Discovering the perfect day trip from Lyon opens up a world of remarkable destinations within easy reach of this central France hub. The surrounding region offers everything from medieval towns with cobblestone streets to pristine Alpine lakes, with journey times ranging from 35 minutes to two hours by car or train. The French Alps, ancient Roman ruins, and renowned wine regions await exploration through well-connected transport links from Lyon Part-Dieu station.
đ Where to Stay in Lyon
- đ Luxury Hotel: Courdesloges
- âš 5-Star: Boscolo Exedra Lyon
- đš 4-Star: Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
- đïž 3-Star: Campanile Lyon Centre Forum Part Dieu
- đž Cheap: Elysee Lyon
- đą Apartament: La Cour Des Bois
- đšâđ©âđ§âđŠ For Families: La Reine Astrid
- đ© For Couples: Le Royal Lyon
Eastern France reveals its treasures through short trips to charming destinations like the Alpine town of Annecy, historic Grenoble with its cable car rides, or the shores of Lake Geneva. Popular day tours showcase the best-preserved medieval villages, Beaujolais wine trails, and magnificent palaces, making each journey from Lyon a memorable adventure through diverse landscapes and cultural heritage sites.
đ Best Guided Tours from Lyon
- Northern Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour from ⏠170 (â4.8/5)
- The Full Monty Beaujolais Full Day Tour from ⏠480 (â5/5)
- Beaujolais Crus Wine Tour from ⏠170 (â4.9/5)
- Beaujolais and Perouges Small Group Tour from ⏠135 (â5/5)
Best Day Trips from Lyon
1. đ° PĂ©rouges
Visit duration: 5-6 hours / Travel duration: 35 minutes (22 miles/35 km from Lyon Part-Dieu)
Medieval Marvel: Perched high on a hill overlooking the Dombes Plateau, PĂ©rouges remains one of France’s most perfectly preserved medieval towns with its authentic 15th-century architecture and defensive ramparts. The walled town houses about 80 permanent residents within its ancient stones, while its historic gates – the Porte d’en Haut and Porte d’en Bas – mark the entrance to a world frozen in time.
Heritage Treasure: For history enthusiasts and photographers, PĂ©rouges offers an unmatched journey through medieval France with its distinctive half-timbered houses and mullioned windows along Rue des Princes. The 33-meter deep well, the Maison du Sergent de Justice with its impressive round tower, and the Church of Sainte-Marie Madeleine showcase the town’s architectural diversity and historical significance.
Travel Essentials: The medieval experience begins at Place du Tilleul, where a centuries-old lime tree provides shade for visitors enjoying the famous Galette de PĂ©rouges at the historic Hostellerie du Vieux PĂ©rouges, while guided tours in multiple languages start daily at 10:30 AM for âŹ8, offering access to private courtyards and ancient cellars normally closed to the public.
â Best Activities
Beaujolais and PĂ©rouges Small Group Tour: This full-day tour combines wine tasting in the Beaujolais region with a visit to the medieval village of PĂ©rouges. Visitors experience both the renowned wine heritage of Beaujolais and the perfectly preserved medieval architecture of one of France’s most beautiful villages.
2. đïž Vienne
Visit duration: 7-8 hours / Travel duration: 25 minutes (20 miles/32 km from Lyon)
Roman Legacy: Vienne stands as a testament to Roman engineering with its perfectly preserved Temple of Augustus and Livia dating back to 1BC, and the vast 1st-century Théùtre Antique that once seated 13,000 spectators. The archaeological site features intact Roman villas with original heating systems and the Garden of Cybele, concealing a network of ancient tunnels.
Cultural Heritage: Beyond its Roman roots, Vienne captivates visitors with its medieval charm, including the Saint-Maurice Cathedral’s breathtaking western facade and Flamboyant-style carved portals. The city transforms during the annual Jazz Festival, when the ancient theater hosts world-class performances under starlit skies.
Tourist Insights: The Saturday morning market, France’s second-largest, stretches over 5 kilometers through the city center, offering local specialties and artisanal products, while the Museum of Fine Art and Archaeology houses impressive collections of Gallo-Roman artifacts and artwork spanning from the 14th to 20th centuries.
3. đ· Beaujolais
Visit duration: 8-9 hours / Travel duration: 45 minutes (34 miles/55 km from Lyon)
Wine Heritage: The Beaujolais region showcases ten distinct Crus, each producing unique wines from the Gamay grape variety. From the powerful Moulin-Ă -Vent to the elegant Fleurie, each appellation offers its own characteristic flavors and terroir expressions.
Regional Character: The picturesque landscape stretches between the RhĂŽne and Burgundy regions, where the Nizerand River naturally divides the prestigious Crus and Beaujolais Villages to the North from Beaujolais Nouveau in the south. Ancient Roman vineyards and Benedictine monk traditions have shaped this renowned wine region.
Visitor Experience: Wine enthusiasts can explore historic estates like ChĂąteau de la TerriĂšre, dating back to the 16th century, offering tastings of exceptional wines from 50-year-old vines, while many domains provide guided tours, picnics in the vineyards, and intimate tastings with winemakers.
â Best Activities
Beaujolais Crus Wine Tour:Â This full-day wine tour explores the prestigious Beaujolais wine region, visiting multiple family-owned wineries and tasting different Cru appellations. The journey takes visitors through picturesque villages and vineyards while learning about local winemaking traditions and techniques.
4. đ Northern RhĂŽne Valley
Visit duration: 8-9 hours / Travel duration: 30 minutes (20 miles/32 km from Lyon)
Wine Heritage: The Northern RhĂŽne Valley stands as one of France’s oldest wine regions, where steep hillsides have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. The region’s prestigious appellations include CĂŽte-RĂŽtie, Condrieu, and Hermitage, each producing exceptional wines from Syrah and Viognier grapes on vertigo-inducing slopes.
Cultural Experience: Beyond wine, the area offers rich Roman heritage in Vienne, featuring an impressive ancient theater and the Temple of Augustus and Livia. The region represents a gastronomic paradise, home to Michelin-starred restaurants and local specialties including truffles, Rigotte de Condrieu cheese, and artisanal chocolates.
Travel Tips: Book morning wine tours to enjoy the best tasting experiences when palates are fresh, and temperatures are cooler. Many family-run wineries offer more intimate tastings and better value than commercial establishments.
â Best Activities
Northern CĂŽtes du RhĂŽne Wine Tour: This immersive wine tour explores the prestigious Northern RhĂŽne Valley, featuring visits to renowned appellations like CĂŽte-RĂŽtie and Condrieu. Guests experience tastings at family-owned wineries while learning about the unique terroir of steep hillside vineyards and ancient winemaking traditions.
Popular Mid-Range Destinations
1. đ€ Annecy
Visit duration: 8-10 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (87 miles/140 km from Lyon Part-Dieu)
Alpine Beauty: Nestled between crystal-clear Lake Annecy and snow-capped mountains, this medieval town boasts Europe’s purest lake with stunning turquoise waters. The Vieille Ville (Old Town) features a network of picturesque canals lined with pastel-colored houses, while the iconic Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century castle-turned-prison, sits majestically in the middle of the Thiou River.
Tourist Paradise: For those seeking a perfect blend of history and outdoor activities, Annecy offers everything from exploring the medieval ChĂąteau d’Annecy housing a regional art museum to paddling on the lake in traditional wooden boats. The Gardens of Europe and PĂąquier promenade provide spectacular mountain views, while the bustling Sunday market, one of France’s largest, transforms the old town into a vibrant display of local Savoyard products.
Travel Insights: Early birds can catch the 7:45 AM direct train from Lyon Part-Dieu to maximize their day, while the Annecy City Pass (âŹ25) includes castle entry and lake cruise. Local favorite Restaurant Le Freti in the old town serves traditional Savoyard fondue for âŹ24 per person, and bike rentals along the lake’s 40km cycling path cost âŹ15 for a half-day adventure.
2. đïž ChambĂ©ry
Visit duration: 6-7 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (65 miles/105 km from Lyon)
Historical Capital: The former capital of the Duchy of Savoy enchants visitors with its medieval old town, featuring the grand ChĂąteau des Ducs de Savoie and the remarkable Fontaine des ĂlĂ©phants. The city’s Italian-influenced architecture reflects its strategic position between France and Italy, while the restored 15th-century Maison des Avocats showcases magnificent Gothic decoration.
Cultural Gateway: Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs will marvel at the CathĂ©drale Saint-François-de-Sales with its trompe l’Ćil facade and the largest collection of trompe l’Ćil paintings in Europe. The Les Charmettes house-museum, where philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once lived, offers insights into 18th-century life, while the nearby Cascades de Jacob present perfect hiking opportunities.
Tourist Essentials: The tourist office on Place du Palais de Justice offers guided tours in English at 10:30 AM for âŹ8, including access to the Duke’s private apartments. The covered market Les Halles, open Tuesday through Sunday mornings, provides local specialties and Savoyard cheese at reasonable prices, while the historic CafĂ© des NĂ©gociants serves traditional meals in a setting unchanged since 1882.
3. đ Geneva
Visit duration: 9-10 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours (93 miles/150 km from Lyon)
Swiss Elegance: Straddling Lake Geneva, this international city combines Swiss precision with French flair, featuring the iconic Jet d’Eau shooting water 140 meters into the air. The United Nations headquarters and CERN laboratory represent modern diplomatic and scientific achievement, while the Old Town’s St. Pierre Cathedral offers panoramic views after climbing 157 steps.
Lakeside Luxury: Watch enthusiasts and luxury shoppers will find paradise along Rue du RhĂŽne, while culture seekers can explore the world’s largest collection of contemporary art at MAMCO. The English Garden showcases the famous Flower Clock, and the Bains des PĂąquis offers authentic Swiss fondue experiences on Lake Geneva’s shores during winter months.
Travel Details: The Geneva Pass (CHF 30) includes public transport and lake cruises, while the Genevan restaurants around Place du Bourg-de-Four serve traditional Swiss cuisine starting at CHF 35 per person. Morning trains departing Lyon Part-Dieu at 8:30 AM provide optimal timing for exploring the city, and free public transport tickets are available upon arrival at Geneva Airport.
4. đ Bourg-en-Bresse
Visit duration: 7-8 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (60 miles/97 km from Lyon)
Historical Legacy: The capital of Ain showcases remarkable architectural heritage through its Royal Monastery of Brou, a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art. The historic center features 15th and 16th-century timber-framed residences, including the Gorrevod House and Hugon House, while 18th-century mansions like Marron de Meillonnas add aristocratic elegance to the cityscape.
Cultural Treasures: The Municipal Museum, housed in the monastery’s cloisters, displays precious collections of French and Flemish art from the 15th to 20th centuries. The Cathedral of Our Lady combines Renaissance and Gothic styles, featuring stunning 16th-century stained glass windows and carved wooden stalls.
Travel Tips: Visit the famous food market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Place du Champ de Foire for local specialties. The Bouvent Leisure Park, just 2 kilometers from the center, offers a 21-hectare lake with supervised swimming in summer and water sports facilities.
â Royal Monastery of Brou – Check availability of tickets
5. đïž Grenoble
Visit duration: 7-8 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (70 miles/113 km from Lyon)
Alpine Gateway: Grenoble, France’s self-styled ‘Capital of the Alps’, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and mountain grandeur. The iconic Bastille fortress dominates the cityscape from its 476-meter perch, while the world’s first urban cable car, “Les Bulles,” provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.
Cultural Heritage: The city boasts an impressive collection of museums, including the Museum of Grenoble with its extensive European art collection and the Dauphinois Museum housed in a former convent. The historic old town features charming cafes, shops, and the vibrant Place Victor Hugo, which transforms into a magical Christmas market during winter months.
Travel Tips: Purchase the Grenoble Pass for free museum entry and cable car access. The best city views are from the Bastille during the golden hour, just before sunset.
6. đ· Dijon
Visit duration: 8-9 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours (108 miles/174 km from Lyon)
Ducal Legacy: The former capital of the Dukes of Burgundy showcases its rich heritage through the magnificent Palace of the Dukes, now home to the Museum of Fine Arts. The city’s medieval core features impressive architecture, including the iconic Philippe le Bon Tower offering panoramic views of the Burgundian countryside.
Gastronomic Paradise: Beyond its famous mustard, Dijon stands as one of France’s gastronomic capitals. The covered market, Les Halles Centrales, offers local delicacies, while the historic center boasts numerous Michelin-recommended restaurants and traditional bistros serving Burgundian specialties.
Tourist Essentials: Book the Philippe le Bon Tower tour at least one month in advance, and visit the Maille Boutique for exclusive mustard tastings. The most affordable train tickets start from âŹ10 with OUIGO Classic, with 21 daily connections from Lyon.
Natural Wonders outside of Lyon
1. đŠ Lac d’Aiguebelette
Visit duration: 6-8 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (45 miles/72 km from Lyon)
Natural Wonder: Lac d’Aiguebelette stands as an emerald jewel at 360 meters altitude, featuring two small islands and crystal-clear waters reaching 28°C in summer. The protected nature reserve spans 800 hectares and belongs to the Natura 2000 European biodiversity network, making it one of France’s most pristine lakes.
Lake Activities: The lake offers exceptional swimming experiences in marked areas, while its unusually still waters create perfect conditions for rowing and paddling. The absence of motorboats ensures tranquil conditions for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Visitor Tips: Book lakeside activities early morning to enjoy the calmest waters and best photography conditions. The best swimming spots are found at the designated beaches near Aiguebelette-le-Lac village.
2. đ Plan d’Eau du Bourdelan
Visit duration: 4-5 hours / Travel duration: 30 minutes (20 miles/32 km from Lyon)
Beach Paradise: This 10-hectare recreational area features expansive lawns and a sandy beach perfect for summer relaxation. The site offers modern facilities including changing rooms, showers, and convenient food options.
Activity Hub: Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding (âŹ5 per half hour), beach volleyball, and petanque courts. The area provides free beach equipment rentals including Dutch skittles, balls, and frisbees with ID presentation.
Tourist Tips: Arrive before 10 AM to secure the best spots on the beach and take advantage of the morning fitness classes. The snack bar operates daily during July and August.
3. đČ Lac des Sapins
Visit duration: 5-6 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (55 miles/89 km from Lyon)
Natural Setting: The lake offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities, surrounded by forested areas. A 9.3-kilometer trail circles the lake, providing scenic views and multiple activity zones.
Outdoor Activities: The lake area features designated swimming zones, hiking trails, and mountain biking paths suitable for all skill levels. The facility maintains well-marked routes for both casual visitors and sports enthusiasts.
Travel Tips: Visit between May and September for optimal weather conditions. The best hiking and biking experiences are available during early morning hours.
4. đïž Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 25 minutes (15 miles/24 km from Lyon)
Natural Diversity: This vast 3,000-hectare park represents one of Europe’s largest peri-urban natural spaces, featuring 850 hectares of forest and 600 hectares of protected environment. The park houses over 1,000 species of animals and plants, including 230 bird species.
Recreation Paradise: Visitors can enjoy marked paths, nature trails, tennis, archery, climbing, and golf facilities. The park offers water activities including sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing, plus horse-riding opportunities during summer months.
Visitor Tips: Access is free year-round, and dogs are welcome when leashed. Bring picnic supplies to enjoy the designated eating areas, or use the on-site refreshment facilities.
Transportation Guide
đ Train Routes & Timetables
Rail Network: High-speed TGV trains connect Lyon Part-Dieu with major destinations, offering first and second class options with cafe-bars, power sockets, and free WiFi. Direct TER trains provide regular service to regional destinations like Annecy, Geneva, and the Beaujolais region, with departures roughly every hour from Lyon Part-Dieu station.
Travel Tips: Fares start from âŹ20 for domestic routes and vary like airfares, with significant savings available by booking in advance. Morning trains typically offer the best schedules for day trips, with the earliest departures from Lyon Part-Dieu starting at 6:00 AM.
đ Driving Options
Route Planning: The A46 autoroute provides an excellent eastern bypass around Lyon, offering a less congested alternative to the central A6-A7 route through the city. The extensive motorway network connects Lyon to major destinations with high-speed routes like the A43 to Annecy and the A42 to Geneva.
Journey Details: Driving offers flexibility for exploring rural areas and wine regions, with typical costs ranging from âŹ23-35 for fuel and tolls to popular destinations. The fastest driving routes often provide better timing than train services, with Annecy reachable in 1 hour 19 minutes and Geneva in 1 hour 35 minutes by car.
Seasonal Adventures
đ Summer Lake Escapes
Visit duration: 6-8 hours / Travel duration: 30-90 minutes from Lyon Part-Dieu
Lake Paradise: Lake Annecy and Lake Aiguebelette stand out as the crown jewels of summer destinations, with crystal-clear waters reaching 26°C in peak season. The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage offers three free supervised beaches (Le Morlet, La Baraka, Le Fontanil) and the premium L’atol’ beach with its 350mÂł of white sand and modern facilities.
Aquatic Adventures: Seven pristine beaches around Lake Aiguebelette provide perfect spots for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while Lake Paladru’s crystal-clear waters offer excellent fishing and sailing opportunities. The entrance fees range from âŹ4.30 to âŹ8.50 for adults, with special afternoon rates available at most locations.
Visitor Tips: Book waterfront restaurants in Annecy at least two weeks in advance during July-August, particularly for sunset dining. The Annecy Lake Pass (âŹ15) includes beach access and local transport discounts.
â·ïž Winter Alpine Getaways
Visit duration: 8-12 hours / Travel duration: 2-3 hours from Lyon
Mountain Access: Les Arcs provides the easiest car-free access via a 3-hour train ride to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, followed by a quick 7-minute funicular ascent. La Clusaz can be reached by taking a 2-hour train to Annecy and a 30-minute shuttle, while Chamrousse offers spectacular panoramic views just 1.5 hours from Lyon by train plus a short shuttle ride.
Winter Experience: Villard-de-Lans in the Vercors Regional Nature Park and L’Alpe d’Huez with its 300 days of annual sunshine provide diverse terrain for all skill levels. Most resorts offer equipment rental and ski pass packages, with specialized bus services like Skimania providing convenient weekend transport options from Lyon.
Visitor Tips: Purchase ski passes online at least 7 days in advance for up to 30% savings. Most resorts offer free shuttle services from their main villages to various ski lifts.
đ· Spring Wine Exploration
Visit duration: 5-6 hours / Travel duration: 45 minutes (34 miles/55 km from Lyon)
Wine Heritage: The Beaujolais region showcases ten distinct Crus, each producing unique wines from the Gamay grape variety. The picturesque landscape stretches between the RhĂŽne and Burgundy regions, where ancient Roman vineyards and Benedictine monk traditions have shaped this renowned wine destination.
Tasting Experience: Spring offers perfect weather for exploring the golden stone villages and family-owned wineries, with tours including traditional “machon” breakfasts and wine-tasting sessions. Local sommeliers provide masterclasses featuring premium wines from Beaujolais, Northern RhĂŽne, and Burgundy, complemented by regional cheese and charcuterie boards starting at âŹ89 per person.
Visitor Tips: Book wine tours for weekday mornings when vintners have more time for personal attention. The Beaujolais Wine Pass (âŹ22) includes tastings at six different domains and a regional wine guide.
â FAQ
What are the closest day trips from Lyon?
The most accessible destinations near Lyon include PĂ©rouges (35 minutes by car northeast of Lyon), Vienne (25 minutes south), and the Beaujolais wine region (45 minutes north). These places to visit near Lyon offer perfect day trip destinations for those looking to explore outside Lyon without spending too much time traveling.
Which are the best preserved medieval towns to visit from Lyon?
One of the most beautiful towns in France, PĂ©rouges, stands as the best preserved medieval destination 35 minutes from Lyon Part Dieu. Dijon, located two hours from Lyon by train or car, offers another remarkable medieval experience with its historic center and palais des ducs.
What are the top Alpine destinations for a day trip?
The Alpine town of Annecy, takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by train from Lyon, offering pristine lake views and historic architecture. Grenoble, a city south of Lyon, provides easy access to the French Alps via its famous cable car to La Bastille, reachable in 1 hour 20 minutes by direct train from Lyon.
Which wine regions can be visited near Lyon?
The Beaujolais region, one of the most popular wine trail day destinations, lies north of Lyon and is easily accessible within 45 minutes by car or train. This region offers memorable day tours through picturesque vineyards and traditional wine-making villages.
What’s the best way to get to popular day trip destinations?
Most destinations are accessible by both car and train from Lyon Part Dieu station. Cities near Lyon like Vienne and PĂ©rouges can be reached by regular train services, while renting a car provides flexibility for exploring places outside Lyon. Popular day tours from Lyon often include transportation and are definitely worth considering for more distant locations.
Which cities can be visited within two hours from Lyon?
Geneva (2 hours), located east of Lyon, offers an international day trip experience. Dijon (2 hours) in the north presents historical attractions and gastronomy. Both cities are accessible by direct train or car, making them perfect for a day trip from central France.
