Lyon isn’t just France’s gastronomic capital; it’s a city that lives and breathes food. Here, every alley, market, and bouchon whispers stories of traditional dishes, artisan cheese, and regional wines. If you’re a foodie, a food tour in Lyon is one of the best ways to unlock its culinary secrets. We particularly like the Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option because it combines personalized attention with visits to iconic Lyonnais spots, sampling everything from cheeses to sweets. Plus, with reviews averaging a perfect 5.0/5, it’s clear travelers find this tour both informative and delicious. Whether you prefer a small-group experience or private customization, Lyon offers options that satisfy every appetite.
Many of these tours stand out because they combine gastronomy with local culture, taking you through ancient streets, passageways, and markets, while tasting regional specialties like quenelle, praline brioche, and local wines. The city’s vibrant food scene is showcased in diverse ways—from leisurely walking tours to electric bike adventures—ensuring there’s something for every taste and energy level.
1. Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option
At number 1, the Secret Food Tours Lyon offers a flexible experience with both small-group and private options, making it perfect for those who value intimacy and tailored attention. This 3.5-hour tour takes you across Lyon’s most iconic venues, including medieval streets and the traboules. You’ll sample rich cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and finish with a decadent chocolate treat from Voisin. The tour’s highlights include learning about Lyon’s culinary traditions and sampling regional specialties that you might not find on your own. Guests rave about guides like Nathalie and Oliver, who bring the city’s food and history alive with warm humor and local insights. The tour’s value lies in the mix of delicious tasting, storytelling, and flexible options—plus, the chance to customize your experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, informative experience with the option for privacy, making it perfect for couples or small groups wanting to dive deep into Lyon’s flavors.
2. Food Tour in Lyon – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better
Coming in at number 2, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Lyon’s culinary scene, visiting five different venues over about 3.5 hours. Led by a knowledgeable guide with wine expertise, you’ll taste Lyonnaise specialties like Pike quenelle, Cervelle des Canuts (cheese dip), and praline brioche. The highlight is the visit to Les Halles Bocuse, Lyon’s famed food market, where regional cheeses and charcuterie take center stage. The small-group size (max 12) ensures personalized attention, and reviews consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and the tour’s variety. What makes this experience stand out is its focus on regional dishes paired with local wines, giving a full flavor of Lyon’s culinary identity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a structured, tasting-rich experience that balances history, culture, and gastronomic excellence in a manageable timeframe.
3. Lyon: Vieux Lyon Food Tasting Walking Tour
Number 3 on our list is a deeper dive into the medieval heart of Lyon, with a 4-hour guided walk through Vieux Lyon. This tour emphasizes exploring the narrow passageways and hidden corners while sampling around 14 different dishes. It’s ideal if you love combining history with food, as you meet local purveyors, discover the stories behind traditional Lyon dishes, and explore the enchanting streets that have preserved their charm for centuries. Guests appreciate the balance between sightseeing and tasting, with some mentioning the chance to meet local artisans. The tour is a bit longer and more immersive, making it suited for travelers who want to soak in both culture and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you enjoy historical ambiance paired with culinary discovery. It’s an engaging way to see Lyon through its flavors and stories.
4. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch
Number 4 takes you on a full sensory journey through Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town in about 4 hours. Your guide combines history, architecture, and food, leading you to hidden gems and local eateries. The tour includes several tastings, such as Lyonnais specialties, cheeses, and regional wines, with a focus on authentic, family-run bouchons. Guests love the insider knowledge and the chance to meet local producers. The experience also includes a delightful lunch, making it excellent value as it covers both sightseeing and substantial tastings. Some reviews note slight variability in food quality at certain stops, but overall, the tour provides a well-rounded, gastronomic introduction to Lyon.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of eating and exploring, especially those eager to experience Lyon’s traditional eateries firsthand.
5. Afternoon Old Town Food Tour
Number 5 offers a leisurely 3-hour stroll through Old Lyon’s murals and alleyways. This tour emphasizes artisanal local foods, with stops for cheese, cold cuts, brioche, chocolates, and even artisanal ice cream in warmer months. You’ll meet local artisans and hear stories about Lyon’s culinary heritage. The reviews highlight the personalized atmosphere and variety of tastings, with many travelers saying it’s their favorite experience in Lyon. The focus on local craftspeople makes this tour a great choice for those interested in authentic, small-business food traditions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience with plenty of tasting and local stories in the historic district.
6. Lyon Electric Bike Tour including Food Tasting with a Local Guide
Number 6 combines sightseeing and tasting on a 4-hour electric bike ride. Riders explore Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage sites like Vieux Lyon, Place des Terreaux, and La Croix-Rousse, ending with a restaurant stop for regional cheeses and cured meats. The electric bikes make conquering Lyon’s hills easier, and reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the mix of historical sites with food. The 4-hour version even includes a stop at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering spectacular views. This tour suits active travelers who want to combine adventure and gastronomy in one experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for energetic explorers who want to cover a lot of ground and taste Lyon along the way.
7. Food & Wine Tour, from the Vieux Lyon to famous Halles Bocuse
Number 7 is a luxurious, immersive experience that pairs food tasting with wine over about 3 hours. Starting in Vieux Lyon and ending at Halles Bocuse, you’ll sample local cheeses, pastries, and wines, all while strolling through historic streets. The small group (up to 15) ensures a personalized vibe. Guests love the insider stories about Lyon’s culinary scene and the opportunity to try a range of authentic dishes. The highlight is the visit to Halles Bocuse, Lyon’s famed food market, for a true gourmet experience. At $162.80, the tour offers excellent value for those looking for an upscale, comprehensive tasting day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for serious foodies wanting a premium tasting experience paired with wine, perfect for special occasions or gastronomic enthusiasts.
8. Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better
Number 8 offers a romantic yet educational 3.5-hour evening tour. You’ll savor Lyonnais specialties like praluline pie, quenelle, charcuterie, and wine, watching the sunset over Lyon’s historic sites. This tour emphasizes culture and cuisine, with stops at Cathedral Saint-Jean and Vieux Lyon. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and the atmospheric settings. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy dining with ambiance and want to see Lyon in a different light.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or night-owl food lovers seeking a visual and gastronomic experience at sunset.
9. Lyon: Guided Evening Food Tour
Number 9 is a 3.5-hour evening walk through Vieux Lyon, sampling delicacies at historic eateries and exploring the city’s nighttime ambiance. It features tastings at four eateries, with a focus on traditional dishes and the city’s lively nightlife. Reviewers mention the fascinating stories and the chance to experience Lyon’s food scene from a different perspective. It’s suited for night owls and those interested in local culture after dark.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a casual, atmospheric experience that combines food, stories, and Lyon’s evening charm.
10. Lyon: Food Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Number 10 offers a 3-hour gourmet walk through Vieux Lyon, emphasizing local history, culture, and artisans. You’ll visit famous passageways and meet local producers, tasting traditional Lyonnaise dishes along the way. Reviewers praise the passion and knowledge of guides like Luce, making it a personalized and authentic experience. Its focus on passageways and artisans makes it perfect for travelers who want to experience Lyon’s hidden culinary treasures firsthand.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who love local stories and artisan foods in a relaxed, small-group setting.
11. Lyon: Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Food Tastings & Wine
Number 11 covers more than six classic Lyon dishes over 3 hours. You’ll explore Vieux Lyon and Presqu’île, tasting cheeses, pastries, and seasonal dishes paired with local wines. Reviewers appreciate the variety and depth of tastings and the insider knowledge about Lyon’s culinary scene. It’s tailored for those wanting a full-fledged food experience combined with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers eager to sample a broad spectrum of Lyon’s gastronomy in a lively, guided setting.
12. Lyon: Guided Food Tour with Tastings
Number 12 is a straightforward 3-hour guided walk, emphasizing multiple tastings and neighborhood sights. While less detailed in the description, it’s a reliable option for those seeking a balanced mix of food and city exploration at a good price ($76). It’s suitable for travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Lyon’s foods and neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: Good for those who want a simple, affordable option with plenty of tastings.
13. Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Lyon
Number 13 offers a highly personalized 3.5-hour experience with a private guide, perfect for those seeking an exclusive, tailored journey. It includes visits to medieval streets, famous bakeries, and iconic squares, finishing with a sweet treat from Voisin. With a higher price point ($388.96), this is best for travelers who want a luxury, customized experience and are willing to invest in intimate knowledge and private tastings.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a completely customized culinary adventure.
14. 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour
Number 14 is the only vegan-focused tour in Lyon, led by a professional vegan guide. Over 3 hours, it explores Croix-Rousse hill, visiting artisan shops, traboules, and parks. Reviewers love Lulu’s passion and knowledge, highlighting how the tour offers a different perspective on Lyon’s food culture. It’s perfect for vegans or anyone interested in plant-based culinary traditions, providing insights into Lyon’s neighborhood and vegan options.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you follow a vegan lifestyle or want a unique, compassionate take on Lyon’s gastronomy.
15. Lyon Food Tour with Full Meal and Wine
Last but not least, the full meal tour combines multiple tastings, cultural insights, and a full meal in about 3.5 hours. It covers historic streets, trendy cafes, and traditional eateries, with a focus on authentic Lyon products. Guests find it offers great value for a relaxed, flavorful experience, especially for those wanting a rundown of Lyon’s culinary landscape.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a complete, satisfying meal paired with cultural exploration.
How to Choose the Perfect Food Tour in Lyon
Selecting the right tour depends heavily on your interests, budget, and energy levels. If you want a private, tailored experience, the Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option is hard to beat. For a comprehensive tasting adventure with a focus on regional dishes and wine, consider the Food & Wine Tour from Vieux Lyon to Halles Bocuse. If you prefer outdoor activity combined with food, the Lyon Electric Bike Tour offers a lively way to explore and taste.
Budget travelers may find the Lyon Guided Food Tour with Tastings or the Old Town Food Tour more accessible, while those seeking a special night experience should go for the Sunset Food Tour.
Remember to book early, especially in peak travel seasons, and consider your preferred pace—whether it’s a relaxed walk, active bike ride, or private tasting—before making your choice.
Lyon’s culinary scene is as diverse as its streets. Whether you’re after a luxury wine and food pairing, a family-friendly walking tour, or a vegan exploration, there’s a tasting experience waiting for you. With options ranging from intimate private tours to lively group adventures, it’s never been easier to indulge in Lyon’s flavors. Whichever you pick, these tours promise a delicious way to discover the city’s soul—so go ahead, savor every bite.