Day Trips & Excursions: Lyon

Nearby Destinations

Many captivating destinations sit within day-trip distance of Lyon.

Consider an organized tour for wine regions; it handles transport and tastings. Independent travel offers greater flexibility, especially for train-accessible spots like Vienne or Annecy.

Accessible Locations

Beaujolais Wine Region: North of Lyon (45 min-1.5 hr drive). Hills, golden stone villages, vineyards.
Vienne: South of Lyon (15-25 min train). Roman ruins, medieval cathedral.
Pérouges: Northeast of Lyon (40 min drive). Preserved medieval village.
Annecy: Southeast of Lyon (1.5 hr drive, 2 hr train). Old Town, clear lake, mountains.

Natural & Cultural Excursions

Lyon's surroundings offer beautiful natural landscapes and rich historical sites.

Natural Escapes

Lyon's surroundings present beautiful natural landscapes for outdoor pursuits and relaxation.

Outdoor Activities

Pilat Regional Natural Park: Southwest of Lyon, for forests and hiking trails.
Monts du Lyonnais: West of Lyon, with numerous hiking and cycling trails.
Lac de Miribel-Jonage: Beaches and water activities near Lyon.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical sites and charming rural villages outside of Lyon to deepen regional knowledge.

Historical & Rural Sites

Cluny Abbey: Southern Burgundy (1.5 hr drive), major Benedictine monastery ruins.
"Pierres Dorées" Villages: Beaujolais region, distinctive yellow-gold stone architecture.
Regional Pilgrimage Sites: Further research identifies locations specific to your interests.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extended Regional Travel

Burgundy Wine Trail: 2-3 days, exploring Côte de Nuits & Côte de Beaune.
French Alps: 2-3 days, Annecy and/or Chamonix for scenery and activities.
French Riviera: A TGV trip to Nice or Marseille opens up the Mediterranean coast.
Geneva, Switzerland: Direct 2-hour TGV Lyria for international travel.

Logical Next Destinations & Connections

Paris: 2-hour TGV ride away, a common next stop.
Marseille/Nice: Continue south by TGV to Provence and the French Riviera.
All destinations connect well to Lyon by France's TGV and regional train networks.
Self-driving is an option for more flexibility in rural areas.

Day Trip Bookings

Find and book curated day trips:GetYourGuide Day Trips
Explore local excursions:Variety of options for all interests.
Convenient booking:Easy online access to tours.
Discover regional gems:Beyond Lyon's city limits.

Wine region tours:Guided visits to Beaujolais or Burgundy.
Historical site visits:Trips to Vienne or Pérouges.
Alpine adventures:Excursions to Annecy or Chamonix.
Culinary tours:Food and wine exploration.

Travel Advice

Most listed locations are suitable for a full day trip, requiring 6-10 hours including travel time. For wine regions, a full day accommodates 2-3 vineyard visits and a leisurely lunch.

Exploring Beyond Lyon

Multi-day extensions reveal more of France and neighboring countries.

Wine Lover's Route

Lyon base, day trip Beaujolais, then 2-3 days in Burgundy (Beaune/Dijon), possibly Alsace for more wine regions.

Southern France Route

From Lyon, day trip to Vienne, then south to Avignon/Provence (2-3 days), and Marseille/Nice (3-4 days).

Alpine Route

Lyon as base, then day trip or overnight Annecy, followed by 2-3 days in Chamonix/Mont Blanc.

Burgundy Wine Region

Famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Beaune is a charming medieval town with the historic Hospices de Beaune.

Attractions

Visit renowned vineyards and cellars.
Explore charming towns like Beaune and Dijon.
Admire regional architecture and art.

Rhône Valley Wine Region

This region stands for robust red wines (Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage) and aromatic white wines (Viognier).

Regional Highlights

Wine tastings in Tain-l'Hermitage.
Visit stunning vineyards and enjoy river views.
Scenic drives through the wine country.

Travel Time & Itineraries

Beaujolais Drive:45 min - 1.5 hr

Vienne Train:15-25 minutes

Pérouges Drive:~40 minutes

Annecy Train/Bus:~2 hours

Annecy Drive:~1.5 hours

Burgundy TGV:1.5-2 hours

Trip Extension Considerations

Consider extending your trip by 1-3 days to explore Burgundy, the French Alps, or the French Riviera.
Paris and Geneva are logical next destinations with excellent train connections.
France's extensive TGV and regional train networks make multi-day travel straightforward.
Self-driving offers flexibility for exploring rural areas at your pace.
Booking in advance is advisable for peak travel times.

Images of Day Trip Destinations

Visualize the beauty awaiting you outside Lyon.

Beaujolais Landscape

The rolling hills of the Beaujolais wine region offer picturesque scenery and countless vineyards.

Experience the Region

Wine tastings in various domains.
Scenic drives through charming villages.

Pérouges Village

A beautifully preserved medieval hilltop village, often a film set.

Explore Medieval Charm

Visit the fortified church.
Wander artisan shops on cobblestone streets.

Annecy Lake and Canal

Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy features a picturesque Old Town and crystal-clear lake.

Scenic Beauty and Activities

Enjoy water activities on Lac d'Annecy.
Stroll through canals in the Old Town.

Other Scenic Views

Beyond specific landmarks, France's regions offer diverse landscapes.

Regional Views

General scenic landscapes around Lyon.
Rhône and Saône riverine landscapes within Lyon.
Rural areas like Beaujolais.

Extended Itinerary Options

Longer stays unlock more in-depth exploration of France's diverse regions.

Wine Discovery

A multi-day tour to Burgundy's esteemed vineyards, with overnight stays in charming towns.

Alpine Adventure

Days in Annecy and Chamonix for hiking, skiing, or enjoying breathtaking mountain views.

Southern Coastline

Travel to the French Riviera for a different climate and coastal experiences.

Next Steps from Lyon

Lyon acts as a central hub for onward travel to Paris, Marseille, Nice, or even Geneva, Switzerland, via efficient train connections.

Day Trips & Excursions