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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 26 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

Lyon, the ‘gastronomic capital of the world’, holds the highest number of Michelin stars in France (after Paris), and is home to so many food shops, markets, food halls and eateries that walking its streets sometimes feels like you’re in one gigantic picnic basket.

The world-renowned wine regions of Beaujolais, Burgundy and the Cotes du Rhone are nearby, for vineyard tours and tastings, also meaning wine sauces are common, as well as great wine lists.

Sandwiched between wine-growing regions and numerous agricultural hubs, the richness of its gastronomy lies in its geography: Bresse chicken from the north; snails and game from the north-east; and pork from the western foothills.

What to try

Quenelles  – creamy, floury dumplings, made most often with pike served in Nantua (crayfish) sauce – is a classic dish.

Also look out for garlicky snails, offal dishes, poultry, pistachio peppered sausage, tablier du sapeur (tripe boiled in white wine) and bright pink praline tart.

Also see our round-up of traditional French foods to try in France.

The dining scene

The most famous chef on Earth was the Lyonnais Paul Bocuse, hailed the ‘Pope’ of French cuisine. His legacy lives on in his award-winning restaurants and in the hearts of almost every top chef today – many of whom are making their own culinary waves in restaurants across town.

Make sure you dine at least once in a traditional bouchon – a welcoming, typically family-run bistro that serves Lyonnais dishes (using every part of the animal) with pitchers of local wine. Many, though, are only open on weekdays and close during August.

Fabulous food halls are another recent addition to the food scene. They’ve popped up all over town with one thing in common: locavore ingredients used by emerging chefs to make memorable and creative French street food. See our recommendations below.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: Any

Getting there & doing it

There are great eateries across Lyon, but one street that stands out is Rue du Boeuf, in Vieux Lyon. Amongst its Renaissance facades and bustling bistros lie no less than three Michelin-starred restaurants, making this the most starred street in France.

Another good spot is Fourviere Hill, which harbours upscale eateries with views over the historic centre. Or plum for the Presqu’ile known for its traditional bouchons.

If you’re looking for somewhere trendy, the Croix-Rousse hillside (along with Rue Royale at its base) brims with hip cafés and bars. You could also try Les Brotteaux area, near Tete d’Or Park.

Auberge du Pont de Collonges

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Theatrical Michelin-star dining experience paying homage to one of France’s culinary legends, chef Paul Bocuse. This pioneer of lighter, more innovative nouvelle cuisine was born here in 1926.

Best for ages: 18+ | £80

Interior of the old fashioned bouchon, with red and white square tablecloths
Experience

Daniel & Denise Crequis

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Wood-panelled walls, red-and-white-chequered tablecloths… the decor in this typical bouchon hasn’t changed in years, and neither has the excellent food quality. Try their classic pate-en-croute with calf sweetbreads.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Food Society
Experience

Food Society

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

This hip, loft-like space and terrace lies atop the La Part-Dieu mall and showcases creative French street food made with only locally-sourced produce.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Close up of a man holding a plate with 2 delicious looking filled tacos
Experience

Food Traboule

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Set in the Tour Rose, a stand-out Renaissance building, this trendy food court contains multiple spaces managed by twelve creative chefs. Look out for international dishes with innovative local twists.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Lyon Small Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with Food Tasting

Lyon Small Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with Food Tasting

Lyon

Hop on this atypical adventure on the Croix-Rousse hill and discover Lyon like no other ! Exploring this lively neighborhood with a guide, r...

€60 | Rating 4.73 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour

Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour

Lyon

Go to discover the Old Town district between murals paintings, traboules, must-see places punctuated meetings passionate locals craftsmen wh...

€70 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [80 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch

Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch

Lyon

Lyon Food Tour offers a 4-hour unique gastronomy experience with lunch. Accompanied by a passionate local guide discover the capital of gast...

€85 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [160 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Lyon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Lyon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Lyon

Thanks to our gastronomic tour you will have an overview of the gastronomic tradition of this beautiful city and feel like a true Lyonese wa...

€95 | Rating 4.70 / 5 [61 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

College Hotel

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Playful school-themed hotel in the heart of Vieux Lyon, offering city views, and a terrace bar where nightly light shows illuminate the facade.

Official star rating:

Cour des Loges

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Uniquely stylish hotel-with-restaurant stretching across several historic houses in the centre of Vieux Lyon. Perfectly located for sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Fourviere Hotel

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

High-end design hotel in a former convent, on the Fourviere hillside, offering chic eateries, including a typical bouchon, plus a spa and an outdoor pool.

Official star rating:

Hotel Globe et Cecil

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Chic family-run hotel smack bang in shop-filled Presqu’Ile, offering a cool restaurant serving excellent breakfast and innovative takes on classic Lyonnais dishes.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Lyon

Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France

The gastronomic capital of France, if not the world, is not just a foodie hotspot. With UNESCO-protected architecture and awe-inspiring Roman ruins, its one for history lovers too..

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