Lyon is a city that excels at blending tradition with creativity, making it a fantastic place for hands-on workshops and classes. Whether you’re interested in learning how to cook classic French dishes, craft cocktails from scratch, explore silk-weaving artistry, or dive into Asian cuisine, Lyon offers genuine experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. We’re particularly fond of the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio because it combines a lively market visit with a full cooking lesson—plus a delicious meal. It captures Lyon’s culinary spirit while offering personal insights from Chef Thierry, making it a memorable way to understand local flavors.
For travelers eager to bring home a skill (and maybe impress friends at your next dinner), the city’s diverse range of workshops makes it easy to find a perfect fit. From cocktail mixology (Lyon: Cocktail workshop directly at your place of stay) to silk weaving (Soierie Vivante’s weaving workshops) and Asian cooking classes (make your own baos!), each offers a unique peek into Lyon’s creative side. Below, we explore what makes each of these experiences special.
1. Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in Lyon Studio
This tour is a standout for combining local market exploration with a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Thierry. Your journey begins at Saint Antoine Market, where you’ll interact with vendors selling seasonal produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods. Chef Thierry then guides you in selecting ingredients before heading to his inviting kitchen for a comprehensive French cooking experience. Expect to prepare an appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert—each step taught with clarity and humor.
What sets this experience apart is the personalized attention from a chef with extensive teaching experience, making it ideal for food lovers who want to learn traditional techniques. The reviews highlight Thierry’s engaging style and cultural insights, with one stating, “Incredible! Thierry is really funny and a fantastic teacher.” The approximately 4-hour experience offers excellent value at $295.68 per person, considering the quality of instruction, the market visit, and the included lunch.
Bottom Line: This is a top choice for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn authentic French cooking in a lively market setting. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy interactive, full-day experiences with a bit of culture.
2. Lyon: Cocktail workshop directly at your place of stay
For a fun, personalized activity, Florian’s cocktail workshop offers a perfect evening in. The class is designed for small groups and takes place at your accommodation, making it a convenient and intimate experience. Over 2.5 hours, Florian guides you through making classic cocktails like mojitos, martinis, or the drink of your choice, sharing tips and tricks along the way. You’ll learn about different spirits, mixing techniques, and garnishing, with the option to request a customized souvenir video of your creations.
The reviews praise Florian’s warmth and professionalism, describing him as a “professional who combines expertise and kindness with humor.” This workshop is ideal for friends celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting to master the art of cocktail making without leaving their hotel.
Value for money is high, especially since the activity is fully personalized and includes the convenience of hosting at your own place. It’s best suited for small groups, casual drinkers, or those seeking a relaxed, social activity.
Bottom Line: Choose this experience if you want a tailored, fun evening with a local expert—perfect for a private celebration or a cozy night in.
3. Soierie Vivante’s weaving workshops: tours and demos
Lyon’s reputation as the silk capital of France is beautifully showcased through these silk weaving workshops. During this 1.5-hour tour, you visit authentic “canut” workshops, where you can observe historic looms in action and learn about the lives of silk workers. The guided tour covers the entire process of fabric-making, from the canuts (silk workers) at their looms to the city’s thriving textile past.
This experience is notable for its live demonstrations and educational storytelling, which bring Lyon’s silk heritage vividly to life. The tour ends at a shop filled with locally made silk souvenirs, making it a great opportunity to pick up authentic gifts or keepsakes.
Priced at just $19 per person, it offers excellent value for a detailed glimpse into a craft that once defined Lyon’s economy. It’s perfect for history buffs, textile enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Lyon’s industrial legacy.
Bottom Line: An affordable, engaging way to explore Lyon’s silk industry firsthand—ideal for those interested in craftsmanship and local history.
4. Lyon: Asian cooking classes: make your own baos!
Finally, for a taste of something different, Chef Ying’s Asian cooking class offers a chance to learn how to make fresh baos—soft, steamed buns filled with delicious ingredients. In this 3.5-hour workshop, you’ll prepare two different recipes, with a vegetarian option available, guided step-by-step by Chef Ying, who shares her tips for perfecting the dough and fillings.
What makes this class stand out is the interactive approach—you leave with your own homemade baos, ready to impress at your next dinner party. The class is suitable for all skill levels and includes tasting and sharing, creating a lively, communal experience. The price is $88 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the hands-on nature and the takeaway.
The class emphasizes adaptability for dietary preferences and a fun, engaging atmosphere—great for foodies interested in Asian cuisine or those seeking a new skill.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for anyone wanting to explore Asian flavors and learn a versatile cooking technique in a friendly setting.
How to Choose
When planning your Lyon experience, consider your interests and schedule. For a comprehensive culinary immersion, the Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch offers a full day of food and culture. If you prefer something more relaxed and social, the cocktail workshop at your place provides a personalized, fun evening. Enthusiasts of textiles and history will love the silk weaving tour, while adventurous eaters might opt for the Asian bao-making class.
Budget-wise, the silk weaving experience is the most affordable, but the cooking and cocktail classes offer more interactive, in-depth engagement. Timing-wise, check availability early, especially for private or small-group workshops, and consider booking in advance during peak travel seasons.
Lyon’s workshops and classes provide a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of local culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a foodie eager to master French dishes, a social butterfly wanting a fun cocktail night, or a history lover interested in silk weaving, Lyon has something to offer. For the best experience, plan ahead and make reservations early—these authentic activities fill up quickly.