Lyon is a city that truly shines when it comes to shopping and market tours. Known for its culinary heritage and vibrant street life, Lyon offers an array of experiences that cater to foodies, craft lovers, and holiday shoppers alike. We’re especially fond of tours that combine authentic local flavors with engaging guides, like the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio. Chef Thierry’s lively approach makes learning about Lyon’s ingredients as fun as tasting your creations. Whether you’re browsing the stalls at Saint Antoine Market or creating a multi-course meal, this tour offers a hands-on, memorable experience.
Lyon’s markets are a feast for the senses, and these tours do a great job of showcasing different aspects of local life—whether it’s the festive sparkle of Christmas markets or the culinary delights of Halles Paul Bocuse. Read on to find your perfect shopping and market adventure.
Quick Overview of Lyon’s Best Shopping & Market Tours
We’ve selected three standout tours that highlight Lyon’s food, holiday cheer, and local flavors:
- The Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio offers a full culinary immersion with shopping, cooking, and eating.
- The Lyon: Christmas Market Walking Tour captures the holiday spirit with a stroll through festive markets.
- The Tastes of Lyon: Iconic Food Market Tour with Tastings provides an insider look at Lyon’s famed food halls and local specialties.
Each of these provides a different flavor of Lyon’s market scene, catering to varied interests and schedules.
1. Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio
At number one on our list, this 4-hour culinary experience combines shopping, hands-on cooking, and a delicious lunch. Led by charismatic Chef Thierry, the tour begins at Saint Antoine Market, one of Lyon’s most lively and historic markets. You’ll explore stalls packed with seasonal produce, cheeses, meats, and fresh seafood, all while chatting with friendly vendors. The goal is to pick the best ingredients for your cooking class.
Afterward, you’ll head to Thierry’s welcoming kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare classic French dishes—appetizers, soups, mains, and desserts—under his expert guidance. This class isn’t just about recipes; Thierry shares insights into Lyon’s culinary traditions and regional ingredients, making it educational and fun. Guests consistently praise his humor and teaching skills, with reviews emphasizing how engaging and culturally enriching the experience is.
The tour’s value lies in its all-in-one nature—shopping, cooking, eating, and learning—making it perfect for food lovers who want a memorable, practical experience. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy interactive culinary adventures and want a true taste of Lyon’s gastronomy.
Bottom Line: A hands-on, full-day experience that’s perfect for foodies who want to learn, eat well, and have fun in a lively setting.
2. Lyon: Christmas Market Walking Tour
During the 1.5-hour Christmas Market Walking Tour, you’ll experience the festive side of Lyon in winter. This tour, ideal for holiday travelers or those craving a cozy atmosphere, takes you through the city’s beautifully decorated Christmas markets. You’ll see stalls filled with handmade crafts, sparkling ornaments, and regional culinary treats like saucisson (sausage) and gingerbread.
As you stroll, you’ll admire Lyon’s architecture, from its historic facades to lively squares, all illuminated for the season. The tour also offers tastings of local specialties, giving you a bite of Lyon’s culinary culture amid the holiday cheer. The soundscape of choir singing and festive music completes the warm, joyful atmosphere.
This walk is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, visually stunning experience that combines shopping, sightseeing, and seasonal flavors. While it doesn’t include a meal, the focus on holiday ambiance makes it a perfect short activity for a winter visit.
Bottom Line: A charming, festive tour that captures Lyon’s holiday spirit and offers a taste of local Christmas traditions.
3. Tastes of Lyon: Iconic Food Market Tour with Tastings
For around 2 hours, the Tastes of Lyon offers a compact but rich introduction to Lyon’s culinary scene. Led by Anna, this guided walk takes you inside Halles Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s most famous covered market, where high-quality regional ingredients are showcased. You’ll sample cheeses, charcuterie, and try Lyon’s beloved fish quenelle—delicate dumplings flavored with fish and served with sauce.
The tour also includes a visit to a specialty coffee stall and a tasting of pink praline tart, giving you a taste of Lyon’s sweet side. Anna shares interesting stories about Lyon’s food traditions, such as the history of Mères Lyonnaises and local specialties that define the city’s gastronomic identity.
Guests rave about the authentic tastings and the chance to learn about Lyonese cuisine in a relaxed setting. The itinerary’s focus on both classic ingredients and storytelling makes this a top choice for food aficionados short on time.
Bottom Line: A focused, flavorful tour ideal for those wanting a quick yet authentic culinary introduction to Lyon.
How to Choose
Deciding between these tours depends on your interests, schedule, and what kind of experience you seek. For a full immersion into Lyon’s cooking scene with a lively market visit and meal, the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch offers the most comprehensive adventure. If you’re visiting during winter or the holiday season, the Lyon Christmas Market Walking Tour captures the festive spirit beautifully, perfect for a short, joyful outing.
For a focused tasting of Lyon’s culinary staples with a quick but meaningful experience, the Tastes of Lyon is ideal. Consider your budget, time constraints, and whether you prefer hands-on learning, casual strolling, or in-depth tastings.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or summer festivals, to secure a spot on these popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Lyon’s markets are a treasure trove for anyone interested in authentic French food, lively shopping scenes, and seasonal festivities. Whether you want a full-day culinary experience, a cozy winter stroll, or a quick taste of Lyon’s specialties, these tours deliver memorable moments. For lovers of good food and vibrant culture, Lyon is a city that invites you to shop, taste, and learn—deliberately and deliciously. Don’t wait too long to book; these tours fill up quickly, especially during high seasons.