About Les Halles
Named after legendary chef Paul Bocuse, this gourmet indoor market is Lyon's gastronomic showcase. Opened in 1971 and renovated in 2006, it houses 60 artisanal vendors selling the finest French produce: cheeses, charcuterie, oysters, pastries, wines, and prepared foods. It's where local chefs shop and food lovers graze.
⏰ Opening Hours
- Tuesday-Saturday: 7 AM - 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM - 4:30 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Best time: Saturday morning for full atmosphere and vendors
💰 Costs
- Entry: Free (browse all you want)
- Tastings: Budget €30-50 to sample cheese, charcuterie, oysters, wine
- Guided food tours: €75-120 per person (includes 5-7 tastings)
- Private guide: €200-350 for up to 6 people
- Sit-down meal: €20-40 at market restaurants
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Vendor relationships: Guides get special tastings and explanations
- Product knowledge: Learn cheese terroirs, charcuterie traditions, wine pairings
- Avoid tourist traps: Know which vendors are authentic artisans
- French practice: Many vendors speak limited English
✨ Must-Try Vendors
- 🧀 La Mère Richard: France's finest cheeses - try Saint-Marcellin, Beaufort
- 🥖 Boulangerie Jocteur: Award-winning baguettes and praline tarts
- 🥩 Maison Collet: Exceptional Charolais beef and pork
- 🦪 Cellerier: Fresh oysters opened to order
- 🍷 Cave Reynon: Beaujolais and Rhône wines
- 🍫 Sébastien Bouillet: Artisan chocolates and pastries
📝 Practical Tips
- Come hungry: Sampling is part of the experience
- Bring cash: Some small vendors prefer it
- Peak times: Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM busiest but most atmospheric
- Take-away picnic: Perfect for Parc de la Tête d'Or lunch
- No bags: Some vendors won't serve with large shopping bags