Celebrate France! Lyon: Gastronomic Capital of the World

09 July, 2024

To celebrate France Month, Scenic is shining a spotlight on their collection of luxury France river cruises. Not only do these itineraries explore the rich history and culture of each region, they focus on the gastronomic excellence just waiting to be experienced by guests, onboard and ashore.

The city of Lyon, known as the 'Food Capital of France', showcases World Heritage-listed sites dating back to Roman times, fascinating silk industry legacies, and boasts a world-class culinary scene. With this in mind, Lyon promises to be a mouthwatering feast for the senses and a highlight of your voyage through France.

What is Lyon known for?

Situated half-way between Paris and the Côte d'Azur, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, France’s third-largest city offers visitors a wealth of alluring reasons to visit. Steeped in impressive history, Lyon has been a flourishing trading city since Roman times. Historically known as a major hub for textiles in Europe and a prominent producer of silk, Lyon was estimated to have around 60,000 silk workshops during the 19th Century. Nowadays only a handful remain, but shopping in Lyon, provides plenty of reminders that it was the silk-trading capital.

With perfectly preserved historic quarters and a significant section of Lyon designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will marvel in the historic beauty. Vieux-Lyon is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of Renaissance buildings, while Fourvière Hill is the site of the ancient Roman settlement, Lugdunum (43 B.C.). A notable neighbourhood is Croix-Rousse Hill, where most of the silk workshops were located; the many ‘Traboules’ (unique secret covered passageways used by silk merchants), still stand today. Lyon also hosts the world-famous ‘Festival of Lights’ (‘Fête des Lumières’), when, for four days in December, the entire city is beautifully illuminated.

Lyon’s recipe for success

Much of France's legendary cuisine is found in the small Provençal towns and cities along the Rhône. The city basks in France's agricultural belt, amid one of Europe’s most fertile pockets: Beaujolais lies to the north, Burgundy to the south and the French Alps foothills are close by. This explains why Lyon and its surrounds produces such high-quality produce, including world-renowned Charolais beef and Bresse chicken, decadently rich dairy products and much more.

Lyon also boasts a legacy of producing some of France’s finest chefs throughout history. The tally of top chefs to have lived and worked in Lyon that made important contributions to French cuisine is astounding. Most famous of all is legendary chef, Paul Bocuse, the forefather of Lyonnaise cuisine and figurehead responsible for the progression of French gastronomy in the 20th century and pioneer of nouvelle cuisine on the world stage.

The city also boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita across France. Around 18 have been awarded one or more prestigious Michelin stars, while others represent the very best in French ‘cuisine classique’ and ‘nouvelle cuisine’ restaurants. You’ll also enjoy some of France’s finest (and historic) boulangeries, patisseries and chocolatiers, not to mention superior fromageries, cremeries and charcuteries that work magic on the region’s products.

Among the city’s exceptional indoor and outdoor markets, the most famous of all is Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Market, not only a gastronomic nirvana, but one of Lyon’s top attractions. This massive indoor market showcases the finest gourmet produce all under one roof - think delicious truffles, charcuterie, cheeses, poultry, pastries, fois gras, wines and other culinary delights. Many top chefs can be found browsing the stalls for their kitchens, including the market’s namesake, Paul Bocuse – only adding to Les Halles stellar international reputation.

Highlight Experience: Scenic Culinaire Cooking School

Discover the elegant art of French cooking with an exclusive Scenic Culinaire cooking experience on board Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond. These interactive masterclasses are led by expert chefs and feature the finest local ingredients.

Celebrate the beauty of France onboard a Scenic Luxury River Cruise, and explore the gastronomic wonders of each region. Indulge in delectable offerings of French food and wine and experience true luxury with Scenic.