat is now focusing on the yacht industry. You will have some free time to stroll along its little charming harbor.

After La Ciotat, you will reach the region of Bandol, famous for its vineyards, especially for the Rosé. You will have the opportunity to discover the backstages of an enchanting Domaine hidden in the hills, with a private wine tasting by a passionate winemaker. He will be happy to share with you – part of – its know-how and secrets to get this perfect balance and character from Provence … While tasting wine, you will enjoy a heartbreaking view of the coloured rocky massif of Sainte-Baume.

At the end of this well-rounded day, your driver-guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7: Le Tholonet - Aix-en-Provence - Cannes - Grasse

Driver at disposal for the half-day

Private Initiation Workshop and Tasting (Visit & blind tasting)

During your visit to The Château Henri Bonnaud, the team offers introductory sessions to learn about wine-tasting methods and the varieties of our wines to see and know their heritage.

The visit will be followed by a blind tasting of Domaine’s various wines to identify the various aromas of each wine.

1st class train between Aix-en-Provence and Cannes

Luxury transfer from Cannes train station to your accommodation in Grasse

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between the Cannes train station and Grasse

Restaurant booking at La Bastide Saint Antoine –  Lunch or Dinner

The restaurant is located in the prestigious Provençal country house from the 17th century. The gastronomic restaurant welcomes you in a cozy atmosphere and offers a joyful culinary journey designed to be delicious, fresh, and boldly flavored. The chef boasts of preparation with seasonal produce and refined presentation. Apart from the exceptional dishes, it also offers a wide range of excellent vintage wines from different regions of France. Surrounded by trees and gardens, the terrace of the restaurant offers you a sense of freshness and calmness in your mind, where you can spend amazing time with your loved ones.

Day 8: Saint Tropez - Grasse

Saint Tropez (Gassin) luxury private driving tour

Your licensed driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in a Luxury vehicle.

Embark from the port of Sainte Maxime for an arrival by the sea in Saint-Tropez, a colorful and unvexed village with an authentic soul filled with eloquent contrasts. It is also known as a mythical and trendy place for international and aristocratic individuals who wish to establish their businesses.

Through a lush-green setting, drive along the famous roads of Pampelonne to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from the medieval village of Gassin. For a worthwhile experience, complete your “Tropezian day” with a moment of sharing and wine tasting at a nearby vineyard.

Day 9: Grasse

A chauffeur will pick you up in a luxury vehicle from your accommodation and drive you around the French Riviera according to your program and then back to your hotel.

Private Perfume workshop in Nice

Enjoy the living patrimony by creating your own customized vial of perfume from one hundred essences present in the boutique. You will first attend the workshop provided by an expert perfumer and subsequently, with his help make one for your own and take it home.

Restaurant Booking – La Rotonde – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You will be welcomed by this glamorous restaurant located in heart of Nice. Savor the delicious food throughout the year. You will also explore the children’s menu with many varieties.

Afternoon suggestion: Visit Nice – The Pearl of the French Riviera

The elegant city of Nice is set against an impressive backdrop of soaring hills and the famous blue waters of the French Riviera. The “Place Rossetti” is at the city’s heart, surrounded by brightly colored buildings, the cathedral, and a large fountain lending the square a unique flavor. Nice is a city for all seasons.

The Cours Saleya is the main street in the old town and hosts a daily flower and vegetable market (except Mondays). You can find top-notch seasonal produce here, and there is a good selection of other local souvenirs if you’re eyeing some Marseille soap or lavender to take home with you.

Spend some time by the beautiful harbor, where the sun shines from the west in the evening. It’s a popular restaurant area if you’re looking for a special dinner by the water.

From the harbor, you can climb to the Colline du Château for great views of the city. Despite the name, there is no longer a castle on the hill, as it was destroyed in 1706. Now there is a beautiful park with views of the beach stretching along the Baie des Anges (“Angel Bay”).

The beach might be Nice’s most famous attraction. The famous “Promenade des Anglais” boardwalk follows the Mediterranean seafront for 3 miles (5 kilometers). It was built in the early 19th century when the English upper class began coming to the French Riviera to spend their winters in a mild climate. This gave the boardwalk its name, which translates to the “Walkway of the English.”

Day 10: Nice

Luxury transfer to the airport

Your chauffeur will pick you up at your accommodation in a luxury vehicle and drive you to the airport.

Your journey with us has come to an end. We hope to see you soon!

About This Tour:

• Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
• This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
• Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

Customize this itinerary:

Every French Side Travel trip is custom-built for your unique needs and interests. Above is an example of what’s possible. If this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, contact us today . Put together your dream trip with our travel experts. Handpick the accommodations, guides, activities, and meals that are right for you.

When you book with French Side Travel, you’re getting a trip that’s as unique as you are. 

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Lyon Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

We're wildly passionate about French cuisine and we'd be delighted to share our love of food with you.

By booking our Secret Food Tour: Lyon, you'll have the opportunity to experience our passion and enjoy quality French food and wine, discover why eating and drinking are a "way of life" here in France.

On our Secret Food Tour: Lyon, you'll find out why Since 1935, the city has been considered the world capital of gastronomy, primarily due to the famous "Mères Lyonnaises" (Lyonnaise Mothers).

At Secret Food Tours: Lyon, we're extremely passionate about French cuisine, and we're delighted to share our love of food and local culture with you. By booking our tour, you'll have the opportunity to experience some of Lyon's finest food and wine, and discover why eating and drinking are a "way of life" here in France.

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Where to eat in Lyon: A local's 5 top recommendations for visitors

Oct 31, 2022 • 4 min read

Anna Richards' handy guide of where and what to eat in Lyon now © trabantos / Shutterstock

In this series, our Lonely Planet locals share the restaurant and bar recommendations they tell friends coming to town about. This week, Anna Richards, a Lyon-based writer , shares the five places she encourages anyone visiting Lyon to try.

Lyon’s reputation as France’s foodie capital may be founded on a gout-inducing tradition of bouchons serving hearty plates of offal , but these days its dining scene is as varied as its patchwork quilt of quarters  (neighborhoods).

Best of all for anyone who’s experienced dry, overpriced poulet frites from tourist traps by the Eiffel Tower , eating well in Lyon is surprisingly affordable.

The essential guide to France’s best regions

Les Assembleurs , Préfecture

Why should I go? You’re actively encouraged to mix your drinks.

What’s the vibe? A chemistry lab in a Mediterranean tapas bar. It works. 

What should I order? The Tapas list changes constantly, but there are always plenty of cheese-based dishes to pair with your concoctions. Generous portions of patatas bravas  (spicy potatoes) are a mainstay. 

What about drinks? This is the fun part: the wines are on tap, and you get to blend different combinations. Simple tasting notes like ‘strawberry’ and ‘peach’ help guide your choices, as do the knowledgeable bartenders. 

Where should I go after? It’s reliably lively until closing time. After that, head to a peniche on the banks of the Rhône. Le Sirius stays open until 3am. 

15 free things to do in Lyon, France

Regain , 1st arrondissement

Why should I go? Quintessential French fine dining without a gold card price tag.

What’s the vibe? Understated chic, the timeless trench coat of Lyon’s gastronomic scene. 

What should I order? The set menu is three/four courses each with a choice of two dishes, punctuated by amuse-bouches , sorbets and inter-course appetizers, amounting to eight + courses. Advance booking is essential; state dietary requirements (even vegetarian) when you book.

What about drinks? There’s an impressive range of pre-dinner cocktails to whet your palate. The extensive wine menu has numerous options from neighboring wine regions Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley.

Where should I go after? If you’re not too full, shoebox-sized Les Valseuses is a 10-minute (uphill) walk. This dimly-lit bar hosts intimate concerts, has cheap beer and one of the best rum selections in the city. 

Spending diary: what I spent in 24 hours in Lyon

La Commune , La Mouche

Why should I go? ‘Discover’ the next big thing. Budding chefs try out here before opening their own restaurants. 

What’s the vibe? East London covered market. 

What should I order? Whatever you choose, don’t rush it. There are between five and 10 semi-permanent eateries; cuisines range from South Indian to Ukrainian. 

What about drinks? They’re not cheap by Lyon’s standards, but the range of draught beers is reliably good.

Where should I go after? It’s a 20-minute walk to La Guillotière which is much livelier after-hours. Le Bouillon Paradis has rock-bottom prices and live music.

The 10 best food experiences in France

Zoï , 1st arrondissement

Why should I go? Experience France’s vegan revolution.

What’s the vibe? Authentic French pâtisserie / boulangerie , just without the animal products.

What should I order? Impossibly buttery pain au chocolat , and take-away tiramisu. 

What about drinks? The coffee is excellent and inexpensive. 

Where should I go after? On a street-art tour of Croix-Rousse, the most colorful quartier. Don’t miss the giant fresco Le Mur des Canuts (in homage to Lyon’s silk-weaving history), and vibrantly painted staircases.

France’s best wine regions: a guide to the finest touring routes, tastings and terroir

Marché Alimentaire Saint-Antoine Célestins , Farmers Market

Why should I go? Ditching the supermarket in favor of outdoor markets has always been fashionable in France. 

What’s the vibe? A game of Sardines with haggling and sharp elbows. 

What should I order? As much cheese as you can carry (try local specialties Saint-Félicien and Arôme de Lyon). Save room for Lyon’s iconic pink praline brioche, sold at most bake stands. 

What about drinks? Grab a bottle of wine and join the locals perched on the riverbank wall.

Where should I go after? Cross the river and zigzag uphill (or take the funicular) to Fourvière, Lyon’s hilltop basilica, for the best city views. 

The 9 best beaches in France

Anna first discovered Lyon as a student in 2013, when she consumed more than her fair share of Côtes du Rhône. Far from being nightmare-inducing, the local cheeses were the stuff of dreams, and in 2021, she moved to Lyon from Cornwall, swapping pasties for pastis.

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The 10 Best Foods to Try in Lyon

Lyon is generally considered France's culinary capital, home to some of the world's best chefs and restaurants. But even if (like most of us) you're not on a Michelin-star restaurant budget, sampling some of the city's best traditional dishes and specialties is always in order, and it doesn't have to be expensive, either. From fish to cheeses, pastries, and desserts, these are the 10 best traditional foods to try in Lyon—and a few tips on where to taste them.

Cervelle de Canut Cheese

Mallet, Jean-Franois /Royalty-free/Getty Images

Anyone with basic high school or college French might raise eyebrows at the name of this dish, which can lead you to think it involves "brains." Your French lessons didn't fail you—the dish's name literally means "silk-workers' brains," referring to the canuts who manufactured and distributed silks in Lyon during the 19th century.

But not to worry: cervelle de canut is a soft curd cheese that's typically enjoyed as a spread or dip alongside crusty baguette. Native to Lyon, the aromatic dip is composed of fromage blanc (a light cheese similar to sour cream), shallots, chive, parsley (and/or other herbs), olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice or vinegar.

Where to taste: You can enjoy cervelle de canut at most typical, family-owned restaurants (bouchons) around Lyon. It's also widely available in cheese shops and markets.

Quenelles de Brochet (Pike Dumplings)

This emblematic Lyonnais dish is simple but hard to perfectly achieve. Delicate filets of pike fish are combined with flour, eggs, milk, cream, butter, and spices to form dumplings; the dumplings (or quenelles) are then poached and served with a rich sauce, typically "sauce Nantua," composed of béchamel flavored with crayfish butter.

If fish isn't to your taste, you can find numerous other varieties of quenelles, from nature (plain), to quenelles de veau (veal dumplings), to chicken.

Where to taste: Any typical bouchon in Lyon is certain to have their own version of the city's signature dish, but they're known to be especially delicious at Le Bouchon des Cordeliers and Chez Chabert .

Pink Praline Tart

Courtesy of Les produits laitiers

One dessert not to miss in Lyon is the pink praline tart , a specialty that's as bright and cheerful as it is delicious. Anyone who loves the nutty, crunchy satisfaction of praline candy will enjoy this simple tart. It starts with pink pralines (which are themselves a Lyon specialty): almonds or hazelnuts dipped in sugar and tinted with food coloring to resemble raspberries. These are gently boiled in heavy cream, then heaped atop a rich, buttery crust infused with almonds. It's sometimes accompanied by crème anglaise or cream.

Where to taste: Most bakeries in Lyon will have their own versions of this local treat.

Lyonnais Sausages

EMBorque /iStoc/Getty Images Place

Sausages are a deep-seated tradition in Lyon, so the carnivores among you should find plenty of delicious varieties to taste. Rosette de Lyon is especially popular and widely available in boucheries (butcher shops) throughout the city; it's a cured pork sausage or salami that's typically flavored with garlic, wine, sea salt, and sometimes other herbs. The exterior is generally encrusted with crushed black pepper.

Rosette is often sliced into thick slices, served on charcuterie platters along with regional cheeses, and accompanied by a full-bodied glass of red wine. For those who don't eat pork, beef-based varieties are also popular.

Where to taste: Try the Halles Paul Bocuse market to sample some excellent Lyonnais sausages, including rosette.

Saint-Marcellin Cheese

slowmotiongli /iStock/Getty Images Plus

Hailing from the nearby town of Saint-Marcellin, this creamy, flavorful cheese is a local staple, and enjoyed in both formal and informal settings. Made from slightly salted, raw cow's milk and formed into rounds, the semi-soft cheese typically features a golden crust and creamy, semi-liquid center.

Depending on your preferences, buy the cheese in one of three stages of ripening or affinage: sec (dry, the youngest and firmest stage), crémeux, and bleu (at this stage the cheese has a runnier center and a slightly blue tinge to the crust).

You may also want to try Arômes de Lyon (flavors of Lyon), Saint-Marcellin cheese cured in white wine. It's also sometimes cured in brandy.

Where to taste: Fromageries (cheese shops) around the city carry good versions of this regional cheese. The Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market is always a good option.

Pâté en Croute

Courtesy of Daniel et Denise

If you love pastries and charcuterie, the pâté-en-croute (literally, crusted paté) will hit the spot. Dating to the Middle Ages, this traditional dish used to be considered rather old-fashioned and unexciting, but in recent years it's regained popularity. Lyon even hosts an annual championship that sees chefs from around the world compete to create innovative versions of the dish.

The traditional Lyonnais pâté-en-croute is made by combining pork with duck foie gras, veal, egg, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper, and sometimes slivers of pistachio. The pâte is then gently encased in a buttery shortcrust. The dish is frequently served with salad, usually as a starter.

During the Middle Ages, the pastry itself was not generally eaten, and was instead designed to preserve the meat. That's no longer the case, of course—the best versions of this dish feature delicious, perfectly baked crusts.

Where to taste: The renowned Lyonnais bouchon Daniel & Denisereputedly has some of the best pâté-en-croute in town. There are several locations in Lyon.

Coussin de Lyon (Chocolate)

Julien Viry /Getty Images

Here's another not-to-miss Lyonnais treat for those of you with a sweet tooth. Coussins de Lyon (which translates to Lyon cushions) are small, pale-green marzipan candies filled with chocolate ganache, itself delicately flavored with curaçao liqueur.

Created in 1897 by Voisin, a Lyonnais pastry and sweets specialist, the coussins allude to silk cushions used in 17th-century religious ceremonies dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The candies are often presented in velvet boxes that resemble the cushions, but you can also buy them individually or in small bags.

Where to taste: Specialty sweet and chocolate shops around Lyon sell coussins, but head straight to the source and try them at Voisin .

Lyonnaise Salad

Salade Lyonnaise (Lyonnais salad) is composed of endives and/or strongly flavored greens, smoked lardons (French-style bacon bits), poached or soft-boiled egg, and bread croutons. The simple dish is a popular bistro main or side that's served year-round, but it can be an especially satisfying option in the winter when you're not hungry enough for some of the city's heavier dishes. Many restaurants vary the salad with seasonal vegetables, red onion, herbs, or cheese. It's generally served with a tangy Dijon-mustard vinaigrette.

Where to taste: This popular dish is widely available in bouchons and casual café-brasseries around Lyon.

Tablier de Sapeur (Breaded Beef Tripes)

Anca Luca/ CC BY-SA 4.0

This is another dish that only adventurous carnivores will likely find appealing—but as a staple of Lyonnais cuisine, it's worth trying. Tablier de sapeur (sapper's apron) is a dish composed of beef tripes that have been boiled in an herbed bouillon, marinated in white wine, then tossed in breadcrumbs and pan-fried. Often garnished with sauce gribiche, a mayonnaise-style sauce flavored with chives, the dish is typically served with potatoes or other seasonal vegetables.

Where to taste: Traditional bouchons around Lyon will generally serve their own versions of this popular dish. Au Petit Bouchon Chez Georges is especially reputed for it.

Bugnes (Lyon-style doughnuts)

gwenael le vot /iStock/Getty Images Plus

People don't generally associate French pastry-making with doughnuts, but this Lyon specialty proves that assumption wrong. Bugnes (pronounced boughn-YUH ) are pastries delicately flavored with lemon, deep-fried, then tossed in powdered sugar. Popular during Mardi Gras, bugnes are sometimes infused with orange blossom essence and/or rum.

Where to taste: You can taste them in many Lyonnais bakeries around Mardi Gras, and they often are easy to find from late January through March. À la Marquise bakery in Old Town is reputed for its delicious version, while vegans can try a special dairy-free version at Colibri in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon.

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What To Eat in Lyon, France: 12 Essential Tips for Food Lovers

Every food enthusiast hopes to someday get to Lyon , the city voted as the gastronomic capital of France. Even before you arrive, you may wonder what to eat in Lyon.

Lyon is called the “stomach” of the country—a moniker especially notable since France is one of the most food-centric countries in the world.

If you’re lucky enough to be heading to this food-lovers heaven, you’re probably interested in learning more about its culinary riches, including advice on what to eat in Lyon. Some experiences are not-to-be-missed!

The culinary riches of Lyon

Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers in the fertile Rhônes-Alpes region of France, Lyon is the birthplace of legendary Chef Paul Bocuse, affectionately called Monsieur Paul .

Twice named “Chef of the Century” by the Culinary Institute of America, Bocuse (who died in 2018 at the age of 92) is credited with popularizing nouvelle cuisine. His namesake restaurant at Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or (about 20 minutes from the center of Lyon, by Uber or taxi) has held three Michelin stars since 1965.

It’s a bucket list, must-visit experience for anyone who loves fine dining.

The numerous culinary and catering schools found in and around Lyon serve as training grounds for young chefs and restaurateurs around the world.

Its indoor and outdoor markets , nestled throughout the city, showcase the poultry, wine, fruits, vegetables and cheeses enjoyed both by visitors and Lyonnais locals.

With thousands of eateries (including bistros, brasseries, bouchons, and restaurants) and well as other food experiences, navigating this culinary mecca and figuring out where and what to eat in Lyon can be daunting. 

Although we have yet to experience a bad meal in Lyon, we are always frustrated because we’re only able to get a small “taste” of what Lyon has to offer each time we visit.

Jump ahead to...

11 Tips for eating your way through Lyon

Here are 11 tips we’ve learned to help travelers eat their way through the city:

Do some research before your trip

The choices in Lyon are overwhelming. According to the Alliance Française de Lyon , the city has 4,300 restaurants.

With so many to choose from and only a finite number of meals that will fit in your itinerary, it’s prudent to do some research before you go.

You want to select a mix of culinary experiences that will fit your budget and satiate your palate.

Lyon offers classic menus, contemporary ones, and a range of ethnic cuisines. The city currently has three two-star Michelin restaurants (Mere Brazier, Takao Takano, and Le Neuvieme Art), 12 one-star Michelin restaurants , and 12 one-star Michelin restaurants, and 12 up and coming Bib Gourmand restaurants. In addition, two restaurants in Lyon have earned coveted Green Stars.

This number of Michelin stars places Lyon at the top of the list above all other cities in France !  

Reading magazine articles, guidebooks, blogs, and restaurant reviews on sites like TripAdvisor is essential to make informed choices.

Download this essential app

Check out “ TheFork “and download the app on your smartphone. TheFork is the leading online restaurant booking and discovery platform that allows you to find restaurants in major cities in Europe and Australia.

Now owned by TripAdvisor, TheFork is the equivalent of OpenTable.com. Users can read reviews, pinpoint restaurant locations on a map, and make reservations. (Making online reservations can be a godsend if your French conversational skills are limited.) The site also offers a way to collect discounts (called Yum points) for making reservations.

Check opening hours

Bear in mind that hours of operation for most eateries in Lyon tend to be more “fixed” than in the U.S.

Many restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays and the hours between lunch and dinner. Most restaurants open for dinner after 7:30 PM.

Enhance your culinary vocabulary

Download Google Translate on your phone to help you translate unfamiliar food words or phrases from menus. (Some restaurants also provide English menus but it’s more interesting to learn about French dishes in the mother tongue).

Be sure to sample the specialty foods for which Lyon is best known

Be sure to try as many specialty foods as possible from the region. These foods for which Lyon is known worldwide, to name a few, represent some of the not-to-be-missed suggestions of what to eat in Lyon:

Saint-Marcellin cheese

(a soft, delicate, goat milk cheese),

Bresse chicken

(considered the best, these chickens have an “ a ppellation d’origine controlee ” status,

Lyonnaise salad

(frisée lettuce topped with a poached egg, thick bacon and a warm vinaigrette dressing),

S aucisson brioche

(sausage baked in pastry dough)

Cervelle de Canut

This delicious herbed cheese spread is another specialty of Lyon. Literally, Cervelle de Canut translates to “silk worker’s brain,” named for the city’s silk workers. Typically eaten at breakfast or at the end of a meal, it’s made with butter, milk and onions.

Quenelle s 

        (pike dumplings with a Béchamel and crayfish sauce),

Tarte Lyonnaise

        (a characteristic red praline tart),

Andouillette

(strongly-flavored sausages made from pig intestines and tripe),

Pate en croute

       (cooked pate in a pastry crust).

If you like any form of organ meats, including liver, you will be in hog heaven because this delicacy, including foie gras , can be found on many menus in Lyon.

What is Lyonnaise food?

Some people ask what the meaning of the term Lyonnaise food .

While the term Lyonnaise is used colloquially to describe the food specialties of Lyon, it also has a specific definition in terms of a cooking style/technique.

Lyonnaise food is typically a dish garnished with onions, Lyonnaise potatoes being one example of a classic dish prepared this way.

Drink local

Pair your meals with very affordable local wines (usually Beaujolais or Côtes-du-Rhône).

In many casual restaurants, if you order “ Le Pot Lyonnais ,” your wine will be served in a 46 cl. carafe (roughly one-pint bottle)with a weighted glass bottom. It’s a bit more wine than a half-carafe in the States and for those who have trouble finishing an entire bottle, it’s totally right-sized.

The legal drinking age in France is 18 years of age, both for purchase and consumption.

Head to a bouchon

Be sure to eat in at least one bouchon . These rustic eateries, usually family-owned, are only found in Lyon.

Steeped in history, silk traders once stopped at bouchons to groom their horses and get a bite to eat. The Chamber of Commerce certifies those that are authentic by placing a seal in their windows with the emblem Les Buchan’s Lyonnais. Dishes are delicious and very hearty, somewhat akin to comfort foods.

Learn more about bouchons in my article: What is a Lyonnaise Bouchon ?

Indulge your sweet tooth

Have a sweet tooth? Step into one of the Voisin Chocolate stores scattered throughout the city. These artisanal chocolates have been made in Lyon since 1897.

The most famous Voisin confectionary is th e Coussin de Lyon, beautifully displayed in green velvet wrapping in many shop windows .

The candy inside is also green with a chocolate ganache center (laced with a touch of curaçao liqueur) and a thin coating of almond paste.

Tour and eat your way through the fabulous food markets

Make sure you visit several markets and arrive there with an appetite. Vendors usually hand out samples and you’ll certainly be tempted to purchase a snack.

Saint Antoine Market is one of the largest and most impressive, and it’s open every day except Monday. Located along one bank of the Saône River, only a short walk from Place Bellecour (the public square), it offers incredible views of the Basilica on Fourvière Hill.

The finest fresh and cooked foods (including rotisserie chickens, sausages, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, pastries, and fresh flowers) are beautifully displayed. As a kid, Chef Daniel Boulud used to shop at this market with his father.

Book a food tour (or two)

Especially if your visit is brief, a food tour of the city offers a great primer for learning about Lyonnais history and traditions and the chance to sample various foods and garner advice about what to eat in Lyon.

Lyon Food Tour offers small group tours of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) and the Halles de Lyon market.

All the tours are led by personable locals who introduce participants to food artisans and iconic food emporiums. The tours can be booked at the Lyon Tourist Office. Our tour of Old Lyon included 10 memorable stops.

Sample a machon brunch

According to Tasting Table , a site for food and drink enthusiasts, COVID-19 has fostered the rebirth of an old Lyonnaise tradition, the machon .

Similar to an English breakfast, it is a meat-heavy meal breakfast that’s somewhat akin to an English Breakfast. Even though it’s an early morning meal, it’s typically washed down (generously) with local wines.

The OnlyLyon website lists some eateries where you can indulge in this unique type of meal: Le Vivarais Le Poêlon d’Or , Le Café du Peintre, and La Meunière .

Be sure to check the websites of the respective eateries because the availability is limited to certain days of the week or month.

Reserve a seat for the meal of a lifetime

Although there are five brasseries and two restaurants  in the city that bear the Bocuse name, for the meal of a lifetime don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or .

The food, service and setting are unbeatable.

And One Last Suggestion Beyond What To Eat in Lyon:

Pace yourself. There are only so many meals in a day, even for the most earnest food lover.

And, in addition to the wonderful gastronomy, take time to enjoy all the art, history and culture that’s also so abundant in Lyon.

All photo credits: Jerome Levine, unless otherwise noted.

Worth Reading: More information on what To eat in Lyon

Market visit: carnot market in lyon, france.

Market Visit: Saint Antoine Market in Lyon, France

What Is A Lyonnaise Bouchon?

• In GQ: Lyon is the Real Capital of French Food
• On MTTT: What to Do in Lyon: A Guide for First-Timers
• On OnlyLyon: The Cuisine of Lyon and  Culinary Visit in Lyon

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16 Comments

Dear Irene, Thank you for this amazing journey through the divine dishes of Lyon. Lyon cuisine has always been my favorite. Never made it to Paul Bocuse, but so enjoyed this visit with you. The photos are perfect. Bonnie Carroll

Thanks for posting, Bonnie. I do hope you get to the Bocuse Restaurant one day. I know what a food enthusiast you are, someone who would really appreciate that experience!

What a handy post on Lyon — I wish I’d read it before I went there! Research is absolutely important as you might also need to make reservations far in advance as I discovered. Bocuse Restaurant is still on my list! Great photos by Jerry!

So glad you got to experience this foodie heaven Michelle!

4 things not to forget for me: Bocuse’s Collonges, bouchon, Voisin and Saint Antoine Market!

All great experiences!

Where to even begin. thanks for providing your experiences. Your photos have me searching for airfares! Love this article.

Lyon is a place to which you’ll want to return many times!

These are great tips in preparation for eating your way around Lyon. What a well-deserved culinary reputation Lyon has! Nice photos, too. Thanks for the post. Must go eat now.

Every time I re-read the post, I remind myself about self-pacing!

I spent 6 months in Lyon back when I was in my 20s. I was working as an au pair so I couldn’t afford any of the Michelin level restaurants. I did get to eat at ordinary restaurants a few times, and they were wonderful. I suppose that you’d have to be an excellent chef to even dare opening any restaurant in Lyon! I’ll remember these tips for next time I’m passing through, now that I can afford more!

Lyon holds culinary treasures for every pocketbook, including students. I can’t imagine how much fun it would be to live there for six months!

Great tips for dining in Lyon – in fact many could be applied to much of one’s travel on this side of the pond. Afraid organ meat isn’t high on our list of treats so we’d miss some of what are probably wonderful dishes for those who like those flavors . . .however you provided plenty of other mouth-watering temptations! We do need to return to Lyon for a visit one day and this is a keeper of a post to use when there!

When it comes to organ meats, people either love them or hate them. Seems like there is no middle of the road:-)

This mouthwatering post makes me want to go back to Lyon. There’s so much more to experience and taste.

I feel the same! 🙂

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Best Food Tours in Lyon

If there is something you have to know in Lyon is its unique combination of French and international flavors. I'll tell you the best plans to discover Lyon's cuisine.

Andressa García

11 min read

Lyon food street | ©Pedro Szekely

Signing up for a gastronomic tour is one of the best things to see and do in Lyon , considering that this is an excellent way to discover the gastronomic culture of this city. Among the dishes you should not miss are the Lyon salad, which is made of a mixture of vegetables and salted meat .

During these tours through the gastronomy of the city you will have the opportunity to taste other typical recipes such as cochonnailles and other traditional dishes. You will have the opportunity to enjoy this experience in iconic places of the city such as the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market and learn part of the gastronomic history of the city.

1. Gourmet tour of the best wines of the Lyon region

Undoubtedly one of the best gourmet tours in Lyon is this one that takes you throughout the city to know and taste the wines of the region, while learning about the wine culture of the place. During the tour you will be accompanied by a guide specialized in wines, who will show you the most important wineries in the region.

In the wineries you will also learn about the winemaking process and how the history of winemaking in the region has developed . Among the wines you will have the opportunity to taste are the popular Beaujolais, Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu . This is a shared tour in which you will be going to know all these places together with about ten other people.

Details of interest

• Price : In general, the price of a wine tour in Lyon can range from 150 to 250 euros per person.
• Duration : You can take between 4 and 6 hours to finish this tour.
• Means of transport : The whole experience is completed by private vehicle, although you have to get on your own to the starting point.
• Advantages of this option : Wine tasting is included in the tour. Also included is the company of an expert who will tell you everything you need to know about the wines. The visit to the winery and some wine stores are included.
• Disadvantages of this option : Transportation to and from the airport or to the accommodation in Lyon is not included. Personal expenses or shopping are also not included.

Book a wine and cheese tasting in the Rhône Valley

2. Gastronomic tour of the Lyon market

This experience is undoubtedly one of the best activities to do in Lyon , because together with a tour guide you will have the opportunity to go to know the markets of Lyon, where you can discover part of the gastronomic culture of the city. The Les Halles de Lyon is one of the most famous that you will go to know and walk around.

During this tour the experienced tour guide will take you to taste the freshest products of the region, but you will also get to know the local producers and their specialties. You will taste traditional dishes of the region, including Franche-Comté cheese and foie gras from Bresse . This is an experience for a maximum of eight people.

• Price : You'll have to pay around 45 euros per person to enjoy this experience.
• Duration : The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transportation : The whole tour is on foot, although you will have to go to the meeting point on your own.
• Advantages of this option : The tour includes the company of an expert guide. Tasting of local food and desserts is included. Also included is a visit to the main markets of Lyon.
• Disadvantages of this option : Transfer to and from the accommodation is not included. Personal expenses and purchases are also not included.

3. Gastronomic tour of the old city of Lyon

You will go on a tour throughout the old city of Lyon to discover the flavors and history of the gastronomy of this French town. During the tour, you will get to know the oldest markets and restaurants of the city, so you could also consider it as one of the best tours in Lyon , as you will get to meet the local producers.

Among the dishes you will be able to taste on the tour are Beaujolais wine and Lyon macarons . In addition, you have the opportunity to adapt the experience to vegans and vegetarians , so it is a tour for all tastes.

• Price : This gastronomic tour of the old city of Lyon is priced at around 49 euros per person.
• Duration : It will take you approximately 2 hours and a half to complete the whole tour.
• Means of transportation : The tour is completed in a bus with all the comforts for the whole group.
• Advantages of this option : The assistance of an expert guide is included. Tasting of local food during the tasting is included in the price. The visit to the main markets of Lyon and the tasting of desserts are also included.
• Disadvantages of this option: Transfer to and from the accommodation is not included in the price.

Book a private tour of Lyon

4. Tasting tour of the best desserts of Lyon

If you have a sweet tooth, Lyon is undoubtedly one of the best cities in France to taste the best of French sweet treats. In the middle of this tour you will get to know and taste the best desserts of Lyon, but at the same time you will have the opportunity to know the whole city as you could not even know it by taking the tourist bus of Lyon .

You will taste the different types of sweets and desserts typical of Lyon , including cakes, pastries, ice cream and crepes. In the middle of the tour you can visit famous restaurants and pastry shops in Lyon , where desserts can be accompanied by drinks such as wine or herbal teas and beers.

Interesting details

• Price : To enjoy this tour you will have to pay around 25 euros per person.
• Duration : It will take between an hour and a half and 3 hours.
• Means of transport : The whole tour is completed on foot.
• Advantages of this option : The tasting of different typical desserts of Lyon is included. The walking tour through the streets of the city with a tour guide is included.
• Disadvantages of this option : The price of desserts is not included, nor the purchase of sweets beyond the tastings.

5. Gastronomic tour of the Rhône-Alpes region

To go and enjoy this gastronomic tour of the Rhône-Alpes region, you will have to sign up for one of the best tours from Lyon , to go and discover the wide variety of flavors that this region has to offer. Your tour guide will take you to visit wineries where you will taste local wines .

After visiting the wineries, you will have time to wander around the region to check out the local restaurants and food stores. In the middle of the experience your tour guide will tell you all about the cultural heritage and history of the Rhône-Alpes . One thing you will love about this tour is that you will enjoy the natural landscapes of the region.

• Price : The price of this gastronomic tour of Rhône-Alpes from Lyon is 120 euros per person.
• Duration : It will take you about 5 hours to finish this tour.
• Means of transport : You will complete the whole tour by private transport in which you will move between places.
• Advantages of this option : Visits to three restaurants in the region are included. Wine tastings and the company of a private guide are also included.
• Disadvantages of this option: Food and beverage costs at the restaurants visited are not included.

6. Wine tasting tour in the Beaujolais region from Lyon

One of the things you have to do when you visit the city is to sign up for one of the best wine tours in Lyon . In this specific one you will have the opportunity to go tasting different varieties of wines around the Beaujolais region . One of the things you will like most about the tour is that you will be able to see and photograph the French countryside.

When you arrive at your destination you will have the opportunity to visit the wineries of the region and learn first hand about the winemaking process . At the end you will be able to taste the wines of the region, including the typical Beaujolais Nouveau, Chiroubles , Morgon and Beaujolais Villages. You will accompany them with cheese, cold meats, dried fruits and bread.

• Price : A wine tour of the Beaujolais region from Lyon usually costs between 150 and 200 Euros.
• Duration : It will take between 6 and 8 hours to complete the experience.
• Means of transportation : The entire tour is completed in private vehicles and with all the comforts.
• Advantages of this option : Transportation to and from the lodging site is included. Visits to the wineries are also included. Wine tasting and lunch are included in the price.
• Disadvantages of this option : The cost of additional purchases at the wineries is not included.

7. Private tasting tour of traditional dishes

On this tour you will go to learn which of Lyon's traditional dishes stand out amidst its varied gastronomy. Your guide will take you to taste dishes such as quiche lorraine , cheese from the Beaujolais region, onion soup, fondue savoyarde, tablier de sapeur, crepes and cheesecake.

You will taste all these dishes in traditional restaurants and bistros in Lyon. This is a private tour that you can share with eight of your family and friends . You will also be accompanied by a tour guide. As for the dishes, you will accompany them with local drinks.

• Price : You will have to pay around 150 euros per person to enjoy the tour.
• Duration : The whole tour is completed in about 3 to 5 hours, approximately.
• Means of transportation : The activity is done in a private vehicle with all the comforts.
• Advantages of this option : It is a private tour in which only you and your group will participate. The transfer from and to the hotel or lodging place is included. Tasting of typical dishes of the region and entrance to traditional restaurants is included.
• Disadvantages of this option : The cost of lunch, meals or drinks in restaurants is not included.

8. Tasting tour of the best cheeses of Lyon

If there is something that represents Lyon is its famous cheese varieties, that's why in this cheese tasting tour in the city you will have the opportunity to discover each of its flavors and preferences. It is a tour that I recommend you to include in your Lyon itinerary in 3 days or less, you can not leave without tasting these delicacies.

You can go to meet the cheese producers in the local markets or even go to visit specialized cheese stores . Your guide will take you to the ideal places to try cheese-based dishes, such as soups, salads, quiches, cakes, etc. You will visit a cheese factory where you will learn about the cheese making process and taste the final products.

• Price : To enjoy this tour you will have to pay between 50 and 200 euros per person.
• Duration : It will take you about three hours to complete this experience.
• Means of transportation : The entire tour is completed by bus with all the comforts.
• Advantages of this option : Tasting of various types of cheese is included. Entrance and guided visit to the cheese factory is included.
• Disadvantages of this option : Food is not included except for those detailed in the experience. Purchases of cheeses or other items you want to take with you from the cheese factory or cheese stores you visit are not included.

9. Tapas tour of Vieux Lyon

As in the rest of Europe, tapas are also very famous in France, that's why in this tour of Lyon you will get to know which are the most traditional and popular tapas that you can eat in the city. During the experience you will be able to visit several bars and restaurants in Lyon, where you can taste cheeses, sausages, olives, pates, cakes and salads .

This is a good option to include among the activities to see and do with children in Lyon , although they must be at least 8 years old to participate in the tour. If you practice veganism you will not have problems, because on this tour you can ask for an exclusive option for you . During the tour you will be able to accompany the tapas with drinks such as wine, beer, tea and coffee.

• Price : This tour usually costs between 50 and 70 euros per person.
• Duration : It will take you about 3 hours to finish this experience.
• Means of transportation : The entire gastronomic tour is completed on foot, but you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.
• Advantages of this option : The tour includes the tasting of typical tapas, as well as visits to the different bars and restaurants. The company of an expert is included during the tour.
• Disadvantages of this option : Transportation to and from the airport is not included, nor from or to the lodging place. Personal expenses are not included.

10. Cured Meats Tasting Tour

One of the most famous qualities of this French city is its cured meats. That's why on this cured meats tasting tour in Lyon, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best in the region. These meats are prepared with a mixture of traditional and aromatic spices that give them flavor and aroma.

Some of the cured meats you will taste include: loin, salami, sausage, chorizo, bacon and ham. During the tasting you will also enjoy bread, red or sparkling wine, and cheese from the region. This is a shared tour with a maximum of 10 people .

• Price : This cured meats tasting tour in Lyon costs approximately 50 to 60 euros per person.
• Duration : The whole tour lasts between 3 and 4 hours.
• Means of transport : You will board an air-conditioned tourist bus.
• Advantages of this option : The company of a tour guide and all tastings are included.
• Disadvantages of this option : Transportation to and from your hotel or accommodation is not included.

Tips for a gastronomic tour of Lyon

• Be sure to bring enough money to buy food, drinks and artisanal products during the tours.
• Be attentive to the tour guide's recommendations on the places that have the best prices.
• Take enough water with you for the whole way .
• Book in advance to make sure there is room for you on the gastronomic tour .

The Best Travel Guide to Lyon

• Olympique Lyonnais Tickets
• 10 Things to Do in Lyon in November
• 10 Things to Do in Lyon in May
• Best Activities in Lyon
• 10 Things to do in Lyon at Christmas
• Lyon in 2 Days: everything you need to know
• Lyon Hop on Hop off Bus Tours
• Best Day Trips from Lyon
• 10 Things to Do in Lyon in December
• Best Wine Tours in Lyon
• Best Things to Do in Lyon
• Best Bike Tours in Lyon

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7 gourmet delicatessens to find a tasty souvenir in Lyon

Inspiration

Lyon Food and Wine Shopping and French Savoir Faire Cities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 25 March 2024, updated on 15 April 2024

Famous for its numerous bouchons and regional goodies, Lyon is a can't-miss city for finding the best local products. Discover our 7 favorite gourmet spots along with Lyon influencer Nelly, from the Hello Nelly blog!

Le Sirop de la Rue

Located in Old Lyon, on rue Saint Jean, Le Sirop de la Rue is the ideal place to leave with Lyon's gastronomic products. You'll find typical products of the region: brioche sausage, quenelles, tripe, cardons (an old-style vegetable), or "Coussins de Lyon," a chocolate and marzipan confectionery created by the Lyon confectionery Voisin. This also an opportunity to discover original exclusives, such as almond-flavored praline syrup (truly delicious) or praline beer. My favorite? The andouillette terrine!

Le Sirop de la rue

The Maison Cellerier

Cheeses, charcuterie, ready-made meals made from fresh products, pastries—at Cellerier, you can find everything, and it's always excellent! A true reference in Lyon's gastronomy, the house is located in four places: at the Halles Paul Bocuse (with 4 shops and a restaurant), on the Presqu'île, at Confluence and at Écully. It is one of my favorite spots to buy pastries. The saint-honoré, made with cream and cabbage, will change your life!

Maison Cellerier

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Maison Cellerier (@maison_cellerier) le 12 Août 2019 à 1 :05 PDT

The Abel's grocery store

A less well-known spot for travellers, and doubly authentic: the épicerie Abel, located on Vaubecour Street in the 2nd arrondissement. This small shop offers a wide range of gourmet meals to take away: wine, veal blanquette, chicken with morel mushrooms..reading the menu alone is sure to make you salivate. Special mention for the crayfish gratin and the pâté en croûte! Before you go, be sure to grab a delicious Bruneton jam, from the best jam maker in France!

Epicerie Abel

The Sibilia Charcuterie

When in Lyon , it's impossible not to think of Sibilia when talking about charcuterie. The house is popular with both Lyon residents and culinary professionals, and is now located at the Halles Paul Bocuse (Lyon 3rd) and Place de la Croix-Rousse (Lyon 4th). A visit to their shop allows you to find the best delicatessen and charcuterie products in the city: cervelas, rosette, andouillette, quenelle, pâté en croûte . My must-haves? The rosette and the pistachio sausage brioche.

Charcuterie Sibilia

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Charcuterie Sibilia (@charcuterie.sibilia) le 31 Oct. 2019 à 1 :39 PDT

The Bouillet chocolate factory

For a sweet touch, the Bouillet chocolate factory is a can't-miss for its many desserts, sweets, cakes and shortbread—but especially for its macaroons, the best I've ever tasted! If you stop in in January, don't miss their galettes des rois , always excellent, with beautiful fèves .

Pâtissier-chocolatier Bouillet

The Comptoir Mère Brazier

The Mère Brazier is first and foremost a renowned two Michelin starred restaurant. But, for those who wish to get one of their delicious dishes to go, don't hesitate to stop by one of their grocery counters (in the 6th and 9th arrondissements). What's on the menu? Breads, thin tarts, terrines, quails, hures de porc (cold cuts made from pig's head), and, of course, the famous homemade pâtés en croûte . If you have a little time, you can also take the opportunity to have lunch at the counter itself!

Épicerie Comptoir Mère Brazier

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Epicerie Comptoir Mère Brazier (@epiceriecomptoirmerebrazier) le 6 Oct. 2018 à 4 :53 PDT

The Paul Bocuse and Hôtel Dieu's food halls

If you are looking for Lyonnais products to take away or to taste on the spot, my favorite places are the Paul Bocuse's halles (Lyon 3rd arrondissement) and those of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu (Lyon 2nd arrondissement). These exceptional places are home to some of Lyon's greatest brands: the chocolate maker Voisin, the caterer Pignol, the cheese dairy La Mère Richard, the butcher's shop Trolliet, the fishmonger Vianey, the wine house Guyot, and famous delicatessens such as Sibilia and Cellerier. The hardest part is always choosing what to sample!

Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse Les Halles Grand Hôtel-Dieu

To learn more:

- Prepare your stay in Lyon - To read also: Everything you need to know about Lyon’s bouchons in 5 minutes

By Hello Nelly

Blogger and web editor always on the go, I regularly take up the pen and my camera to share with you my good addresses in France— or elsewhere!

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Rail route of the month: vines on the line from Avignon to Lyon, France

Our slow travel expert takes the train through the Rhône’s wine country, hoping for grand cru views and a glass of Condrieu

T rains and wine make natural partners, be it a glass of crisp white over a leisurely lunch in a restaurant car while cruising through the Alps or a rail itinerary that meanders through a region noted for its fine wines. Many of Europe’s most prized wine regions lend themselves naturally to exploration by rail.

Take the train from São Bento station in Porto to Pocinho, for example, for fine views of the estates that have underpinned the port trade. Other classic European wine regions where trains weave through vineyards include Tokay in Hungary, Germany’s Moselle valley, the Ebro valley in Spain (for fine Rioja) and Switzerland’s Lavaux region where one grand cru white, made from Chasselas grapes, even plays up the rail connection: the Massy family’s classy Dézaley is called Chemin de Fer .

North from Avignon to Valence

It is a tempting rail-wine connection that brings me to Avignon on a damp early spring day, to explore the Rhône valley. Few travellers are around. Avignon Centre railway station looks handsome with its yellow and white walls. This is the jumping-off point for the regular slow trains to Lyon (a journey of two and a half hours). This regional rail route once carried grand express trains, but no longer. The TGVs dash north to Paris on a high-speed line that tracks well east of the Rhône valley. Only regional trains stick to the old valley route, along the way taking in a roll call of grand appellations that line either side of the Rhône as one follows the railway upstream from Avignon. The railway passes Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, while later in the journey there are fine views across the river to Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

Slipping out of Avignon Centre on the blue-and-white train bound for Lyon, there are views to the left of the city’s ancient walls, then we cross the Canal Crillon. We have barely left Avignon’s suburban sprawl when we pause at a station called Sorgues-Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Not a vine in sight, but a few moments later, the distinctive low hill which is home to Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s classiest vineyards is visible away to the west, while on the other side of the railway the rough Provençal countryside stretches east to the Vacqueyras wine district and, in the distance, the hill country around Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise, the latter noted for its aromatic Muscat.

Our train loops slightly west to serve Orange, after which we have our first real encounter with the main channel of the River Rhône. It isn’t all pretty – we pass cement works, graveyards of abandoned cars and nuclear power plants.

Halfway through the journey, I stop for lunch in Valence where the elegant design of Valence Ville railway station recalls the architectural idiom of the Grand Trianon at Versailles. I know this route well, and in either direction a stop at Valence is mandatory. Coming from the north, it’s the first town that embodies the energetic vitality of the scented south of France, and heading north it’s a chance to bid the south adieu . And embrace the famous vineyards that lie ahead.

Beyond Valence, the valley sides close in and the countryside, now a little greener, hosts vineyards from which come powerful red wines made from the Syrah grape, and many opulent whites, the best of which reflect the finesse of three very contrasting grapes: Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. The latter brings the prospect of a heady perfume of orange blossom, apricots and almonds.

Northern Rhône vineyards

Leaving Valence, there’s a view over the Rhône to Cornas, renowned for its assertive, peppery reds. Then we cross the River Isère and soon we are cruising past a litany of celebrated vineyards. Signs mark the prized parcels of land owned by illustrious winemakers like Chave, Chapoutier and Jaboulet.

There’s a neck-craning view of a chapel high on a slope above the railway. Not any chapel but the one which dominates a parcel of land in Hermitage known as La Chapelle, associated with revered red wines that develop gently over decades in the bottle.

To the left, the slow-flowing waters of the Rhône and to the right the gentle slopes draped with vineyards of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. Across the river is Saint-Joseph. But the best is yet to come. For lovers of the Viognier grape, and I count myself among their number, the high point of this journey is Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet. The steep slopes of both appellations are visible on the other bank of the river as we approach the station at Saint-Clair-Les Roches where I stay overnight in the Hotel Bellevue (doubles from €115, room only).

It wins no prizes for architectural ambition, but among the hotel’s many redemptive qualities are a Rhône view as fine as its name implies, good food, and access via a bridge over the river to the Condrieu vineyards on the west bank.

“We call that Guigalville,” says the waiter at the hotel gesturing to the vineyards over the river and referring to the family who have done so much to promote the wines of Condrieu and neighbouring Côte-Rôtie. So the next day, I take a local bus to Ampuis to visit the Guigal estate and taste some local wines.

The Condrieu is a star, with its perfect balance of acidity and fruit. Then it’s back to Saint-Clair and the onward train north up the valley to Lyon. There’s a tantalising view across the river to the turreted Château d’Ampuis, home of the Guigal family. Our train pauses at Vienne, a riverside town famous for its Roman remains. Then we run non-stop to Lyon, a hop of 20 minutes, passing through Seyssuel where ambitious young winemakers are buying up land amid rumours that its wines could offer all the finesse of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

Now the last of the vineyards are gone and we enter Lyon, passing factories and oil refineries, power stations and sewage works. I note that the train I am on continues beyond Lyon to Mâcon, giving the option of extending my wine tour north to include Beaujolais and the southernmost portion of the Mâconnais.

I am tempted, but Swiss whites beckon, so I alight at Lyon and make tracks for the Lavaux region on the north side of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) where I have an appointment with a glass of Luc Massy’s grand cru Dézaley Chemin de Fer.

Travel details

There are 11 direct regional trains each weekday from Avignon Centre to Lyon. The service is less frequent at weekends with nine direct trains on Saturdays and seven on Sundays. The one-way fare from Avignon Centre to Lyon Part Dieu via the Rhône valley is €40.70. Purchase at the station before departure or in advance via Rail Europe for £36 (tickets priced in sterling no longer carry a booking fee).

Nicky Gardner lives in Berlin. She is co-author of Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide (Hidden Europe, £18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy of the 17th edition from guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply.

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Looking for cheaper Eras Tour tickets? See Taylor Swift at these 10 international cities.

Swifties who want to snag tickets to Taylor Swift’s colossal Eras Tour know the experience won’t come cheap.  

This year, the billionaire will only visit three U.S. cities – Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis – and prices for the in-demand shows are astronomical . For the Oct. 18 show in Miami, for example, cost of a single ticket ranged between $1,615 and $8,524 on StubHub.com as of Wednesday afternoon.

So, how else can fans see one of the world’s biggest singers? Go abroad .

In the past 30 days, searches for ‘Taylor Swift Europe tour 2024 tickets’ have increased by 300% in the U.S., indicating that some people are ready to take a long-haul flight to see the wildly popular artist live, according to travel website Islands.com .

Concert-goers who head to Europe for their Swift experience may actually save more money in the long-run . Not only are ticket prices across the pond cheaper, but many European cities, like Warsaw and Lisbon, are also budget-friendly, offering inexpensive food and lodging. 

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To determine the most affordable Eras Tour stops, Islands.com researchers compared the cost of a two-night trip, including one cheap ticket on StubHub.com, two nights at a four-star hotel, six inexpensive meals, two five-mile taxi rides, and one domestic beer. However, researchers didn’t account for airline tickets or concert merchandise.

With safety at the top of travelers' minds, the researchers also factored in the city’s safety rating out of 100. 

To stay extra safe, the State Department encourages travelers to register with the U.S. embassy in the country they're visiting any time they travel abroad. That can be done at step.state.gov .

10 cheapest destinations for the Eras Tour in 2024

10. Vienna, Austria - total average cost: $1,089, safety score: 69.72

9. Cardiff, U.K. - total average cost: $1,061, safety score: 61.83

8. Lyon, France - total average cost: $1,047, safety score: 44.3

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3. Hamburg, Germany - total average cost: $903, safety score: 57.51

2. Gelsenkirchen, Germany - total average cost: $749, safety score: 51.33

1. Warsaw, Poland - total average cost: $712, safety score: 72.98