Lyon stands out as France’s culinary capital, and its markets are a lively reflection of that reputation. Whether you’re craving a hands-on cooking experience, want to explore historic food halls, or simply love wandering through colorful stalls, Lyon offers a variety of tours that bring its food scene to life. One of our favorites is the Croix Rousse Market & Rooftop Cooking Class—a small-group experience where you can pick your ingredients, cook a delicious meal, and enjoy it with stunning views from a rooftop terrace. It’s a perfect mix of market exploration, culinary skill, and breathtaking scenery—plus, the reviews are glowing.
Another stand-out is the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef Thierry, which combines visiting Lyon’s famous Saint Antoine Market with a personalized cooking session led by a charismatic chef. For those who want a more private, gourmet experience, the Private Gourmet Tour of Les Halles Paul Bocuse takes you deep inside one of France’s top food markets with tastings of cheese, cured meats, and wine. Each of these tours offers a different slice of Lyon’s culinary life, perfect for foodies, culture lovers, or anyone who enjoys good eats.
1. Croix Rousse Market & Rooftop Cooking Class in Lyon
At number 1 on our list, the Croix Rousse Market & Rooftop Cooking Class in Lyon offers a well-rounded experience that combines market shopping, hands-on cooking, and a scenic meal. For around $220, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours with a small group, exploring the vibrant Croix Rousse Market where local vendors sell everything from fresh vegetables to artisanal cheeses. The host guides you through selecting your ingredients, providing insider tips on Lyonnaise cuisine. Afterward, you’ll head to a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Lyon, where you’ll prepare and enjoy a delicious 4-course French meal paired with cheese and wine.
What sets this tour apart is the blend of culinary education and scenic ambiance. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and many reviews praise Joelle for her warm hospitality and expertise. Guests love the authentic experience—“it was amazing to cook in true Lyonnaise style and enjoy the meal on the terrace,” said one. If you prefer a relaxed, intimate experience with the chance to pick up local tips, this tour is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want a memorable, scenic, hands-on cooking experience with authentic local ingredients.
2. Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio
Number 2 on our list is the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef Thierry, a four-hour culinary adventure that dives into Lyon’s lively food scene. This experience begins at the iconic Saint Antoine Market, where you explore stalls bursting with seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses. Chef Thierry, a charismatic guide, helps you select ingredients before leading you into his inviting kitchen for a hands-on cooking session. Participants prepare multiple dishes, from appetizers to desserts, learning traditional techniques along the way.
The value here is clear—you’re not just tasting but actively making authentic Lyonnais dishes. Reviewers often highlight Thierry’s humor and expertise, calling the class “incredible” and “outstanding.” The combination of market exploration and personalized cooking makes this a fantastic option for those eager to learn local culinary secrets and enjoy a hearty Lyon-style meal afterward.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an interactive, culturally rich cooking class with a lively market experience and a fun, engaging host.
3. Private Gourmet Tour : Halles Paul Bocuse Covered Market
Coming in at number 3, the Private Gourmet Tour of Les Halles Paul Bocuse offers a personalized deep dive into Lyon’s most famous food hall. For about $640 per group (up to 4 people), you’ll spend roughly 2.5 hours with a dedicated guide exploring this culinary temple. The tour includes tastings of cheeses, cured meats, pralines, and local wines, with insights into the stories behind Lyon’s top artisans and producers.
What makes this experience stand out is the private format, allowing you to customize your tasting experience and ask specific questions. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide Claire, who shares detailed explanations and behind-the-scenes secrets. The market itself is a showcase of culinary excellence, and this tour is perfect if you want an intimate, in-depth look at Lyon’s gastronomic artistry.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food connoisseurs who crave an exclusive, personalized tasting tour with expert insights.
4. Lyon Walking Tour and Food Market Discovery
Number 4 offers a Lyon Walking Tour and Food Market Discovery, combining a scenic walk with visits to key historic sites and markets. Starting in the lively Saint Antoine marketplace, you’ll soak in the local atmosphere before exploring the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the secret passageways of Les traboules, and the panoramic Pont Lafayette. The tour ends at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, where you can browse and sample diverse regional specialties.
This 3-hour walk is a great way to combine cultural sightseeing with food tasting, making it ideal for travelers who want both history and cuisine in one tour. Reviewers note the guide Nichols’s personable style and wealth of knowledge, emphasizing the tour’s mix of food and history.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want an active, culture-rich introduction to Lyon’s historic and culinary highlights.
5. Lyon: Private Food Market Tour in Les Halles Paul Bocuse
At number 5, the Lyon: Private Food Market Tour in Les Halles Paul Bocuse is a 3-hour private experience focused on sampling top artisans’ creations. Led by an expert guide, you’ll discover the best vendors and taste authentic French specialties tailored to your preferences. It’s ideal for those wanting a flexible, personalized experience with culinary tastings and a deeper understanding of Lyon’s gourmet culture.
Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and the customized approach, making it a great choice for foodies seeking an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who want tailored tastings and an intimate connection to Lyon’s premier food artisans.
6. Lyon Morning Food Market Tasting Tour in Les Halles Paul Bocuse
Number 6 offers the Lyon Morning Food Market Tasting Tour, a 2 to 3-hour guided visit into Lyon’s most renowned market. You’ll meet local producers, taste regional cheeses, wines, and Lyonnais specialties, and learn about the history of this famous marketplace. The small-group format (up to 8 people) ensures a personal experience.
Reviewers often mention how the guide Helen’s expertise makes the tour engaging, with many highlighting the chance to sample authentic flavors while gaining insight into Lyon’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food-curious travelers wanting an authentic, in-depth market experience early in the day.
7. Lyon: Christmas Market Walking Tour
Finally, the Lyon: Christmas Market Walking Tour offers a festive spin on Lyon’s culinary scene. Although details are sparse, this 1.5-hour walk takes you through the city’s holiday markets, enjoying seasonal decorations, handmade crafts, and local specialties. It’s a wonderful way to experience Lyon’s festive spirit and sample holiday treats, perfect if you’re visiting during the Christmas season.
While reviews are limited, the tour promises a charming and spirited exploration of Lyon’s holiday traditions, ideal for families or those wanting to combine shopping with seasonal cheer.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers visiting during winter who want a festive, relaxed shopping experience.
$322 per group up to 15
How to Choose the Best Lyon Shopping & Market Tour
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your budget, interests, and time availability. If you’re eager for a personalized, private experience, the Private Gourmet Tour or the Lyon: Private Food Market Tour are excellent options. For those wanting a cultural and culinary mix, the Lyon Walking Tour offers a good balance. Budget travelers might prefer the Morning Food Market Tasting for its shorter duration and focus on tastings.
Book early, especially during high seasons like Christmas or summer, to ensure availability. For a comprehensive culinary immersion, tours that combine market visits with hands-on cooking, like the #1 Croix Rousse Market & Rooftop Class, deliver authentic, memorable experiences.
Lyon offers a fantastic variety of food-focused tours, from intimate cooking classes to extensive market explorations. Whether you want a relaxed stroll through historic markets or an immersive, hands-on culinary lesson, you’ll find an option that suits your style. We recommend choosing based on your interests and budget, and booking early to secure your spot—these experiences tend to fill up quickly!