Travel bucket list idea:
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Bucket List Experience
Pink praline tart – a Lyon specialty
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.
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 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.
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Bucket List Experience
Experience
Theatrical Michelin-star dining experience paying homage to one of France’s culinary legends, chef Paul Bocuse. Pioneer of lighter, more innovative nouvelle cuisine.
Adult price 80
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
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.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
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.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
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.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
This chic shopping spot in a landmark historical building is home to the Cite Internationale de la Gastronomie Lyonnaise, with food-related exhibits and frequent cooking shows.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
This open-air street-food spot in the modern Confluences area is yet more proof that Lyon’s food hall revolution is well and truly afoot. Sidle up to a counter then tuck in to street food galore.
Good for age: 16+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
This hip food hall (in a former woodwork factory) hosts 15 stalls headed by up-and-coming chefs. Expect the best of local produce, crafted into creative street food-like dishes.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
Top suppliers fill this stunning covered food market, where gourmet ‘corners’ provide ample seating for you to sample the region’s world-class food amid the hustle and bustle.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
Amid the hilly slopes of the former silk-weavers’ quarters, this wonderful daily market (except Mondays) is the locals’ spot for filling up on gourmet treats and taking in the views.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
This quayside bouchon – all wood and tiled floors – is the place for classic salade Lyonnaise, braised belly pork and ile flottante (whipped egg whites) with custard and praline.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
Set along the River Saone, this is city’s most picturesque market and the place where both locals and chefs come to hand-pick their fresh ingredients.
Good for age: 18+
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Lyon
Viator
Price €85
Min age 13
Rating 4.92 / 5 [229 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Lyon
Viator
Price €70
Min age 13
Rating 4.81 / 5 [181 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Lyon
Viator
Price €95
Min age 0
Rating 4.71 / 5 [164 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Lyon
Viator
Price €89
Min age 18
Rating 4.92 / 5 [93 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Lyon
Viator
Price €60
Min age 10
Rating 4.80 / 5 [31 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France
Destination guide
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..
