Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Delicacies & Fine Wine

Lyon , France

Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Delicacies & Fine Wine

Active

(542 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Food is undoubtedly one of Lyon's most beloved traditions. Since 1935, the city has been considered the world capital of gastronomy. When Lyon's culinary traditions were being forged, the famous "Mères Lyonnaises" (Lyonnaise Mothers) managed to turn Lyon cuisine into an institution. Today, male chefs dominate the scene, like the famous Paul Bocuse, however it is the women who evolved the renowned cuisine. Many of the recipes around the city are unchanged from their humble beginnings, meaning you'll have the opportunity to taste the culture and history that has turned Lyon into the culinary hub it is today. We'll guide you through this gastronomic journey infused with passion, history, and exquisite French food and wine. Find out why eating and drinking are not just a pastime in Lyon, but a way of life.

Available options

Lyon Small Group Food Tour

Small Group Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Lyon in a group of 12 people or less!

Lyon Private Food Tour

Upgrade to Private Tour: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Lyon for only you and your group

What's included

A Very Lyonnais Sweet Treat

Freshly baked French pastries

French Fine White & Red Wine

Our delicious Secret Dish

Seasonal Hot Dish of the Day

Selection of French Fine Cheeses

Traditional Canut breakfast tasting

Detailed itinerary

Taste a selection of local charcuterie and cheeses with a glass of wine from a traditional 'Pot Lyonnais'.
Learn about how these are made and why they are important in the region.

The oldest street of Lyon riddled with medieval buildings and its famous traboules.

Home of the famous Pink Pralines brioches

Beautiful XXIIth Century Cathedral that still bears the stigmates of the French war of Religion.

The largest pedestrianised city square in Europe, with a statue of Louis IX right in the heart of the Presqu'ile of Lyon.
Here we pick up the 'secret sweet treat' from Voisin, a Lyon based chocolate shop, to enjoy at the end of the tour.

A hot dish main course and a glass of wine in a family run Bouchon that first opened nearly 100 years ago.
You have a choice of typical Bouchon style dishes from the menu, covering meat, fish and vegetarian options.

Here we get an Expresso at one of Lyon's top coffee boutiques before heading back into the oldest part of the Hôtel-Dieu, to drink the coffees and taste the final 'secret' sweet treat to finish the tour.

What's not included

Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

101 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

441 reviews

5★

415

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

*We can’t accommodate pets on our food tours*

Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.

Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

Meeting point

Please meet at the Vieux Lyon area, in front of the Temple, Place du Change, 69005 Lyon. Your guide will be waiting for you with an orange umbrella, and a big smile, in front of the Temple.

Important notes

• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time to check-in with their guide.
• Our Secret Food Tours Guide will have an orange umbrella at the meeting point for easy recognition.

• Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.
• Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.

• The Legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
• Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

About Lyon

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a vibrant blend of Roman history, Renaissance architecture, and modern innovation. Known for its gastronomy, silk weaving heritage, and UNESCO-listed historic sites, Lyon offers a rich cultural experience with a lively atmosphere and stunning landscapes.

Top Attractions

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Vieux Lyon is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance district with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming courtyards. It's one of the most picturesque areas in Lyon and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €5-€10 for museum entries

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

This stunning basilica sits atop Fourvière Hill and offers panoramic views of Lyon. The basilica is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and a symbol of the city.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for the crypt and treasury

Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

One of the oldest and most prestigious museums in France, the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Museum 2-3 hours €10 (free on the first Sunday of the month)

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

This renowned food market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and gourmet products. It's a great place to sample Lyon's culinary delights.

Food Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary by stall

Parc de la Tête d'Or

This vast urban park is a green oasis in the heart of Lyon, featuring a lake, botanical gardens, a zoo, and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (€5 for boat rental)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Quiche Lyonnaise

A savory tart made with eggs, cream, and lardons (small strips of pork), often served with a side of green salad.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Salade Lyonnaise

A traditional Lyon salad made with frisée lettuce, croutons, lardons, a poached egg, and a Dijon vinaigrette.

Salad Contains pork and eggs

Coq au Vin

A classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine, typically with bacon, mushrooms, and onions.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Cervelle de Canut

A traditional Lyon cheese spread made with fresh cheese, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian, contains dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in Les Monts du Lyonnais Cycling along the Rhône and Saône rivers Rock climbing and via ferrata in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Parc de la Tête d'Or Boat tours on the Rhône and Saône rivers Enjoying a leisurely meal at a bouchon Exploring the historic sites of Vieux Lyon Visiting the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Lyon, with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city comes alive with outdoor events, cultural activities, and vibrant nightlife.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lyon is generally a safe city for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache

By bus

Lyon Perrache Bus Station, Lyon Part-Dieu Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Lyon Metro consists of four lines (A, B, C, D) and is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Lyon (Old Town) Presqu'île Croix-Rousse Confluence

Day trips

Beaujolais Wine Region

30 km from Lyon • Half day to full day

The Beaujolais region is famous for its red wines and picturesque vineyards. It's a great destination for wine tastings, scenic drives, and exploring charming villages.

Pérouges

20 km from Lyon • Half day

Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a rich history. It's a great destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Annecy

100 km from Lyon • Full day

Annecy is a picturesque lakeside town in the French Alps, known for its stunning lake, historic old town, and beautiful gardens. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and scenic views.

Festivals

Festival of Lights • Early December Lyon Biennial of Contemporary Art • September to December (every two years) Lyon Jazz Festival • June to July

Pro tips

Visit the Traboules of Vieux Lyon, hidden passageways used by silk merchants in the past, which can still be explored today.
Try local specialties like quiche Lyonnaise, salade Lyonnaise, and coq au vin, and sample the city's renowned wines and cheeses.
Explore the historic sites and attractions of Vieux Lyon, including the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the Roman Theatre of Fourvière.
Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region, known for its red wines and picturesque vineyards, or visit the charming medieval village of Pérouges.
Attend a performance at the Opéra de Lyon, one of the city's most renowned cultural institutions, or visit the Gadagne Museums for a fascinating look at Lyon's history and the history of puppetry.