Lyon: Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Food Tastings & Wine

Explore the flavors and history of Lyon with the Old Town Food Tour, a 3-hour experience priced at $116 per person. Led by passionate local guides, this tour offers more than six authentic French tastings, including cheeses, pastries, seasonal hot dishes, and wine. It begins in Vieux Lyon, the city’s Renaissance quarter, and continues into the lively Presqu’île district, giving you a taste of Lyon’s renowned gastronomy and vibrant streets.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on local culinary traditions and hidden passageways in Vieux Lyon. With a carefully curated selection of tastings and historical insights, it’s ideal for visitors eager to learn about Lyon’s food scene while exploring its scenic neighborhoods. The 3-hour duration makes it a manageable, immersive experience, though it involves a fair amount of walking and is best suited for those comfortable on their feet.

Key Points

• In-depth tasting experience with 6+ authentic French dishes including cheeses, pastries, and hot seasonal dishes
• Expert local guides share stories about Lyon’s history, culinary traditions, and hidden city secrets
• Sightseeing in Vieux Lyon, with visits to cobbled streets, traboules, and historic squares
• Pairings of food and wine, with opportunities to sample local wines throughout the tour
• Accessible locations, starting at the Temple in Vieux Lyon, with easy-to-recognize guides holding orange umbrellas
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting in Vieux Lyon: The Renaissance Heart of the City

The tour begins in Vieux Lyon, the city’s historic Renaissance quarter, where cobblestone streets and narrow passageways set the scene for an authentic experience. Here, the guide introduces a savory dish once eaten by silk workers, paired with local wine that embodies Lyon’s culinary spirit. This initial stop offers a glimpse into the past and the city’s longstanding food traditions.

Exploring the hidden traboules, or secret passageways, adds a sense of adventure and discovery. These corridors, once used by Lyonnais silk workers to transport materials, now serve as a fascinating link between history and modern life. The guide provides insights into how these structures shaped the city and its cuisine.

Savoring French Pastries at an Exclusive Sweet Shop

A highlight of this tour is a visit to one of Lyon’s most renowned sweet shops, where a delicate local pastry awaits. This specialty showcase emphasizes Lyon’s mastery in desserts, offering a true taste of regional pastry craftsmanship.

The pastry experience is complemented by stories about Lyon’s dessert heritage. The shop’s intimate setting allows for close-up sampling of delicate confections, making it a memorable moment in the tour. This stop also demonstrates Lyon’s reputation as a gastronomic capital known for its sweet treats.

Crossing into Presqu’île: Monuments and Lively Squares

After exploring Vieux Lyon, the tour crosses the Saône River into Presqu’île, the bustling heart of Lyon. Here, travelers encounter grand monuments, statues, and lively squares, which reflect the city’s vibrant urban life.

In Presqu’île, the guide points out notable landmarks while sharing stories behind Lyon’s development. The district’s energy provides the perfect backdrop for the next tasting—a seasonal hot dish rich in local flavors. This dish showcases traditional Lyonnaise ingredients prepared in a way that highlights the region’s culinary identity.

Hot Dish of the Day: Traditional Lyonnaise Flavors

A memorable part of the tour is sampling a seasonal hot dish, crafted with regional ingredients. This hot meal offers a hearty taste of Lyon’s culinary heritage, emphasizing seasonal produce and traditional preparation methods.

The hot dish reflects Lyon’s reputation for robust, flavor-rich cuisine. The guide explains its significance in Lyonnaise cooking, and the dish serves as a satisfying highlight before moving on to dairy delights.

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Sampling Lyon’s Legendary Cheeses and Wines

No Lyon food tour is complete without exploring its renowned dairy products. The group samples a selection of local cheeses, carefully paired with fresh breads and a glass of local wine.

This cheese tasting showcases Lyon’s mastery in dairy craftsmanship, giving an authentic flavor of the region. The accompanying wines, both white and red, complement the cheeses perfectly, offering insight into Lyon’s wine culture. The guide shares tips on regional pairings, enriching the tasting experience.

The Secret Dish: A Surprising Finale

The tour concludes with a “secret dish”, a special treat unique to this experience. Although the details remain a surprise to preserve its charm, it’s a well-loved ending that leaves a lasting impression.

This last stop adds an element of fun and exclusivity, wrapping up the culinary journey with something you won’t find elsewhere. It exemplifies how the tour combines authenticity, local secrets, and delicious flavors.

Meeting Point and Logistics: Easy and Recognizable

The tour departs from Place du Change in Vieux Lyon, in front of the Temple. Guides are easy to spot, holding bright orange umbrellas for recognition.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through cobbled streets and historic neighborhoods. The group size is not specified, but reviews suggest a friendly, manageable pace suitable for most travelers. Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Tour Pacing and Duration: Well-Balanced and Informative

This 3-hour tour offers a carefully paced journey through Lyon’s culinary and cultural highlights. The timing allows for ample tasting opportunities without feeling rushed, while the walking segments provide a thorough exploration of key neighborhoods.

Guides are praised for their knowledgeable narration, balancing food tasting with historical insights. The pace is generally viewed as comfortable, making it suitable for most visitors who enjoy walking and trying new flavors.

The Guides: Passionate and Full of Local Knowledge

Multiple reviews highlight guides like Charlotte, Cyrille, Rosie, Ash, and Coraline as being enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and personable. They share stories about Lyon’s history, food, and culture with humor and warmth.

Guides also provide practical tips on where to eat or drink after the tour, enhancing the overall experience. Several reviewers emphasize the guides’ ability to connect with the group and answer questions thoroughly.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Since the tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are essential. The itinerary is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the cobbled streets and historic passageways. No specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This Secret Food Tour stands out for its combination of culinary tastings, local stories, and scenic exploration. Its focus on Vieux Lyon and Presqu’île provides a well-rounded view of the city’s historic and gastronomic sides.

Other similar experiences include sunset food tours, city highlight walks, and wine tastings, all accessible via links provided by the provider. However, this tour’s balance of food, culture, and history makes it an appealing choice for those wanting an immersive taste of Lyon.

Final Thoughts on the Lyon Old Town Food Tour

This 3-hour experience offers more than six tastings, a lively exploration of Vieux Lyon and Presqu’île, and stories from guides passionate about their city. Its focus on authentic regional dishes, wine pairings, and secret treats makes it a worthwhile addition to any visit.

While not designed for those with mobility issues, the tour provides a manageable, engaging experience for most travelers. It delivers great value for the price, especially considering the quality and variety of tastings included.

If you love exploring cities through their food and stories, this tour will give you a true taste of Lyon’s culinary spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes 6+ tastings such as a Canut breakfast, French pastries, a seasonal hot dish, cheeses, a sweet treat, a secret dish, and white and red wine.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Place du Change in Vieux Lyon, in front of the Temple. Guides hold an orange umbrella for easy recognition.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, offering a relaxed pace with plenty of tasting and sightseeing.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the walking involved on cobbled streets.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since the tour involves a fair amount of walking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food allergy accommodation available?
Yes, it’s advised to contact the provider in advance of the tour to discuss dietary requirements.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes French white and red wine paired with tastings.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic dishes, local stories, and a scenic route through historic neighborhoods offers a comprehensive taste of Lyon’s gastronomic culture.

Would you recommend this tour?
Based on the consistent positive reviews praising guides’ knowledge and the quality of tastings, this tour is highly recommended for food lovers and those interested in Lyon’s culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby