Best Food Tours in Lyon

If there's one thing you have to experience in Lyon, it's its unique combination of French and international flavours. Here are some of the best ways to discover Lyon's cuisine.

Andressa García

Andressa García

11 min read

Best Food Tours in Lyon

Lyon food street | ©Pedro Szekely

Signing up for a gastronomic tour is one of the best things to see and do in Lyon, as this is a great way to discover the city's gastronomic culture. Among the dishes you shouldn't miss is the Lyon salad, which is made from a mixture of vegetables and salted meat.

During these gastronomic tours 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 about part of the city's gastronomic history.

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

Wine in Lyon| ©jenny downing
Wine in Lyon| ©jenny downing

Undoubtedly one of the best gourmet tours in Lyon is this one that takes you around the city to discover 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 specialised in wine, 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 where you will be going to see 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: It can take between 4 and 6 hours to complete this tour.
  • Means of transport: The whole experience is completed in a private vehicle, although you have to make your own way 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 shops are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Transport 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

Lyon Market| ©Donna
Lyon Market| ©Donna

This experience is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lyon, because together with a tour guide you will have the opportunity to visit 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 ones that you will get 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 specialities. 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.

Details of interest

  • Price: You'll have to pay around 45 euros per person to enjoy this experience.
  • Duration: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is on foot, although you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.
  • 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 shopping are also not included.

3. Gastronomic tour of the old city of Lyon

Macarons| ©Laura Agar
Macarons| ©Laura Agar

You will go on a tour around the old city of Lyon to discover the flavours 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 can sample on the tour are Beaujolais wine and Lyon macarons. You also have the opportunity to adapt the experience for vegans and vegetarians, so it's a tour to suit all tastes.

Interesting details

  • Price: This gastronomic tour of the old city of Lyon is priced at around 49 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you approximately 2.5 hours to complete the whole tour.
  • Means of transport: 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 in Lyon

Tasting Lyon's desserts| ©Antoine Piechaud
Tasting Lyon's desserts| ©Antoine Piechaud

If you have a sweet tooth, Lyon is undoubtedly one of the best cities in France to sample the best of French sweet treats. In the middle of this tour you will get to see and taste the best desserts of Lyon, but at the same time you will have the chance to get to know the whole city in a way you couldn't even get to know it by taking the Lyon sightseeing bus.

You will get to taste the different types of sweets and desserts typical of Lyon, including cakes, pastries, ice creams and crepes. In the middle of the tour you can visit famous restaurants and patisseries in Lyon, where you can accompany your desserts with 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 you between one and a half and three hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: Tasting of different typical Lyon desserts is included. A walking tour through the streets of the city with a tour guide is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: The price of the desserts is not included, nor is the purchase of sweets beyond the tasting.

5. Gastronomic tour of the Rhône-Alpes region

Wine cellar| ©undeklinable
Wine cellar| ©undeklinable

To go and enjoy this gastronomic tour of the Rhône-Alpes region, you will have to sign up for one of the best excursions from Lyon, to go and discover the wide variety of flavours 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'll have time to wander around the region to check out the local restaurants and food shops. 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.

Interesting details

  • Price: The price of this gastronomic tour of Rhône-Alpes from Lyon is 120 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around 5 hours to complete this tour.
  • Means of transport: You will complete the entire 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.

Book a wine and cheese tasting in the Rhone Valley

6. Wine tasting tour in the Beaujolais region from Lyon

Tasting Beaujolais wine| ©tangobiker
Tasting Beaujolais wine| ©tangobiker

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. On this specific one you will have the opportunity to go tasting different varieties of wine in the Beaujolais region. One of the highlights of 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 wine making 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. They will be accompanied by cheese, charcuterie, dried fruits and bread.

Interesting details

  • 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 transport: The entire tour is completed in private vehicles and with all comforts.
  • Advantages of this option: Transport to and from the accommodation 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

Quiche lorraine| ©mitchenall
Quiche lorraine| ©mitchenall

On this tour you will get to know which of Lyon's traditional dishes stand out amidst its varied gastronomy. Your guide will take you to taste dishes such as quiche lorraine, Beaujolais cheese, 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, they will be accompanied by local drinks.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around 150 euros per person to enjoy the tour.
  • Duration: The whole tour takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: 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 to and from the hotel or place of accommodation 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 the restaurants is not included.

8. Tasting tour of the best cheeses of Lyon

Cheeses in Lyon| ©Madeleine
Cheeses in Lyon| ©Madeleine

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

You can go and meet the cheese producers in the local markets or even go and visit specialised cheese shops. 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.

Interesting details

  • 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 transport: The whole tour is completed by bus with all facilities.
  • Advantages of this option: Tasting of various types of cheese is included. Entrance and guided tour of 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 wish to take away from the cheese factory or cheese shops you visit are not included.

9. Tapas tour of Vieux Lyon

Old Lyon| ©Jeanne Menjoulet
Old Lyon| ©Jeanne Menjoulet

As in the rest of Europe, France is also very famous for its tapas, that's why on this tour of Lyon you will get to know what are the most traditional and popular tapas 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, cold meats, olives, pâtés, 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're a vegan you won't have any problems, because on this tour you can ask for an option just for you. During the tour you can accompany the tapas with drinks such as wine, beer, tea and coffee.

Interesting details

  • Price: This tour usually costs between 50 and 70 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around 3 hours to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: 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: Transport to and from the airport is not included, nor is transport to and from the accommodation. Personal expenses are not included.

10. Cured meat tasting tour

Eating meat in Lyon| ©alh1
Eating meat in Lyon| ©alh1

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

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

Interesting details

  • Price: This cured meat tasting tour in Lyon costs approximately 50-60 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 the tastings are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Transport to and from your hotel or accommodation is not included.

Tips for a gastronomic tour of Lyon

Lyon Tourist Bus| ©Bus Box
Lyon Tourist Bus| ©Bus Box
  • Be sure to bring enough money to buy food, drink and artisan products during the tours.
  • Be attentive to the tour guide's recommendations on the places with the best prices.
  • Carry enough water to last you the whole way.
  • Book in advance to make sure there is room for you on the food tour.