Lyon isn’t just France’s gastronomic capital—it’s also becoming a hotspot for Vegan & Vegetarian Tours that offer a fresh take on its legendary food scene. What makes Lyon stand out is the way these tours blend local culture, historic neighborhoods, and plant-based cuisine, giving you a more authentic experience beyond the usual gourmet reputation. We especially like the 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour, which takes you through Lyon’s Croix-Rousse hill with a passionate vegan guide and features both scenic sights and delicious bites. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to explore Lyon’s neighborhoods without the meat.
While Lyon’s culinary fame is rooted in traditional French dishes, the city’s rising vegan scene reflects its openness to new flavors and sustainable eating. Both tours on this list focus on local neighborhoods, hidden passages, and tasty plant-based options, making them ideal for travelers wanting a meaningful, flavorful exploration of Lyon’s vibrant food culture. Whether you’re into guided walks that reveal city secrets or tasting tours that highlight Lyon’s vegan offerings, you’ll find these experiences a great way to enjoy Lyon’s evolving culinary scene.
Below is a quick overview of the best Vegan & Vegetarian Tours in Lyon, each offering a unique way to experience the city through its plant-based food and local history. Interested in a neighborhood walk with tastings? Check out the Lyon Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings, or prefer a more comprehensive exploration of Croix-Rousse’s streets and secrets? Both deliver on flavor and local culture. Now, let’s dive into the details.
1. 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour
At number one on our list, the 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour offers an engaging way to explore Lyon’s Croix-Rousse neighborhood with a passionate vegan guide. For around $77, you’ll spend approximately three hours walking through iconic spots like Place de la Croix-Rousse and Jardin de l’Esplanade de la Grande Côte, all while sampling delicious vegan foods. The tour emphasizes local sights and secret passageways called “traboules,” which are uniquely Lyonese and rarely included in standard visits.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of city sightseeing and culinary discovery. The guide Lulu, praised for her knowledge and enthusiasm, weaves stories about Lyon’s history and the vegan movement, making the experience both educational and tasty. The highlight is tasting vegan delicacies in a city famed for its gastronomy, but with a compassionate twist. The tour appeals to those who want a compact, well-organized introduction to Lyon’s neighborhoods along with a focus on conscious eating.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value, blending city secrets with delicious vegan bites and insightful commentary. It’s ideal if you want an intimate, guided experience that combines sightseeing and food.
2. Lyon: Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings
At number two, the Lyon Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings offers a similarly immersive experience with a focus on local culture, neighborhood charm, and a variety of vegan tastings. Priced at $76 for three hours, this tour emphasizes sampling both sweet and savory vegan dishes while exploring the picturesque streets of Croix-Rousse. What makes this distinct is the opportunity to interact with local artisans and craftsmen, gaining insight into their work and Lyon’s vibrant artisan scene.
During the walk, you’ll explore Lyon’s famous traboules, secret passageways that connect streets and courtyards, adding a sense of adventure to the tour. The guide’s focus on local culture complements the food tastings, making this tour perfect for travelers who want to learn while they eat. Past reviews highlight how passionate the guides are about veganism and Lyon’s history, with one noting the tour as an excellent blend of education and flavor.
Bottom line: This experience is well-suited for those wanting more in-depth cultural insights alongside their plant-based tastings. It’s a great choice if you enjoy meeting locals and discovering hidden city corners.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between these options, consider what’s most important for your Lyon visit. If you want a compact, guided walk with a focus on city secrets and vegan food, the 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour is perfect. For those who prefer a more interactive cultural experience with tastings and artisan encounters, the Lyon Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings offers richer local engagement.
Both tours are priced similarly but differ slightly in focus—one emphasizes sightseeing and storytelling, the other cultural interaction and artisan visits. Think about your interests: if you love hidden passageways and city views, go for the first. If you’re eager to meet local craftspeople and try a variety of vegan bites, the second is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
Lyon’s vegan and vegetarian scene is growing, and these tours offer authentic ways to experience the city’s neighborhoods through the lens of plant-based cuisine. For travelers eager to combine sightseeing with delicious bites, the 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour is a fantastic pick. If you prefer a deeper dive into Lyon’s artisan culture and tastings, the Lyon Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings fits the bill.
Both tours are ideal for different types of travelers—whether you’re short on time but want a rich introduction or seeking an immersive cultural experience. To ensure a spot, especially in peak seasons, booking early is recommended. Lyon’s vegan scene is only going to grow, so now’s a perfect time to discover its culinary innovations and neighborhood secrets.
Happy exploring—and don’t forget to bring your curiosity and appetite!
