Lyon Old Town Food Tour: Local Specialties & Lunch Tasting

Summary

Taste lyon’s old town specialties on foot with a local guide

You’ll wander Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with a local guide, tasting classic specialties like praline brioche and regional cheeses at artisan shops. Pause for stories behind each bite and enjoy a relaxed lunch together in good company. Expect laughter, new flavors, and glimpses into daily life — it’s more than just eating your way through Lyon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we met up in Vieux Lyon was the way the air smelled — sort of sweet, but with something savory underneath. Our guide, Camille, waved us over by a bakery window where you could see these little pink praline brioches lined up. She grinned and said, “We’ll try those soon,” but first we ducked into a narrow alley that looked like it belonged in a movie. I almost tripped on the cobblestones (shoes matter), but nobody seemed to mind.

We stopped every few minutes — sometimes for food, sometimes because Camille wanted to point out some tiny carving above a door or tell us about silk workers who used to live here. At one place, an older man handed us slices of saucisson sec and winked when I tried my rusty French. The flavors were salty and sharp; honestly, I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. The whole group kind of loosened up after that. There was this moment in a cheese shop where the owner let us smell two different Saint-Marcellin cheeses — one creamy, one almost nutty — and it’s weird how strong those smells stick with you.

I lost track of time somewhere between our third and fourth tasting break (I think there were six total), but I remember the light coming through stained glass onto the stone walls while we sipped coffee at the last stop. Lunch was simple but felt special — local quenelles with that buttery sauce, crusty bread for mopping up everything. Camille told stories about her grandmother’s recipes while we ate. Someone spilled water and everyone laughed; it wasn’t fancy or stiff at all.

I still think about that walk back through Old Lyon after lunch — full but not stuffed, just kind of happy-tired and noticing how the city sounds different when you’re not rushing anywhere. If you’re into food tours or just want to see Lyon in a way that feels real (and yes, includes lunch), this day trip around Vieux Lyon is honestly worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lyon Old Town and taste specialties

• Meet local guide
• Discover UNESCO district
• Visit must-see places
• Meet local artisans
• Taste Lyon specialties
• Enjoy lunch

Top questions

How long is the Lyon Old Town Food Tour?

The tour lasts around 4 hours and covers about 2 kilometers on foot.

Is lunch included in the food tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with 6 tasting breaks featuring more than 10 products.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers per group.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water plus coffee or tea are included with your tastings and lunch.

Does the tour include visits to artisan shops?

Yes, you’ll meet local artisans and taste their products throughout Old Lyon.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 13-18 can join if accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes six tasting breaks featuring over ten regional products, bottled water for the walk, coffee or tea at one stop, all taxes and fees covered up front, plus a relaxed lunch along the route — all led by a passionate local guide who knows every corner of Vieux Lyon.