The 5 Best Lunch Experiences in Lyon
Lyon is a city that takes its food seriously. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, its narrow streets, lively markets, and riverside eateries offer more than enough reasons to plan a memorable lunch. Whether you’re after a guided tasting of local specialties, a relaxing boat cruise, or a hands-on cooking class, Lyon has an option to suit every taste and schedule. Our favorites include a mix of immersive food tours, scenic cruises, and wine-paired picnics, all designed to give you a true flavor of Lyon’s culinary scene.
One standout is the Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch—a perfect way to combine sightseeing with authentic bites. We also love the Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise, which offers a relaxing way to see the city from the water while enjoying a gourmet meal. For those who want a more hands-on experience, the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio delivers culinary skills and local ingredients plus a delicious meal. Looking for a wine-focused day? The Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings & Picnic Lunch combines scenic vineyards with wine tastings and an outdoor feast. Finally, for a taste of Lyon’s regional foods in a more casual setting, the Lyon: Presqu’île & Old Town Food Tour – Full Lunch Tastings offers a guided walk with plenty of regional specialties.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each of these top lunch experiences, helping you choose the best fit for your Lyon visit.
1. Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch
This half-day food tour of Lyon’s Old Town is a fantastic way to combine sightseeing and tasting. You’ll explore the UNESCO-listed district with a guide who knows all the hidden corners and local stories. During this approximately 4-hour tour, you’ll meet local producers and enjoy a variety of tastings—from cured meats to regional cheeses, and traditional Lyonnais dishes.
What makes this tour stand out is the insider knowledge your guide shares—like the history of Lyon’s silk industry, the best spots for pralines, and little-known facts about the city’s architecture. It’s designed for small groups (limited to 12), ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace. Many reviews praise the guide’s charm and depth of knowledge, with guests calling it a “fantastic 4-hour walk” filled with “delicious food and interesting stories.” It’s perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Lyon’s culinary scene and history.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive snapshot of Lyon’s gastronomy with a side of history, this tour offers a memorable afternoon with plenty of tastings and local insights.
2. Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise
For a different perspective on Lyon, consider this lunch cruise along the Rhône River. During approximately 2.5 hours on the Hermès restaurant boat, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise past some of Lyon’s most iconic sights. The cruise includes a three-course meal with options to suit different tastes, from classic French dishes to local specialties.
The scenic journey offers perfect photo ops of the city’s bridges, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the riverbanks. The onboard commentary provides background on Lyon’s landmarks, making it an educational experience as well as a culinary one. Many guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy Lyon from a different angle. The meal is included in the ticket price, making it excellent value considering the setting and the views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking to combine sightseeing and dining without leaving the water. It’s a peaceful, scenic, and tasty way to spend a few hours.
3. Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio
If you prefer hands-on experiences, the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef Thierry tops the list. This 4-hour adventure begins at the vibrant Saint Antoine Market, where Chef Thierry guides you through stalls filled with seasonal produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and local herbs. You’ll learn about selecting ingredients and engage with enthusiastic vendors.
After gathering your ingredients, you’ll move to Thierry’s kitchen for a lively cooking session. You’ll prepare a full meal—appetizer, main, and dessert—under chef Thierry’s watchful eye, who combines instruction with humor and insights. The result is a delicious, homemade Lyonnais lunch you’ve helped create. Guests describe Thierry as a “gracious host” who makes learning fun and accessible.
Value for money is solid given the quality of instruction, fresh ingredients, and the personalized experience. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to learn new skills and enjoy a meal made with their own hands.
Bottom Line: For those wanting an immersive, interactive cooking experience, this tour combines market exploration, culinary education, and a tasty lunch all in one.
4. Beaujolais Wine Tour – Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch
A full-day wine tour in Beaujolais offers a relaxed, wine-focused escape just outside Lyon. In about 8 hours, you’ll visit two family-owned wineries—each with its own story—and sample a variety of wines, from the light and fruity Beaujolais to more complex reds. The tour includes a scenic drive through rolling vineyards and charming villages.
What sets this experience apart is the inclusion of a picnic lunch with local cheeses, fresh fruits, and meats, enjoyed amidst the vines. The guide, Petra, is highly praised for her personal touch and knowledge, making the day both educational and delicious. Guests love the opportunity to taste wines in traditional settings and learn about winemaking processes.
This tour is an excellent choice for wine lovers interested in regional varieties or travelers wanting an authentic countryside experience. It’s a full-day outing, so it’s best suited for those ready for a leisurely exploration with plenty of wine tastings and outdoor dining.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts and anyone looking to combine scenic beauty with gourmet local foods in a relaxed setting.
5. Lyon: Presqu’île & Old Town Food Tour – Full Lunch Tastings
Finally, for a shorter but still filling culinary walk, consider the Presqu’île & Old Town Food Tour. This 4-hour guided tour explores two key neighborhoods, covering about five regional tastings that add up to a full lunch. Led by a local family-run company, the tour emphasizes Lyon’s food culture and hidden streets.
You’ll taste specialties like quenelles, Lyon sausages, and local desserts, all while discovering off-the-beaten-path shops and historical spots. Many reviewers highlight the warmth and knowledge of the guide as a big plus. Since it focuses on authentic, lesser-known eateries, you’ll get a real taste of Lyon’s everyday cuisine.
Value lies in the comprehensive experience packed into a shorter timeframe, ideal for travelers with limited time but a desire for culinary discovery.
Bottom Line: A great option if you want to enjoy a full, authentic Lyon lunch in a compact, guided walk.
How to Choose the Perfect Lyon Lunch Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your schedule, budget, and interests. The Old Town Food Tour is perfect for history and food lovers wanting the full cultural picture. For a relaxing day with scenic views and good food, the Lunch Cruise offers a unique waterborne perspective.
If hands-on cooking appeals, the Chef-led Cooking Class provides an interactive way to learn Lyon’s culinary secrets. For wine enthusiasts, the Beaujolais Wine Tour combines scenic beauty with tastings and a picnic. Lastly, if you prefer a shorter, local food walk, the Presqu’île & Old Town Tour is a good choice.
Think about your timetable—are you after a full day or a quick bite with sightseeing? Budget-wise, all are reasonable, but the private, interactive experiences tend to be more expensive. Booking early is advised, especially for popular tours or during peak travel seasons.
Final Thoughts
Lyon’s lunchtime offerings are diverse, from scenic cruises to immersive cooking classes and wine tastings. For travelers with limited time, the full lunch tasting tour and the Old Town food tour offer everything in a concise format. Those seeking a leisurely experience should consider the cruise or the wine tour, which combine scenic beauty with excellent food and drink.
No matter your choice, Lyon’s culinary scene is bound to leave you satisfied—and maybe a little hungry for more. Be sure to book early if you want to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons. Your perfect Lyon lunch experience awaits—bon appétit!
