Paris might boast fine dining and France’s most famous Michelin star restaurants, but Lyon is commonly agreed to be the true heart of French gastronomy. Here are five excellent tours to explore the city’s famed culinary scene.
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Sitting between the French capital and the south and surrounded by rivers, mountains, and vineyards, Lyon has long offered chefs easy access to the best regional produce to create its delicious local cuisine. In fact, esteemed food writer Curnonsky declared Lyon the capital of gastronomy in 1934 and the reputation has held ever since, more recently thanks to Lyonnais three Michelin star chef Paul Bocuse who established several famed restaurants in the city. Lyon now boasts everything from historic bouchons, the city’s traditional bistros, to contemporary addresses headed up by some of France’s most exciting young chefs. To get as much out of the city’s as possible, book a tour for the best introduction to Lyon’s famous gastronomy.
Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour
As a designated UNESCO district, Lyon’s Old Town is a must see on a trip to the city for its historic architecture as well as fantastic food. This three-hour tour will take you through the quarter’s ancient alleyways to meet some of the city’s best artisans and sample more than ten local specialities for a great introduction to the city’s cuisine. Cheese, cold meats and sweet treats of chocolate and brioche are all on the menu, not forgetting a glass or two of the region’s excellent wine. From €55 per person.
Book at Viator.com
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Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour
This four-hour food tour will give you a chance take a deeper dive into Lyon’s Old Town, or “Vieux Lyon”. During the six stop-off points you can chat to local producers to learn more about the city’s cuisine and artisan techniques, and come hungry to try 17 different dishes and ingredients. As an added bonus, the tour will also take in major sights such as the Cathedral of St. Jean and the choir school of the Manécanterie. From €75 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com
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Gastronomic tour of the Martinière district in Lyon
Another must-visit neighbourhood for foodies is La Martinière, which is abuzz with restaurants, bars, and cafes. The tour will start by experiencing a traditional French market at Les Halles de la Martinière before moving on to local cheese shops, coffee shops, and wine bars. There will also be a chance to try some craft beers brewed right in the heart of Lyon, and an added surprise along the way. Guides are not only passionate about food, but have also studied at the prestigious Paul Bocuse Institute and so are full of knowledge and expert tips to pass on during the tour. From €100.52 per person.
Book at Viator.com
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Half-Day Beaujolais Wine Tour from Lyon
If you want to focus solely on wine, then this half-day trip from Lyon will take you to the beautiful vineyards of Beaujolais, located just a short drive outside of the city. After meeting at an easy to find location your guide will take you out to Villefranche, the capital of Beaujolais, to fill up at the local farmer’s market before heading onto the scenic wine route. After passing through the picturesque Beaujolais villages you’ll arrive at a family winery to learn more about the art of winemaking before enjoying a tasting session in the cellar. From €99 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com
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Lyon: Private Food Market Tour in Les Halles Paul Bocuse
If you’re looking for a more private experience then book a private tour of Les Halles Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s famed indoor food market named after the legendary Michelin star chef. The delicious tour will include six to eight tastings of French specialities such as cheese, wine, pastries, and artisan chocolates as well as one restaurant stop, however, as the tour is private it can be fully customised to meet your specific tastes. It’s also a great opportunity to soak up the buzz of a French market as well as pick up some foodie souvenirs for home. From €300 per group up to two.
Book at Getyourguide.com
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)