The Best Markets In Lyon, France

Markets are more than just assorted food and drinks on tables in France, they are a culture in their own right. France’s markets are a staple of any visit to the country and an easy way to fit right in with the knowledgeable local populace. Being France’s culinary capital gives Lyon a certain kudos in this regard with the city’s famed produce making it something of a mecca for foodies. From the finest cheese in the region to specific local varieties of sausage, the city boasts a number of world-class options for the hungry traveller.
Marché Saint-Antoine
Market, French

Situated on the banks of the Saône, beneath the spectacular Basilica de Fourvière, the Marché Saint-Antoine is one of Lyon’s premier food markets. Open throughout the week – except Mondays – the market is great for grocery shopping and watching the world go by. Though usually quieter on weekdays, the market builds to a crescendo on the weekend turning it into one of the city’s most popular spots with cafes and bars punctuating the busy thoroughfare. Most of the produce is local with an emphasis on quality following on from a tradition of goods arriving by boat along the river before being displayed quayside for hungry punters.
Marché de la Croix-Rousse
Market, French

One of Lyon’s largest outdoor markets, the Marché de la Croix-Rousse takes up most of the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse atop the city. Overlooking the rest of Lyon, and within the city’s World Heritage Site, there are few better places to peruse a variety of vendors or find a tasty treat. Open every day – except Monday – the one-kilometre strip is the city’s busiest and liveliest. The emphasis here is, once again, on local produce and more importantly, local identity with most of the vendors working here also living in the historic working-class district.
Marché Jean Macé
Market, French
Located in Lyon’s lively 7th arrondissement, the Marché Jean Macé combines thronged food stalls with a flea market close to the area’s eponymous train station. The market has a real neighbourhood feel and contains much of the same quality of produce that you’d find in some of Lyon’s bigger and better-known areas. Here, people queue for slow-cooked chicken and freshly made bread as if it were the Louvre in mid-summer, while onlookers attempt to peer around them to glimpse baskets of vegetables. While predominantly a food market, the Saturday morning sprawl extends up Rue Jean Jaurès where all sorts of clothes, bric-à-brac and other assorted trinkets can be found.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Market, French

Dating back to 1859, Les Halles de Lyon is something of an institution within the city, especially given its association with one of Lyon’s most famed chefs, the late, great Paul Bocuse. As such, the various vendors are among the city’s finest with French staples of meat, bread, cheese and wine all on display. The market is located within walking distance of the city’s main train station, Part-Dieu and was redeveloped in 2004 with 13,000 square metres of regional delights. Lyon’s first indoor food market is a must-visit during any trip to the city.
Marché de Monplaisir
Market, French, Asian, Italian
A little way from the centre of town is the Marché de Monplaisir/Ambroise-Courtois in the city’s 8th arrondissement. Accessible by metro, close to the Monplaisir – Lumiere stop, this market boasts a real range of products and is pleasantly situated close to the equally worthwhile Musée Lumière. Replete with a strong organic selection and a variety of food stalls, there’s something for almost every taste here with Asian and Italian options mixed in amid the French fare.

Marché des Quais du Rhône Victor Augagneur
Market, French, Middle Eastern
Another riverside market well worth a visit is the Marché des Quais du Rhône Victor Augagneur, which extends from the Pont de la Guillotière to Pont Wilson in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement. Narrow and densely packed, this market straddles the river with fresh fruit, cheese, wine and vast selections of olives. Meat lovers will be well rewarded here, too, while admirers of Levantine food are well stocked with stalls selling Lebanese couscous salads, tabbouleh, börek and other Middle Eastern delicacies. Set against one of the nicest stretches of the Rhône, it’s easy to see the appeal of a stroll through some of the city’s best sights and smells throughout the week.

Marché de la Tête d’Or
Market, French
While not actually located in Lyon’s wonderful Tête d’Or park, the market bearing its name isn’t diminished by its lack of verdant surroundings. Situated in the city’s 6th arrondissement in the Brotteaux neighbourhood, the Marché de la Tête d’Or doubles as a food market selling the usual French market fare and a flower market as well. It’s certainly worth a visit on your way to the park, especially if you’re planning on having a picnic here on a Saturday afternoon.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.