Bon appetit! How to taste your way through France, from Lyon to Paris

What makes France’s food culture so iconic

French cuisine isn’t defined by a single signature dish—it’s defined by a philosophy. Across the country, recipes are shaped by centuries of tradition, seasonal ingredients, and a deep pride in regional identity. Protected wines, cheeses, and artisan specialties preserve local techniques that have been passed down for generations, making every destination feel distinctly its own.

And, good news: If you’re looking for the best 10-day France itinerary for foodies, we have the recipe. Offering a taste of Lyon’s hearty bouchon fare, Burgundy’s terroir-driven wines, Champagne’s celebrated sparkling wines, and Paris’ ever-evolving cafe scene, our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour serves up a new way to experience France’s remarkable culinary culture

Why choose guided culinary travel in France

• Regional traditions are easier to understand with local experts. France’s culinary heritage comes alive when guides explain the stories, traditions, and protected appellations behind every bite and bottle.

• Skip the logistics, savor the experience. Your Tour Director and local guides will serve as your guide to visiting a French vineyard, lead you through bustling markets to the best bites and clue you in on the most beloved local eateries, so you can simply indulge—sans stress.

• Exclusive access makes all the difference. Our long-standing relationships with chefs, sommeliers, and local producers unlock authentic culinary experiences that are difficult to arrange independently.

Why foodies should add Lyon to their bucket lists

Often called France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon is where humble ingredients become unforgettable meals. The city’s cozy bouchons (traditional, regional restaurants) serve comforting Lyonnaise classics, while bustling markets overflow with artisan cheeses, cured meats, buttery pastries, and colorful praline sweets. Every meal celebrates craftsmanship, regional pride, and recipes passed down through generations. It’s the perfect place to discover why Lyon’s food culture has shaped French cuisine for centuries—and why it’s the first stop on our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour.

Your Lyon, France, food guide

• Taste Lyon’s legendary specialties at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Stroll through one of France’s most celebrated food markets while sampling regional favorites like Saint-Marcellin cheese, pink praline treats, charcuterie, and coussins de Lyon on our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour.
• Discover centuries of tradition in Vieux Lyon. Explore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, where hidden traboules and historic streets reveal the rich heritage behind Lyon’s celebrated culinary culture.
• Learn Lyonnaise cooking from a local chef: On our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour, you’ll roll up your sleeves during a hands-on cooking class and discover the techniques behind some of the city’s most beloved regional dishes.
• Dine inside an authentic bouchon. Looking for a “what to eat in Lyon, France” culinary guide? Start here. These cozy, family-run restaurants have long been the heart of Lyon’s dining scene, serving comforting classics, like savory dumplings called quenelles or local pork sausage called saucisson Lyonnais, that celebrate local ingredients and tradition.

Looking for more tips on what to eat in Lyon, France, and beyond? Hear from a French local in our culinary guide →

Why Burgundy is a must-visit destination for wine lovers

In Burgundy, wine is more than a drink—it’s a reflection of place. This is where the idea of terroir took root, revealing how the soil, climate, and even the slope of a vineyard can shape every bottle. World-renowned pinot noir and chardonnay have been cultivated here for centuries, alongside a culinary tradition built on seasonal ingredients and time-honored recipes. Historic estates, family-run vineyards, and exceptional food make Burgundy an essential stop for anyone exploring France’s rich wine culture. It’s also a highlight on our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour.

How to immere yourself in Burgundy’s food and wine culture

• Step inside centuries of winemaking history. Explore the medieval cellars of Chateau Philippe le Hardi and discover how Burgundy’s legendary wines have been crafted for generations.
• Enjoy a chateau lunch paired by a sommelier. Consider this your comprehensive French wine and food pairing lesson, demonstrating which combinations bring out the unique character of Burgundy’s celebrated vintages.
• Cook with the flavors of Burgundy. Learn to prepare classic regional dishes, like boeuf bourguignon, inspired by the ingredients, traditions, and techniques that define Burgundian cuisine.
• Explore Beaune’s wine heritage. The best food and wine tours in France don’t sleep on Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. We recommend visiting the iconic Hospices de Beaune before tasting acclaimed wines at Domaine Chanson, one of the region’s historic producers.

Learn more in our ultimate guide to France’s wine regions →

What makes the Champagne region unique

There’s only one place in the world from which Champagne can truly be Champagne, and that’s the Champagne region. Thanks to its chalk-rich soils, cool climate, and traditional production methods honed for centuries, this celebrated region produces sparkling wines unlike any other—and we’ll take you to the heart of it on our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour.

Beyond the vineyards, elegant cities like Reims and medieval towns like Troyes reveal a rich cultural heritage shaped by royalty, craftsmanship, and tradition. From historic Champagne houses to UNESCO-listed cellars, every stop offers a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind France’s most iconic toast.

How to see Champagne’s history comes to life

• Step back in time in Troyes. Wander among beautifully preserved half-timbered houses before sampling regional specialties in one of Champagne’s most charming medieval towns.
• Try Reims’ signature sweet treat. Taste the famous pink biscuits roses de Reims the traditional way—dipped into a sparkling glass of Champagne.
• Go behind the velvet ropes at Veuve Clicquot. We’ll arrange for you to descend into the house’s historic chalk cellars to enjoy a guided tasting of four distinctive cuvees. This is one of our absolute favorite things to do in France.
• Explore the heart of historic Reims. Visit the magnificent Reims Cathedral and Basilica of Saint-Remi, where centuries of French history unfold alongside Champagne’s own story.

What makes Paris such a culinary hot spot?

Paris may be known for its iconic baguettes and buttery croissants, but the city’s food scene is constantly evolving. Historic neighborhood cafes sit alongside modern patisseries, bustling food markets, and natural wine bars, creating a dining culture where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Spend two nights exploring local favorites on our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour. Once you try everything from artisan cheeses and delicate macarons to fresh crepes and handcrafted chocolates, you’ll discover why Paris remains one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations—and maybe decide to camp out here on a 7-day France itinerary, like our A Week in Paris tour.

How to experience Parisian food culture

• Savor your way through Le Marais, one bite at a time. Taste your way through one of Paris’ most vibrant neighborhoods, sampling artisan cheeses, delicate pastries, crepes, and other traditional French dishes you must try.
• Peruse Paris’ oldest covered market. Explore the historic Marche des Enfants Rouges, where gourmet vendors and neighborhood cafes showcase the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
• Save room for the classics. Macarons, warm baguettes, flaky croissants, handcrafted chocolates, and cafe au lait are timeless Parisian rituals worth savoring.
• Dine, then cruise on the Seine. Want an evening that’s the perfect combination of sightseeing and bite-savoring? Add our optional Historic Parisian Dinner & Seine River Cruise to eat well before boarding a boat to see the city sparkle at night.

Looking for the ultimate food guide to Paris? Wondering what to buy at a Provence food market? Check out our full France Travel Guide →