No Diet Club – Food tour with many tastings ! (Lyon Sud)

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon and love the idea of tasting your way through the city while learning a bit about its neighborhoods, this tour might just be a great fit. The No Diet Club’s South Lyon food tour promises a generous sampling of local specialties, a scenic walk through some of Lyon’s favorite neighborhoods, and a chance to meet fellow travelers from around the world. It’s a lively, friendly experience that balances culinary delights with a good dose of local color.

What we really like about this tour is how much it offers in just three hours. First, the many tastings included mean you won’t leave hungry—this isn’t just a quick snack stop, but a proper introduction to Lyon’s diverse food scene. Second, the guided stroll through Lyon’s second and seventh arrondissements lets you see some lesser-known areas beyond the tourist crowds. That said, a potential consideration is that the tour is quite food-heavy, so coming hungry is definitely the way to go. It’s best suited for those who enjoy food, walking, and a lively, social atmosphere.

This tour is a solid pick for curious travelers wanting to explore local flavors in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a foodie, a couple, or traveling with friends, if you’re open to trying new things and love a good story, you’ll probably find this experience worthwhile. Just keep in mind it’s a taste-focused tour, not a historical deep dive, so if you want history and architecture, you might want to supplement it with other activities.

Key Points

• Generous food tastings: All included, enough to make you full, with a variety of local and international bites.
• Neighborhood focus: Explores lesser-known parts of Lyon, avoiding tourist traps.
• Knowledgeable guides: Friendly local guides who share fun facts and jokes.
• Social vibe: Small groups (max 10) encourage interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible cancellation and booking: Reserve now, pay later, with full refund options.
• Great for food lovers and those interested in discovering local spots with a small, friendly group.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Deep Dive into the Experience

What the tour involves

This three-hour walking experience kicks off in front of Crauser Bello and takes you on a leisurely trek through some of Lyon’s more authentic neighborhoods, specifically between the second and seventh arrondissements. The route emphasizes a mix of tradition and modernity—think street food and pastries, local taverns and high-quality Italian street eats—giving a well-rounded taste of Lyon’s culinary scene.

While the tour isn’t overly long, it’s packed with many tastings. The hosts pride themselves on avoiding tourist traps, instead opting for places loved by locals or lesser-known gems. As they mention, all food is included, so you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about extra costs. Plus, the fact that vegetarians are welcome means the menu is flexible enough to accommodate dietary preferences, which is a thoughtful touch.

The tastings and food quality

The tour features an impressive array of eats. Expect everything from world champion pâté croute (a hearty French meat pâté encased in flaky pastry) to high-quality Italian street food. The diversity of tastings is a big selling point—you’re not just nibbling on one or two things but enjoying a variety of bites, which makes this both a culinary adventure and a social event.

From the positive reviews, it’s clear that the food generally impresses. Dani from Germany highlights that apart from the delicious food, “we learned a lot of interesting facts about Lyon,” which suggests guides are knowledgeable and engaging. Marion from France appreciates that the tour “allows us to rediscover our neighborhood (culinarily speaking) while learning a few historical facts.” That combination of good food and local insight is what makes this experience stand out.

The guide and atmosphere

The tour is led by friendly, passionate guides who are fluent in English and French. They sprinkle in fun, crappy jokes and stories, which keeps the mood light and welcoming. The group size is limited to 10, fostering a more intimate environment, so everyone gets a chance to chat and ask questions.

Several reviews mention how guides like Sandrine and Lucie are kind and knowledgeable, sharing not only food tips but also interesting anecdotes about Lyon’s districts. You’ll feel like you’re exploring with a local friend rather than a tour guide reading from a script.

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Neighborhoods and scenery

One of the tour’s highlights is the stroll through Lyon’s neighborhoods, which are just as much about the vibe and local life as about the food. You’ll pass through vibrant streets, crossing over a bridge that adds a lovely scenic element, offering some great views of Lyon’s cityscape.

Marion notes that the experience “allows us to rediscover our neighborhood,” which hints at the authentic, local feel of these areas. The neighborhoods aren’t tourist-heavy, making the walk more genuine and relaxed.

Who will enjoy this tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to try a variety of Lyon’s flavors, from traditional French to Italian street food. It’s also perfect if you’re interested in exploring neighborhoods beyond the main tourist spots and learning a bit about the city’s local life. The small group setting makes it suitable for travelers who prefer an intimate, social atmosphere.

If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a family-friendly activity, this tour may still work, especially since vegetarians are welcome. But keep in mind it’s mainly an adult-oriented food experience—no specific family-friendly perks are highlighted.

Practical info and value

At $64 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the many tastings included. Instead of paying separately for each bite, you get a curated experience that’s both filling and fun. The three-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy multiple tastings and walk around, but not so long that it becomes tiring.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes it easy to plan without stressing over commitment.

Potential downsides

The main thing to consider is that this is a food-centric tour, so if you’re not a big eater or prefer historical or architectural tours, it might not tick all your boxes. Also, since it takes place in specific neighborhoods, if you’re only in Lyon briefly, you might want to combine this with other activities.

Some reviews mention that the tour makes for a full stomach, so it’s best to come hungry. Also, while the tour is very well-reviewed, it’s still a group experience; if you prefer complete independence or private guides, this might not be your ideal choice.

Final Thoughts

The No Diet Club food tour in Lyon Sud offers an engaging, tasty look at the city’s local bites and neighborhoods. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy sampling a variety of foods, exploring lesser-known districts, and chatting with friendly guides. The small group setting ensures a cozy, personalized vibe, and the included tastings are substantial enough to make this a satisfying experience.

If you’re someone who likes to pair culinary adventures with a bit of sightseeing and socializing, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a great way to get a flavor of Lyon beyond the usual tourist trails, especially if you’re curious about local specialties or want a fun, relaxed morning with new friends.

However, if your main priority is history or architecture, or you’re traveling with kids who might not enjoy long walks and multiple tastings, consider whether this will suit your style. Overall, for adventurous eaters and curious explorers, it’s a solid choice that offers authentic bites, local insights, and friendly company.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians are welcome, and the tour offers a variety of tastings that can accommodate different dietary preferences.

How long is the tour, and what’s the duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including walking and tasting time, making it a manageable activity during your Lyon stay.

Do I need to book in advance?
It’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, but you can do so with the flexibility to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins in front of Crauser Bello, which is easy to find and central enough for most travelers to access.

Are the tastings enough to serve as a full meal?
Yes, the multiple tastings are designed to be quite filling, so come hungry and expect a satisfying experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While it’s primarily suited for adults and foodies, the presence of vegetarian options suggests some flexibility, but no specific family-oriented features are highlighted.

If you’re seeking a friendly, flavor-packed way to explore Lyon’s neighborhoods and sample local delights, this tour is likely to satisfy. It’s a relaxed, social, and delicious experience that reveals the city’s culinary soul without the fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: