Visiting Lyon: The foodie guide to the capital of gastronomy
Lyon is a city that is as much eaten as it is visited. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cradle of the Lyonnaise Mothers, the city of Paul Bocuse and the covered market that bears his name, Lyon has built its reputation on a culinary culture of rare richness—a culture learned in the streets, in the traboules, in the bouchons, and from the artisans who perpetuate it every morning.
Visiting Lyon without experiencing its gastronomy is missing the point. Here, food is not an afterthought of tourism: it is the guiding thread. Rosette and Jésus de Lyon sausages, pink praline tart, quenelle with Nantua sauce, Saint-Marcellin cheese or cervelle des Canuts, communard, and grattons served as an aperitif in a bouchon—each product tells the story of a neighborhood, a history, and a way of being Lyonnais.
For over 10 years, Lyon Food Tour, a local and family-run business, has offered you a different way to visit Lyon: accompanied by a passionate local guide, you explore the neighborhoods on foot, meet artisans directly, and taste the products that make the city famous. Small groups, a friendly atmosphere, authentic discovery — the true Lyon right on your plate.
Our food tours to visit Lyon
Food Tour Old Town - 4h
Old Town
Traboules, traditional Lyonese bistros, and exceptional artisans in the heart of the Renaissance district
Food Tour Presqu'île & Old Lyon – 4h
Peninsula + Old Lyon
From the Presqu'île to the medieval streets of Old Lyon, savoring the best of both neighborhoods
Food Tour Old Lyon – 3h
Old Town
The short version for soaking up the authentic atmosphere of Lyon at the end of the day
Halles de Lyon Food Tour – 2.5 hours
Paul Bocuse Market Halls
A journey into the heart of Lyon’s culinary scene, featuring exceptional tastings at Les Halles Paul Bocuse
Street Food Tour – 3h
Croix-Rousse → Old Lyon
Street Food & Street Art: From the Slopes of Croix-Rousse to Old Lyon — 5 Must-Visit Spots
Veggie Food Tour – 3h
Croix-Rousse
Only vegan food tour of Lyon: explore the slopes of La Croix-Rousse with a passionate vegan guide
Why take a food tour when visiting Lyon?
Local guide,
truly local
Our guides are either from Lyon or have called Lyon home for years. They’ll take you to our favorite spots, share their stories, and introduce you to artisans they know. We’re a family-owned business in Lyon. No scripted tours or foreign guides who only speak English, like the big international food tour agencies—just a genuine sharing of local knowledge.
See Lyon on foot, understand it through its food
In 2 to 4 hours, you’ll explore one of the city’s iconic neighborhoods: Old Lyon (Renaissance), the Presqu’île, the slopes of Croix-Rousse, or the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse—combining a guided tour with tastings of local products. The best way to discover a city is with all your senses
Small group,
extensive experience
A maximum of 10 to 12 people per tour. Small enough for each participant to interact with the guide and our artisan partners, ask questions, and take the time to chat. This isn’t a mass tour—it’s an authentic experience where we can talk, share, and enjoy the moment together.
Ready to experience Lyon in a different way?
Choose your food tour and book online — available Monday through Sunday, depending on the package.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Food Tours in Lyon
Do food tours replace a meal?
The 4-hour tours constitute a true, complete meal — including 5 tastings of charcuterie, cheese, Lyonnaise specialties, chocolate or ice cream (depending on the season), sweet specialties, and drinks. There is no need to eat either before or after the tour.
The 2.5 to 3-hour formats represent a light meal, a hearty snack, or a large afternoon snack depending on your appetite, but we do not consider this to be a full meal without eating either before or after.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes. The distances are short (1.8 to 3.6 km maximum), the pace is leisurely, and some tastings can be adapted for children. However, it remains a 2.5 to 4-hour tour, which can feel long depending on the child's age. Please note that strollers are very difficult to use in the traboules, cobbled streets, and some of the partner cellars in Old Lyon.
Should we speak French?
No. We offer tours in English. We do not mix languages like some agencies in order to provide a quality tour. When booking, you have the choice between «French guide» or «English guide.» French tours are available only on weekends and school holidays.
What is the difference between the 3-hour and 4-hour Old Lyon tours?
The 4-hour format is identical to the 3-hour one. You discover the same neighborhood, but it also includes a break in a traditional Lyonnais bouchon and a morning departure at 10:00 AM. It serves as lunch, unlike the afternoon tour which is equivalent to a large afternoon snack.
Can we book for a private group?
Yes, we offer bespoke private food tours ranging from 1.5 to 4 hours for individuals departing from hotels (from 2 people), companies, and groups (up to 120 people). Contact us directly so we can create a personalized food tour for you.
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