Lyon is renowned for being the gastronomic capital of France. It would be a real shame to stay in the capital of Gaul without tasting its many culinary specialties! A gourmet visit to the Paul Bocuse Food Market is therefore essential - this famous Lyon-born starred chef who left us in 2018. The Market itself is still there and thriving, an essential place for lovers of good food, in search of the true taste of good things.

Upon entering this high temple of gastronomy, you'll walk in the footsteps of Paul Bocuse who used to come here to stock up on fresh, local and quality products in these halls. All senses are awakened: varied, colorful, appetizing products, scents that make your mouth water, explanations and suggestions from professionals passionate about their craft, tastings that make you want to share these aromas with loved ones by bringing them a little treat from the Market... In short, a destination during your visit to Lyon not to be missed for all gourmets who love life and good food!

The History of the Halles Bocuse

The first covered market in Lyon opened at Place des Cordeliers in 1859. A metal hall allowed producers to shelter their merchandise stalls, work with more comfort and better welcome their customers. This is how it all began.

More than a century passed when in 1971, the city of Lyon launched a colossal project by starting construction of a completely new 13,500 m2 building spread over 3 floors in the Part Dieu district. The Lyon Market opened its doors on January 1st, thus reaffirming its place in the world of gastronomy.

The early 2000s announced new changes, the Lyon Market got a makeover during a major renovation project to participate, more than ever, in the influence of the city of Lyon. The objective was clear: excellence. And the least we can say is that the objective was fully achieved, beyond all expectations when the great starred chef Paul Bocuse offered to give his name to the place. A recognition of the efforts accomplished, but also an obligation to maintain the level at the highest: worthy of the excellence of a renowned chef, who believed in work, audacity, and refinement.

Despite the disappearance of its patron, the Lyon Paul Bocuse Market remains more than ever a high place of gastronomy. A national and international reference in defending good food and good products, for the greatest pleasure of all gourmets. In the Market, Lyon gastronomy and French gastronomy blend together, with 56 food merchants from all fields who highlight the know-how of our producers, our breeders, our fishermen and all those who get up every day to sell or transform products of great taste quality with the greatest refinement.

The values of the Paul Bocuse Market are summed up in a few well-chosen words: excellence, conviviality, tradition, plurality, creativity, quality, generosity and flavors.

Sometimes surprising, but always delicious, Lyon specialties are numerous and both savory and sweet. Here are some culinary specialties not to be missed.

What are the Charcuterie Items to Discover and Taste at the Halles Bocuse in Lyon?

1. The Jésus

The Jésus de Lyon is a dry sausage made from pork meat and fat, aged for a long time. It's easily recognized by its pear shape, both long and wide. Why Jésus? Because this sausage was made before Christmas holidays with the best pieces, which, once roughly chopped, were swaddled like the newborn Jesus.

Where to buy a Jésus at the Paul Bocuse Market: Maison Cellerier, Maison Sibilia, Maison Gast, or Charcuterie Bobosse.

2. The Rosette de Lyon

Encased in a natural casing that contributes to its particular taste, the Rosette de Lyon is a dry, long sausage whose diameter decreases towards the end. The rosette is made with lean and fatty meat finely chopped which then dries for 2 to 3 months.

Where to buy Rosette de Lyon at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Maison Cellerier,
• Maison Sibilia,
• Maison Gast;
• Charcuterie Bobosse

3. The Pâté en Croûte

A soft, golden and crispy crust, in which is wrapped a generous stuffing of veal, duck, poultry or pork, subtly seasoned, the pâté-croûte is enjoyed as an appetizer or with drinks.

Where to buy pâté en croûte at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Maison Cellerier,
• Maison Sibilia,
• Maison Gast,
• Charcuterie Bobosse

What are the Dishes to Discover and Taste at the Halles Bocuse in Lyon?

1. The Andouillettes

True institutions in Lyon, the "real" andouillettes are composed of finely chopped veal (tripe) or pork meat, or hand-pulled, they are seasoned (spices or aromatics) then stuffed. Simple, but effective.

Where to buy andouillettes at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Maison Cellerier,
• Maison Sibilia,
• Maison Gast,
• Charcuterie Bobosse

2. The Quenelle

If you've never tasted anything other than tasteless industrial quenelles, the professionals at the Market have something to change your mind about this delicious Lyon specialty! Artisanal quenelles, molded with a spoon, plain, with pike, with crayfish, with Comté cheese, with farm poultry, with shrimp and morels...

Where to buy Lyon quenelles at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Maison Giraudet,
• Maison Cellerier,
• Maison Sibilia,
• Maison Gast,
• Charcuterie Bobosse

3. The Saucisson à Cuire

Composed of pork head and tongue, or finely seasoned pork shoulder, this typically Lyon specialty is also known as cervelas or hot sausage. Its steaming cooking gives it this characteristic flavor that promises a good feast.

Where to buy saucisson à cuire at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Maison Sabodet,
• Maison Sibilia,
• Maison Moraud,
• Maison Gast,
• Charcuterie Bobosse.

4. The Saucisson Brioché

A gourmet recipe composed of a cooked sausage wrapped in a succulent butter brioche, a delight. Plain, with pistachios, with morels... It's up to you to choose!

Where to buy saucisson brioché at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Maison Sabodet,
• Maison Sibilia,
• Maison Moraud,
• Maison Gast,
• Charcuterie Bobosse.

5. The Tablier de Sapeur

Composed of pieces of tripe from the honeycomb tripe found in beef stomach marinated in white wine then dipped in beaten egg or mustard before being breaded, it's a dish rich in flavor and calories, but when you love it, you don't count...

Where to taste tablier de sapeur at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Chez les Gones,
• Resto halle...

6. The Lyon Salad

Lettuce, smoked bacon, bread croutons with soft-boiled or poached egg of your choice, this light and tasty appetizer sets the stage for the rest of the meal!

Where to taste a Lyon salad at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Les Garçons Bouchers,
• La Maison Malartre,
• Chez les Gones,
• Resto halle...

What are the Cheeses to Discover and Taste at the Halles Bocuse in Lyon?

1. The Cervelle de Canut

Composed of drained cottage cheese, to which garlic, shallot, chives, salt and pepper are added, it is served with grilled bread or potatoes. This dish from Lyon gastronomy can be eaten both as an appetizer and at the end of the meal.

2. The Saint-Marcellin

Although originally from Isère, this cheese received its letters of nobility thanks to Mère Richard, an institution in the cheese world, who specialized in aging this famous cheese. Made from cow's milk, its soft paste and deliciously bloomy rind delight the taste buds of cheese lovers.

Where to buy Saint-Marcellin at the Paul Bocuse Market?

At Mère Richard, obviously!

What are the Desserts and Treats to Discover and Taste at the Halles Bocuse in Lyon?

1. The Praline Tart

Here too, don't count the calories, but what a delight! This tart, both crispy and melting, is composed of a shortbread pastry on which crushed pralines mixed with cream are placed. Pink praline is prepared with almonds coated in cooked sugar, food coloring gives it its pink color. There is also a version with ultra-thin pastry, without edges.

Where to buy a praline tart at the Paul Bocuse Market?

• Le Délice des Sens,
• Sève,
• Boulangerie Jocteur,
• Maison Cellerier

2. The Coussin de Lyon

This confectionery is composed of a smooth chocolate ganache, flavored with a touch of Curaçao and coated in marzipan.

Where to buy a box of Coussin de Lyon at the Paul Bocuse Market: Maison Victoire.

3. The Bugnes

Composed of a dough made from flour, egg, milk, butter and sugar, to which orange blossom water is sometimes added, it is then fried and dusted with powdered sugar. It can be crispy or soft, it's a matter of taste. They are usually prepared just before Shrove Tuesday, during Lent, a 40-day period before Easter during which Christians make a period of abstinence, so you'll find them between mid-February and mid-March in Lyon.

Where to buy bugnes at the Paul Bocuse Market: Sève, Maison Victoire.

In Conclusion

Open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays and holidays, the Lyon Paul Bocuse Market is the perfect place for all those who wish to discover the best culinary specialties of Lyon and the region. If you didn't know what to buy at the Lyon Paul Bocuse Market, you now have an overview of what Lyon gastronomy offers: opinions are unanimous, this is indeed an appointment not to be missed during your stay in Lyon for any savvy gastronome.