Lyon is France’s culinary capital, renowned for its rich gastronomic traditions and a vibrant food scene that truly shines at lunchtime. Whether you’re after a guided tasting through historic streets, a hands-on cooking class, or a scenic wine tour with local pairings, Lyon offers options that satisfy every appetite. We especially love the Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch, which combines insider knowledge with multiple tastings in a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a great way to get a feel for Lyon’s culinary soul while enjoying the outdoors and local stories.
If you’re more interested in pairing food with world-class wines, the Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch offers a luxurious, immersive experience. For a more interactive approach, the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio combines exploring a lively market with making your own French dishes. Lastly, those seeking a picturesque escape can opt for the Beaujolais Wine Tour – Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch, which pairs vineyard visits with a relaxing outdoor lunch. Below, we detail each experience to help you choose the perfect Lyon lunch adventure.
1. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch
At number 1, this half-day Lyon Old Town Food Tour takes you through the historic UNESCO-listed district with a spirited local guide. It’s not just about eating; it’s about understanding Lyon’s culinary identity. The tour includes several tastings — from traditional Lyonnais dishes to local specialties — all coordinated by your guide who speaks fluent translation to make sure no detail is lost.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on hidden secrets of the Old Town, combining cultural tidbits with food. You’ll spend roughly four hours outdoors, meeting local producers and discovering the area’s architecture, silk history, and culinary traditions. The tour is limited to 12 people, ensuring a friendly, personalized vibe. Reviewers often mention the guide’s charm and expertise, with one noting it was “a wonderful 4-hour tour,” and another praising the “variety of local, interesting stops.”
Bottom line: If you want an engaging, insider’s taste of Lyon’s Old Town with authentic food and local stories, this tour offers great value for its price of around $103. It’s perfect for those who love a mix of food, culture, and walking.
2. Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch
For around $184, the Full Day Guided Wine Tour introduces you to the Crus des Côtes du Rhône, with a luxurious ride in a private vehicle. This tour is ideal for wine lovers wanting a comprehensive exploration of the region’s most prestigious vineyards. Your oenological guide will recount the history of ancient vineyards, making the experience both educational and flavorful.
The itinerary includes stops at authentic family-run estates outside tourist crowds, with visits to two wineries where you’ll enjoy guided tastings. The highlight is the chatty, passionate guides who explain the wine-making process, often accompanied by tasting comments directly from the winemakers. Guests have praised the guide Arnaud for his attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm. The day ends with a gourmet picnic amid the vines, featuring local cheeses, meats, and fresh bread.
Bottom line: This tour is suited for those who want an immersive and relaxing day in the countryside with wine tasting, history, and beautiful scenery. It’s an excellent way to experience Lyon’s greatest vineyards with personal touches.
3. Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio
If you prefer a hands-on culinary experience, the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch offers an engaging 4-hour journey led by Chef Thierry. It begins at Saint Antoine Market, where you’ll explore stalls full of seasonal produce, cheeses, and local delicacies. Thierry’s lively commentary helps you pick the best ingredients for your meal.
Back in his cozy kitchen, you’ll participate in preparing a multi-course French meal—including an appetizer, soup, main dish, and dessert. The class emphasizes traditional Lyonnais recipes, but with a fun, approachable vibe. Guests often mention Thierry’s warm personality and expertise, making the experience both educational and entertaining. This is perfect for foodies who want to learn by doing and enjoy a delicious, self-made lunch afterwards.
Bottom line: For those who love interactive cooking, this small-group experience offers authentic recipes, cultural insights, and a memorable meal—all for around $295.68.
4. Beaujolais Wine Tour – Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch
This Beaujolais Wine Tour is a full-day escape into the rolling vineyards, just outside Lyon. For about $196, you’ll visit two charming wineries, each with a personal touch—from private tastings to stories of wine-making traditions. The tour includes a scenic drive through Pierres Dorées, known for its golden stone villages.
One highlight is the gourmet picnic set in the vineyards, featuring local cheeses, fresh meats, and seasonal produce. The picnic provides a relaxed way to savor the landscape and wines simultaneously. Reviewers love Petra, the guide, describing her as “extremely kind” and praising the delicious local lunch. The tour is perfect for those seeking a full day of wine, scenery, and leisurely dining.
Bottom line: If you appreciate outdoor dining paired with wine tastings in a less commercial setting, this tour offers a balanced blend of scenery, wine, and good company.
5. Lyon: Presqu’île & Old Town Food Tour – Full Lunch Tastings
Rounding out our list, the Lyon: Presqu’île & Old Town Food Tour provides a 4-hour guided walk through Lyon’s two main food districts. It features 5+ regional tastings, enough for a hearty lunch. Led by a family-run local guide, the tour explores hidden streets and authentic shops that travelers might miss on their own.
The focus here is on local specialties and food culture with plenty of samples along the way, making it a delicious and educational experience. Reviews mention the passionate guide and the chance to try a variety of Lyonnais dishes, all in a manageable, well-paced walk.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a shorter, immersive experience with enough tastings to count as a full lunch, especially for those interested in local food culture.
How to Choose the Right Lyon Lunch Experience
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a cultural walk with multiple tastings in historic Lyon, the Old Town Food Tour is a great pick. For a luxury day of wine and scenery, the Full Day Guided Wine Tour offers a memorable experience. Those eager to cook and eat at the same time will find the Market & Cooking Class ideal.
If you’re after scenic vineyards and a picnic, the Beaujolais Wine Tour provides a leisurely outdoor experience. Lastly, for a shorter, more food-focused walk in Lyon’s main districts, the Presqu’île & Old Town Food Tour is perfect.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and interests—whether you want to walk, learn, cook, or sip wine. Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to secure your spot in these popular experiences.
Lyon’s lunch options reflect its status as a culinary hub—whether you prefer guided tastings, hands-on cooking, or scenic wine tastings, there’s an experience to match your appetite. From exploring historic streets with a snack in hand to savoring vineyard views over a picnic, these tours promise a delicious way to dive deep into Lyon’s gastronomic culture.