Lyon: Electric Bike Food Tour, Fourvière & Old Town Views

Summary

Electric bike ride through lyon’s old town, riverside parks and hilltop basilica with food tasting break

You’ll pedal through Lyon’s old town and along its rivers on an electric bike tour led by a local guide. Taste regional cheeses or pastries with wine or coffee during your break. Ride through Tête d’Or Park and up Fourvière hill for sweeping city views before rolling back down past Roman ruins — it’s lively, effortless and unexpectedly personal.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to laugh so much while cycling up a hill — or to be honest, to cycle up a hill at all. But that’s Lyon for you. We started in Old Lyon, where the streets are narrow and the stones seem older than my country. Our guide, Camille, had this way of waving at people she knew every few blocks (I swear everyone in Lyon knows her). The bikes were electric, which I thought was cheating at first, but after the first slope I was just grateful. There’s something about gliding past Bellecour Square early in the day when it’s not packed yet — you can actually hear your own wheels humming over the cobbles.

We zipped along the Rhône river path — wind in our faces, a bit of drizzle that made everything smell like wet leaves and coffee from somewhere nearby. Tête d'Or Park was greener than I expected for October; we stopped by the lake and watched some old men playing pétanque under chestnut trees. Camille pointed out a bakery she claimed made the best praline brioche in Lyon (“but don’t tell my mother I said that”). The food tasting came right after: a little local spot with cold cuts and cheeses, plus a glass of wine that tasted sharper than I’m used to. Someone in our group tried to order in French and got gently corrected by the owner — it turned into this whole friendly back-and-forth that ended with us all laughing too loud for such a tiny place.

The real surprise was crossing this long tunnel just for bikes and pedestrians — echoey and cool inside, with street art on the walls and buskers at one end. Then came Fourvière hill. If you’ve never been up there on an e-bike, let me say: it feels like cheating but also like flying (I mean, my legs barely noticed). The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is beautiful but it’s honestly the view over Lyon that sticks with me — roofs stretching forever, rivers winding through everything. We stood there catching our breath (well, pretending to) while Camille told us about Roman ruins tucked behind us in the trees.

I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on my commute at home — how quiet it felt above all that city noise. Anyway, we rolled back down toward Lyon Cathedral and finished right where we started. My hands were cold but I didn’t really want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lyon by electric bike

• Start from the old town
• Visit Bellecour Square
• Ride through Tête d'Or Park
• Bike along the Rhône river
• Cross pedestrian and bike tunnel
• Reach top of Fourvière hill
• Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• See Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
• Discover Lyon Cathedral

Top questions

How long does the Lyon electric bike food tour last?

The tour covers several hours including stops for food tasting and sightseeing around central Lyon landmarks.

Is lunch included on this Lyon e-bike tour?

A food tasting is included: either cold cuts and cheeses with wine or homemade cake with drinks depending on time of day.

Are helmets provided on the Lyon electric bike tour?

Yes, helmets are provided along with use of an electric bike for each participant.

Does this tour include visiting Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière?

Yes, you’ll visit Fourvière hill for panoramic views and see the basilica as part of the route.

What if it rains during my Lyon e-bike tour?

The tour runs in most weather conditions; rain jackets are provided if needed. Only heavy rain or snow may cause cancellation.

What is the minimum age for this electric bike tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old due to bike size requirements.

How big is each group on this Lyon food & bike tour?

The group size is limited to 10 people for a more personal experience.

Where does the Lyon electric bike tour start?

The tour starts from Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) in the historic center.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bike with helmet, guidance from a local expert throughout central Lyon landmarks, food tasting (either savory or sweet depending on timing), your choice of wine or soft drink during the break, plus rain jackets if needed — all wrapped up in a small group setting so you don’t get lost in the crowd.