Lyon France Day Trips: Hidden Gems Beyond the City

Lyon’s central location in France creates an incredible opportunity for a variety of day trip experiences.

The city serves as the perfect base to explore rolling vineyards, dramatic Alpine views, charming medieval villages, and ancient Roman sites.

Most places are less than two hours away, and with direct trains from Lyon Part-Dieu, hopping on a spontaneous adventure couldn’t be easier. You can even cross into Switzerland for a day in Geneva!

In this guide, you’ll discover some of the top day trips from Lyon, along with a few lesser-known gems, that will enhance your visit.

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Charming Towns Near Lyon Worth Exploring

There are some charming towns near Lyon worth exploring. Each place has its own unique character and historic charm that can be reached easily by train.

These trips work so well because the train connections from Lyon are frequent and reliable. You can visit these charming towns and get back to Lyon for dinner, making the most of your time in this rich cultural region.

Pérouges: cobblestone streets and sugar tarts

This stunning medieval village is located 35 kilometers northeast of Lyon. 

The French have named it one of their “Most Beautiful Villages,” and it’s easy to see why.The streets here hold 80 buildings with medieval architecture that are listed as historic monuments.

You’ll feel like you’re walking through an open-air museum. Ancient town gates, the beautiful Rue des Rondes with its unique canopy roofs, and the 15th-century fortified Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine paint a beautiful picture of the past.

Place du Tilleul is the heart of the village, where a 200-year-old lime tree stands among timber-framed houses. You can take a break at the Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges, which dates back to the 13th century. 

The famous galette au sucre de Pérouges is a must-try sweet treat that’s become the village’s signature dish. Marie-Louise Thibaut brought this registered trademark dessert to life in 1912 by adapting an old local recipe.

You can take a guided tour or use the free audio guide app for a quick 30-minute introduction to the main spots.

Vienne: Roman temples and riverside walks

Vienne. located 30 kilometers south of Lyon, fascinates visitors with its mix of ancient history and riverside beauty. 

Lyon and Vienne are the only cities in France with a full-size theater and an odeon. Vienne’s ancient hillside theater comes alive each summer during the Jazz à Vienne festival. 

Built in the early 1st century to honor Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia, the Temple of Augustus and Livia ranks among France’s best-preserved Roman temples. 

Saint-Romain-en-Gal archeological site spreads across 7 hectares and shows off what used to be the city’s wealthy neighborhood. 

The Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, built in the 12th century, blends Roman and Gothic architectural styles beautifully.

You can take a train ride from Lyon to Vienne. Then you can explore Vienne on your own or you could join a Walking Tour with a Guide.

Dijon: mustard, markets, and medieval charm

Dijon is located a bit further from Lyon, but rewards visitors with an unforgettable experience. You can take a train ride to travel comfortably and efficiently.

Food lovers and history buffs will love this city’s pedestrian-friendly center, filled with half-timbered houses and Renaissance buildings.

The Owl Trail makes exploring easy – just follow the golden owl emblems in the cobblestones. This path takes you past major sights like the grand Palace of the Dukes, home to the Fine Arts Museum with its collection spanning ancient to modern art.

Dijon’s famous mustard deserves special attention. La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, running since 1840, lets you taste various flavors of their world-famous condiment. 

Les Halles de Dijon Market brings together fresh produce, regional specialties, and local treats under one roof.

Nature Escapes and Alpine Adventures

The surrounding region will let you connect with nature just a short distance from the city of Lyon, featuring crystal-clear alpine lakes and panoramic mountain views.

Annecy: lake views and mountain air

Annecy’s nickname “Pearl of the French Alps” fits perfectly. This charming destination rests on Lake Annecy’s banks, where turquoise canals weave through the small city toward the lake. 

Narrow passageways and quaint 17th-century townhouses create a wonderfully charming atmosphere in the historic center. The castle rewards visitors with stunning views.

Annecy is a serious food destination despite its tourist appeal, boasting seven Michelin-star restaurants. You can satisfy your sweet tooth at the award-winning patisserie Philippe Rigollot.

Active visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings by

• Rent bikes from Roul’ ma Poule to explore the mostly flat lakeside
• Take a cruise around the lake and admire snow-covered Alps in the distance
• Cool off with a swim in the lake’s crystal-clear waters

Direct trains from Lyon Part-Dieu station take about two hours. Driving proves faster at roughly 1 hour 35 minutes via the A43, though toll charges apply.

Grenoble: panoramic cable car rides

Grenoble is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lyon and serves as the Alps’ gateway. 

The city’s bubble-shaped cable car is iconic, carrying visitors over the Isère River up to the impressive Fort de la Bastille viewpoint. Built in 1934, the Grenoble-Bastille cable car ranks among the world’s earliest urban cableways. 

The summit will reward you with stunning snowcapped alpine views and a spectacular 360° panorama of Grenoble and its mountain surroundings. You’ll be able to see Mont Blanc in the distance on clear days.

A train ticket makes Grenoble an affordable Lyon day trip addition.

Gorges de la Loire: hiking and castles

The Gorges de la Loire blends natural beauty with historical exploration perfectly. This protected site stretches several kilometers, showcasing spectacular views.

The area’s medieval heritage shines through its impressive castles. These structures represent the “first castles of the Loire”. 

Rochebaron Castle in Bas-en-Basset perches like an eagle’s nest complete with an aviary. Essalois Castle in Chambles features an interpretation center dedicated to the Gorges de la Loire. 

Marked trails wind through a variety of landscapes, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Peaceful hamlets dot the riverbank paths, showing off traditional fountains, stone bridges, and local heritage elements. 

The Loire River adds another dimension to your adventure – explore its banks on foot or paddle through its waters by canoe.

These Lyon day trips by train combine outdoor activities with cultural exploration, creating rewarding experiences for nature and history lovers alike.

Wine Regions to Savor Near Lyon

Lyon sits among France’s finest vineyards, making it a perfect base to discover renowned wine regions on day trips. Wine lovers can choose from three major wine territories nearby. These quick getaways work great for serious wine buffs and casual sippers alike.

Beaujolais: light reds and scenic drives

Just north of Lyon, you’ll find the breathtaking Beaujolais region—a must for wine lovers and scenery seekers alike. While it’s known around the world for its light and fruity reds, there’s so much more to explore here.

As you drive through Beaujolais, you’ll be treated to rolling hills, sweeping views, and countryside beauty that’s been compared to Tuscany.

Golden-hued stone villages pop up along the way, with Oingt en Beaujolais stealing the spotlight. This charming medieval town is one of the prettiest in France and a great place to discover how local winemakers craft their signature wines.

From Lyon, join a guided Beaujolais Wine Tour and sip your way through scenic vineyards and charming villages. Enjoy tastings at local wineries while learning about the region’s renowned Gamay wines and rich winemaking traditions.

Beaujolais Wine Tours

Côtes du Rhône: bold wines and hilltop villages

The Northern Rhône Valley wine region lies south of Lyon. It’s famous for prestigious, age-worthy red wines. 

Winemakers here have used perfect soil and microclimate to make exceptional wines for over 2,000 years. 

The Côtes du Rhône wine road begins near Avignon. It weaves through mountainous terrain covered in vines and dotted with warm stone villages. These hilltop villages look like they belong on travel posters. 

Wine lovers can visit respected places like Chateau le Grand Retour, Chateau de Montmirail, Domaine de Durban, and Vieux Clocher.

You might enjoy lunch in charming wine towns like Gigondas or Sablet. Later, Le Caveau du Gigondas offers great comparative tastings of their best wines.

Northern Rhône Valley Guided Tours

• Northern Rhône Valley From Lyon Full Day Guided Tour
• Northern Rhône Valley Wine tour from Lyon Half Day Guided Tour

Burgundy: Grand Crus and historic cellars

Burgundy lies northeast of Lyon and draws visitors with world-class wines and deep winemaking history. Trains from Lyon make these wine regions easy to reach. 

The vineyards stretch across the eastern Rhône Valley, including parts of Beaujolais and Chablis. The region shines with wines made from Pinot Noir and Gamay red grapes. Château de Pommard blends three centuries of wine wisdom with modern methods. 

Burgundy’s wine cellars tell fascinating stories. From centuries-old vaulted chambers to massive modern facilities, these underground spaces show how winemaking traditions live on. 

Wine tours reveal the whole process – from harvest and bottling to fermentation and aging methods in stainless steel or oak barrels.

Cultural and Historical Day Trips

These culturally rich day trips from Lyon will let you explore France’s fascinating history and heritage, giving you a glimpse into the region’s past achievements.

Avignon: Papal palace and medieval bridges

Hop on a train from Lyon, and in around two hours, you’ll arrive in Avignon—a city packed with history and charm.

Once a religious hub, Avignon still shows off its grand past through landmarks like the Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace), an enormous Gothic palace that once served as the home of several popes during the 1300s.

You’ll also want to check out the Pont d’Avignon, a partially ruined bridge stretching into the Rhône River, famous for the old French song it inspired.

Art fans can head to the Petit Palais, where medieval paintings and sculptures are on full display.

If you time your visit for July, you’ll be able to catch the Festival d’Avignon, a major cultural event with live performances and creative energy.

And don’t leave without tasting Les Papalines—a sweet local specialty made with pink chocolate and a splash of herbal liqueur.

Abbey of Hautecombe: royal tombs and lake views

The Abbey of Hautecombe sits majestically on Lake Bourget’s northwestern shore. 

This centuries-old abbey serves as the final resting place for House of Savoy members. The former Cistercian monastery dates back to 1125 when Amadeus III, Count of Savoy, granted its lakeside site.

King Charles Felix of Sardinia bought the ruins in 1824 and led an extensive reconstruction that created the abbey’s striking neo-Gothic architecture. The Chemin Neuf Community now runs the abbey.

The interior reveals a remarkable collection of sepulchers from famous Savoyard counts and Italy’s last kings and queens. Three hundred statues and numerous frescoes decorate the church, attracting over 100,000 tourists each year. 

Saint-Etienne: design capital and museums

Saint-Etienne earned its UNESCO City of Design status in 2010. This industrial city has reinvented itself as a hub for culture, design, and education while celebrating its manufacturing roots.

The Cité du Design is the epicenter of Saint-Etienne’s creative renaissance. Built on an iconic historic arms factory site, this creative space features exhibition halls, a multimedia library, and an Observation Tower with 360-degree views.

The Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMC+) offers one of France’s most significant modern art collections with over 23,000 works. 

The Musée d’Art et d’Industrie tells the story of Saint-Etienne’s centuries-long evolution in ribbons, weapons, and cycles manufacturing.

Plan your train trip from Lyon to catch the prestigious Biennale Internationale Design. 

Cross-Border Adventures from Lyon

Lyon’s strategic position opens doors to incredible international adventures through day trips. Swiss treasures await just a few hours away from the city.

Geneva: Swiss chocolate and UN headquarters

Geneva, Switzerland is under two hours away from Lyon, perched on the shores Lake Geneva (known locally as lac Léman). 

The city’s crown jewel, the 140m-tall Jet d’Eau water fountain, shoots upwards from the lake’s blue waters.

The Old Town beckons visitors with winding lanes that lead to the city’s oldest square, Place du Bourg-de-Four. Here you will find historic shuttered townhouses that seem frozen in time and charming cafes like La Clémence.

History buffs will love the Maison Tavel local history museum located in a 12th-century building. 

The Palace of Nations, Europe’s United Nations headquarters, welcomes visitors interested in international relations. Please note that you should arrive 45 minutes before your guided tour time and bring your passport for security checks.

Getting to Geneva couldn’t be easier. TER trains run frequently from Lyon Part-Dieu station and reach Geneva Cornavin station in about 2 hours.

Carouge: bohemian vibes and artisan shops

A short trip from Geneva is Carouge, a unique district that locals call Geneva’s “Greenwich Village.” Mediterranean influences shape this neighborhood’s shaded squares, giving them an Italian feel.

The district stands out with pastel-colored terraces and green shutters that contrast beautifully with Geneva’s more serious architecture.

Artists and artisans now fill this creative hub with their workshops. The historic residences house galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops exude creative energy. 

The centuries-old market at Place du Marché comes alive on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Key Takeaways

Lyon’s strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring diverse French destinations, from medieval villages to alpine lakes, all within a 2-hour radius.

• Medieval charm awaits nearby: Visit Pérouges (35km) for cobblestone streets and famous sugar tarts, or explore Vienne’s Roman temples just 30 minutes south.

• Alpine adventures are easily accessible: Annecy’s crystal-clear lake and mountain views are 2 hours by train, while Grenoble’s cable cars offer panoramic Alpine vistas.

• World-class wine regions surround Lyon: Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, and Burgundy offer tastings and scenic vineyard drives within easy reach.

• Cross-border experiences add international flair: Geneva’s Swiss chocolate and UN headquarters are just 2 hours away by regular TER trains.

Most destinations are reachable by direct trains from Lyon Part-Dieu station, making day trips convenient and stress-free. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or culinary experiences, Lyon’s central position offers unmatched access to France’s hidden gems without changing accommodations.

Conclusion

Lyon serves as the perfect base to find some of France’s most captivating destinations, ranging from medieval villages to alpine landscapes. This piece takes you through amazing day trips that show off the region’s diversity and charm.

You can experience different worlds within a few hours from Lyon. The excellent rail connections make these adventures convenient and stress-free. Each excursion brings its own taste of French culture – from walking through Pérouges’ cobblestone streets to tasting award-winning wines in Beaujolais.

Nature lovers will without doubt fall in love with Annecy’s crystal-clear waters and mountain views. History fans can step back in time at Avignon’s papal palace. Those seeking wellness can recharge at Aix-les-Bains’ thermal baths, where healing waters have drawn visitors since Roman times.

These day trips are easy to reach. Most spots are just a short train ride away. You can head back to Lyon for dinner after a full day out. Even with a short vacation, you can see the region’s best spots without changing hotels.

Lyon is more than just a starting point – it’s the ideal hub to find central France’s hidden gems. The city’s transportation links and central location make day trips easy and worthwhile.

Think about what interests you most in French culture before planning your Lyon trip. You might love vineyard views or feel drawn to alpine villages. You could even cross borders to try Swiss chocolate in Geneva.

Day trips from Lyon have something for everyone – food adventures, outdoor activities, historic sites, and peaceful getaways. Your time in this amazing region will be packed with varied experiences that show France’s best beyond Paris.

Get your comfortable shoes ready, bring your camera, and get set for unforgettable adventures from one of France’s best-located cities.