The Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour offers a tantalizing opportunity to take in the rich culinary heritage of France’s gastronomic capital. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour provides an exclusive glimpse into the hidden passageways of Old Lyon, where visitors can sample artisanal specialties and discover the secrets behind the city’s legendary cuisine. From exploring the historic ‘traboules’ to savoring authentic flavors at a traditional ‘bouchon Lyonnais‘ restaurant, this experience promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression on food and wine enthusiasts.
More food tours and experiences we've reviewed
Key Points
- Provides a guided walking tour through the historic Old Lyon district, offering access to hidden ‘traboules’ passageways.
- Includes exclusive access to local culinary gems, showcasing Lyon’s renowned gastronomy through tastings of artisanal foods and regional wines.
- Culminates with a visit to a traditional ‘bouchon Lyonnais’ restaurant, immersing guests in the vibrant food culture and serving hearty, locally-sourced dishes.
- Offers both morning and afternoon tour options, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the city’s food and wine scene.
- Features a knowledgeable local guide who provides an insider’s perspective on the historical and cultural significance of the tour’s highlights.
Overview of the Tour
The Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour provides a small-group walking experience through the historic Old Lyon neighborhood, offering participants access to hidden ‘traboules’ passageways and the opportunity to discover the city’s culinary secrets and local-only places.
During the tour, guests will indulge in wine tastings and sample a variety of local foods. The experience culminates with a visit to a traditional ‘bouchon Lyonnais’ restaurant, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant gastronomic culture of Lyon.
The tour is available in both morning and afternoon options, ensuring flexibility for travelers. With a maximum group size of 10 people, this intimate tour provides a personalized and enriching exploration of Lyon’s Old Town and its renowned food and wine scene.
Exploring Old Lyon’s Traboules
What’re the traboules, the hidden passageways that wind through Old Lyon’s historic district? These fascinating architectural features, dating back to the 4th century, allow visitors to explore the secretive alleyways and courtyards that have long been integral to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
During the Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour, guests get the chance to discover these hidden gems, learning about their historical significance and the stories they hold. As they navigate the traboules, they’ll uncover a side of Lyon that few travelers ever see, seeing the city’s charming medieval ambiance.
It’s a unique opportunity to step off the beaten path and experience the authentic heart of this captivating destination.
Discovering Culinary Secrets
One key highlight of the Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour is the chance to discover the city’s culinary secrets and local-only places.
Through this immersive experience, participants gain exclusive access to hidden gems, uncovering the authentic flavors and time-honored traditions that define Lyon’s renowned gastronomy.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes guests off the beaten path, introducing them to family-run shops, specialty food producers, and beloved neighborhood establishments.
From sampling artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to indulging in regional wines, this tour offers an insider’s perspective on the rich culinary heritage that has made Lyon a celebrated gastronomic capital.
Dining at a Bouchon Lyonnais
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour is the opportunity to dine at a renowned ‘bouchon Lyonnais’ restaurant, where guests can savor the authentic flavors that have made Lyon’s cuisine legendary.
These traditional eateries offer a unique and immersive culinary experience, showcasing the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Guests can expect to indulge in:
- Hearty, locally-sourced dishes like coq au vin, quenelles de brochet, and andouillette sausage.
- Lively, convivial atmosphere with communal seating and friendly, attentive service.
- A selection of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wines to perfectly complement the robust flavors.
A chance to connect with the city’s vibrant food culture and witness the traditions that have endured for generations.
Morning and Afternoon Options
The tour offers both morning and afternoon options to accommodate travelers’ schedules.
The morning tour starts at 10:00 AM, allowing guests to explore the historic Old Town and discover its culinary secrets before the crowds arrive.
The afternoon option, commencing at 2:00 PM, provides a more leisurely experience, perfect for those who prefer to start their day at a relaxed pace.
Regardless of the time slot, visitors will embark on a small-group walking tour, accessing hidden ‘traboules’ passageways and savoring the flavors of Lyon’s renowned ‘bouchon Lyonnais’ restaurants.
Both tours feature wine tastings and food samplings, ensuring a comprehensive immersion in the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Inclusions and Highlights
This small-group food and wine tasting tour of Lyon’s historic Old Town provides travelers with a well-rounded culinary experience.
Participants can expect guided access to hidden ‘traboules’ passageways, food samplings at local-favorite ‘bouchon Lyonnais’ restaurants, and carefully curated wine tastings that showcase the region’s renowned vintages.
The tour’s inclusions feature:
- A guided walking tour of Old Lyon’s charming streets and alleyways.
- Tastings of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at family-run ‘bouchons’.
- Opportunities to sample locally-produced wines from the Beaujolais and Rhône regions.
- The services of a knowledgeable local guide to provide insider information and historical context.
With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, this immersive experience offers an intimate and authentic taste of Lyon’s vibrant food and wine culture.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Participants meet at 6 Av. Adolphe Max, 69005 Lyon, France, the designated meeting point, to begin their culinary journey through Lyon’s Old Town. The tour culminates in the historic Saint-Paul district of Lyon. The meeting and pickup details are as follows:
| Meeting Point | End Point |
|---|---|
| 6 Av. Adolphe Max, 69005 Lyon, France | Saint-Paul, 69005 Lyon, France |
The tour is easily accessible via public transportation, and most travelers can participate. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. Guests should note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional Tour Information
Guests have the option to choose between morning and afternoon tour times to best suit their schedule. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it remains accessible via public transportation for most travelers. Confirmations are provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
The tour offers several key inclusions:
- Wine tasting
- Food tasting
- Local guide
- Small group size (maximum 10 travelers)
This allows guests to fully enjoy the culinary and cultural experience of Old Lyon. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, visitors can discover hidden passageways, savor regional specialties, and explore the vibrant heart of this historic city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Children are allowed on the tour, but the experience may not be suitable for them. The small-group nature and focus on food and wine tasting make it better suited for adult participants.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Travelers should inform the tour provider of any special requirements when booking so the guide can personalize the tastings and dining experience accordingly.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds if customers cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, no refunds are provided. Customers can contact the tour operator for more details on the policy.
Do We Get to Keep the Wine Glasses From the Tasting?
The wine glasses from the tasting are typically not kept by participants. They are provided for the purpose of the tasting and remain with the tour operator for use in future tours. Participants simply enjoy the wine during the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour’s standard duration is set, but participants can inquire about extending the experience. Extended tour options, if available, would need to be arranged directly with the tour provider prior to the tour date.
Recap
The Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Visitors can enjoy the historic traboules, savor artisanal delicacies, and culminate the experience with an authentic Bouchon Lyonnais meal.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Lyon’s renowned food and wine culture, making it a must-do for any food enthusiast.
