Lyon Food Tour: Old Town Bouchons, Wine & Sweets Tasting Walk

Summary

Quenelles in Vieux Lyon, praluline in hand, wine laughter echoing through traboules

You’ll wander Lyon’s winding old streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste real quenelles in a bustling bouchon, sample charcuterie with Rhône wine, then let praluline crumbs stick to your fingers as you laugh with new friends. It’s not just food — it’s Lyon’s spirit on your tongue.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t trust a Lyonnais who skips the charcuterie,” our guide grinned as we squeezed into the first bouchon. Her name was Camille — she wore red glasses and had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to wave at someone across the street. The morning was cool, smells of baking bread drifting out from somewhere I couldn’t quite spot. We started with Rosette de Lyon and a glass of Côtes du Rhône that tasted somehow both peppery and soft; I tried to describe it but just ended up shrugging and eating more sausage.

The traboules — those hidden passageways — were quieter than I’d expected. Our group shuffled through narrow stone corridors while Camille told stories about silk workers sneaking past tax collectors (I didn’t catch every word; my French is still hopeless). There was this moment where sunlight sliced through a tiny window and hit the old stones just right. I remember the dust floating in it, and how everyone got quiet for a second before someone’s phone buzzed.

Lunch happened in a proper bouchon: wooden tables, paper placemats, a waiter who looked like he’d seen every tourist question on earth. The quenelle came out steaming with this creamy sauce — honestly, I’d thought it would be heavier but it was light, almost fluffy? Camille explained how each family does theirs differently; she said hers uses pike but “never too much nutmeg.” Someone tried to order in French and got gently corrected (with a wink). That made us all laugh.

I’m not really a dessert person but the praluline changed my mind. Pink sugar everywhere — sticky fingers, sweet almond smell clinging to my jacket after we left the confiserie. We tried coussins and petits pavés too; I probably should’ve stopped but you know how it goes when everyone’s passing plates around. By the time we reached the last chocolaterie, I could barely taste anything except chocolate and happiness. Still think about that first bite sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lyon food and wine tasting tour

• Meet tour guide at meeting point
• Walk city streets tasting typical food
• Taste local wine and charcuterie
• Eat quenelle in traditional bouchon
• Taste popular sweets in local confiserie
• Try praline-filled brioche and local candies
• Visit chocolaterie for chocolate tasting

Top questions

What foods do you try on this Lyon food tour?

You’ll taste traditional quenelle, Rosette de Lyon charcuterie, Côtes du Rhône wine, praluline brioche, coussins de Lyon sweets, petits pavés de Lyon chocolates and more.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included during the food tour at a traditional bouchon in Old Lyon.

Is there a local guide on this food tour?

Yes, an expert local guide leads the group throughout Old Lyon and shares stories along the way.

Are drinks included in the price?

Côtes du Rhône wine tasting is included along with water during your stops.

Where does the food tour take place?

The tour takes place mainly in Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), including visits through traboules and local shops.

How long is the walking distance?

The walking distance is moderate as you move between several stops within Old Lyon; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

I have dietary restrictions—can I join?

Please contact before booking regarding any food restrictions so arrangements can be considered by your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of classic Lyon dishes like quenelle and charcuterie at local bouchons, Côtes du Rhône wine sampling with a renowned sommelier, stops at confiseries for praluline brioche and regional sweets plus water throughout — all led by an expert local guide who meets you at an easy-to-find spot in Old Lyon before lunch together as part of your experience.