Lyon Old Town Food Tour: Tasting Walk & Traboules with Local Guide

Summary

Old Town Lyon food tour tasting walk through murals, traboules, and local stories

You’ll wander Lyon’s Old Town with a local guide, taste regional cold cuts and cheeses with wine, sample praline brioche or chocolates, and slip through secret traboules. Expect laughter, small surprises, and stories that stick with you long after the last bite.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just gotten lost in one of those narrow traboules when our guide, Camille, grinned and handed us a slice of saucisson — “You have to eat it like this,” she said, folding it into a piece of crusty bread. The walls were cool and damp; I could smell stone and something sweet from a bakery nearby. Someone’s dog barked behind us. I tried to say “merci” with my mouth full. Camille laughed.

The Old Town is busy but not in a touristy way — more like everyone’s on their way to something good. We stopped by Saint Jean Cathedral (she called it the heart of Vieux Lyon), where sunlight bounced off the stained glass and onto our faces. At the next tasting stop, there was cheese I can’t pronounce (the white wine helped), and a praline brioche that was so pink it looked fake but tasted real — soft, sugary, almost warm still. I didn’t expect that part.

I liked how every place we visited had someone who wanted to talk — not just sell you stuff. The ice cream shop owner told us about his favorite mural in the city, then gave us an extra spoonful “just because.” There was always some little story or joke in between bites; honestly, I still think about that view down Rue Saint-Jean at sunset when everything felt golden for five minutes. The tour isn’t a full meal (Camille warned us), but it’s enough to make you want dinner somewhere nearby after — which is probably the point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Town and local specialties

• Discover Saint Jean Cathedral
• Visit famous traboules passageways
• Explore Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean)
• See one of the most famous traboules
• Taste regional cold cuts with red wine
• Taste regional cheeses with white wine
• Enjoy praline brioche with drinks
• Taste artisanal ice creams or chocolates

Top questions

How long does the Lyon Old Town food tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Are drinks included on this Lyon food tour?

Yes, both red and white wine are included with tastings.

Is this tour suitable for children?

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

Does the tour include lunch?

No, it’s not a full lunch but offers several generous tastings.

What foods are tasted during the tour?

You’ll try regional cold cuts, cheeses, praline brioche or chocolates (seasonal), and ice cream (in summer).

Which attractions are visited?

The route includes Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), Saint Jean Cathedral, murals, and famous traboules.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point.

What happens if minimum numbers aren’t met?

If there aren’t enough participants, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes four tasting breaks featuring regional cold cuts with red wine, local cheeses paired with white wine, praline brioche or seasonal chocolates or ice cream depending on the time of year—all led by a passionate local guide as you explore murals and traboules in Vieux Lyon.