Lyon: Presquîle & Old Town Food Tour – Full Lunch Tastings

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon and want to get a real taste of its food culture, this Presqu’île & Old Town food tour might just be what you’re looking for. Offered by Lyon Original Tours, it promises a laid-back yet delicious way to see two of Lyon’s most iconic neighborhoods while sampling enough regional specialties to satisfy your lunch cravings. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it sounds like a genuine hit among food lovers and curious explorers alike.

What truly stands out about this experience is the generous tastings that make up what feels like a complete Lyonnais meal — cheeses, charcuterie, quenelle, and sweet treats — all served in authentic local spots. Plus, it’s led by a passionate, family-run company that shares stories and insights, adding a personal touch you won’t get from bigger tour operators. On the flip side, it’s not designed for those with special dietary needs or mobility issues, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with restrictions. If you love experiencing a city through its food and local stories, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Lyon experience: Tastes and stories from a local family-run company
• Full lunch in a few hours: 5+ regional tastings enough to satisfy a meal
• Explores two iconic districts: Presqu’île and UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Personalized and relaxed atmosphere: Small group of up to 10 people
• Includes wine and regional specialties: cheeses, charcuterie, quenelle, and more
• Moderate walking involved: Comfortable for most, but not wheelchair accessible

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Lyon Food Tour

This four-hour adventure is designed to blend culinary delights with cultural insights in a way that feels both engaging and manageable. The tour kicks off at 1 Place des Jacobins, a central spot in Lyon, where your guide will greet you and set the tone for a fun, relaxed experience. From there, you’ll explore two of Lyon’s most beloved neighborhoods—the Presqu’île and the Old Town—both packed with history, lively streets, and authentic shops.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point at 1 Place des Jacobins

Your guide will meet you in front of Thierry Armand’s shop here, which is a convenient and central location. It’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to get settled and maybe chat with your guide about what’s ahead.

Presqu’île and Old Town Exploration

Over the next three hours, you’ll wander through hidden streets and lively squares, soaking in the local ambiance. The guide, who is passionate and knowledgeable, will share stories and fun facts that deepen your understanding of Lyon’s culinary traditions and history.

Food Tastings and Experiences

The highlight of the tour is the five or more generous tastings that collectively make a full lunch. These include:
– Praline brioche and a bottle of water — a sweet start to energize your walk
– A selection of five regional cheeses paired with a glass of white wine — indulgent and authentic
– Four different local charcuteries with a glass of red wine — showcasing Lyon’s renowned cured meats
– A classic “quenelle” (pike dumpling) with sauce Nantua, served in a traditional bouchon lyonnais, complemented by more red wine
– Regional artisanal ice cream — a sweet finish to your meal

Each stop is carefully chosen to highlight Lyon’s culinary heritage, and the tastings are enough to turn this into a satisfying lunch.

Why the Food & Drink Stand Out

The wine selections are particularly praised, with visitors noting the quality of the reds and whites served. The cheeses and charcuterie also receive high marks for being authentic and flavorful, offering a deeper dive into the local palate. One reviewer called the experience “a delicious journey,” and another said they loved the way the guide shared stories while tasting.

The Personal Touch

Because this is run by a family-owned company, the atmosphere feels warm and genuine. The guide, Natalie, was specifically highlighted for her storytelling and knowledge, making the experience both educational and fun. Small groups mean you get attention and room to ask questions, which many travelers appreciate.

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Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about four hours, which is a comfortable span for a food-focused activity. The limited group size (up to 10 people) ensures a relaxed, intimate environment where you feel like you’re exploring with friends. The moderate walking includes some time in the streets and neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Price and Value

At $104 per person, the tour offers a solid value given the full lunch experience and the personalized guidance. The tastings alone are generous, and the insider knowledge adds extra layers that make the price worthwhile.

Accessibility and Restrictions

It’s worth noting that not all travelers will find this tour suitable. It’s not wheelchair accessible, and the tour cannot accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegan, pork, or food allergies. Also, unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, so it’s best for adults or children accompanied by adults who are ready for some walking and tasting.

What’s Not Included

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, which is typical for walking food tours. The meeting point is easy to find in the city center, so planning your transport around that is straightforward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers who want to enjoy Lyon’s culinary staples in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect if you’re interested in a local, authentic experience rather than just a sightseeing walk. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and enjoy tasting regional wines and cheeses, you’ll likely find this tour both enjoyable and filling.

However, if you have specific dietary restrictions, mobility issues, or are looking for a very active or large-group experience, this might not be the best fit. It’s also not suitable for children unaccompanied by adults or those with food allergies.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to dive into Lyon’s food scene with a knowledgeable guide in a cozy, small-group setting, this tour offers a rewarding experience. The generous tastings and storytelling make it more than just a walk-and-eat—it’s a genuine peek into Lyonnais life through its flavors.

Travelers who appreciate authentic local spots, enjoy wine and cheese pairings, and are happy to spend a few hours walking and tasting should find this tour a delightful way to spend half a day. The personal touch from the family-run company adds a layer of warmth that you might miss in larger, more commercial tours. It’s well-suited for those eager to experience Lyon not just as a tourist, but as a local for a few hours.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, because the tour includes cheeses, charcuterie, and quenelle, which are not suitable for vegans. It’s best suited for those who eat dairy and meat.

Can I join if I have food allergies?
Unfortunately, this tour cannot cater to dietary restrictions such as food allergies, so it’s not recommended for travelers with allergies or special diets.

How much walking is involved?
There’s a moderate amount of walking through Lyon’s streets and neighborhoods, enough to explore interesting sights but not overly strenuous.

Is there any transportation provided?
No, it’s a walking tour. You’ll explore neighborhoods on foot starting from the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?
You get over five tastings—including cheeses, charcuterie, a quenelle, ice cream, and bread—plus a bottle of water and wine, guided commentary, and visits to two districts.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it good for families?
Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, so children must be with an adult. Since it involves some walking and tasting, it’s more suited for older children and adults.

What language is the tour in?
The tour is offered in both French and English, accommodating most travelers.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
Your guide will be waiting in front of Thierry Armand shop at 1 Place des Jacobins, in Lyon.

Does the tour include enough food for a full lunch?
Yes, the five tastings collectively make a full Lyonnais lunch, so you’ll likely leave satisfied.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, flavorful way to experience Lyon, this small-group food tour offers a tasty, authentic, and personal approach to discovering the city’s culinary soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: