Top 5 Excursions from Lyon

Lyon, with its stunning landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and over 2000 years of rich history, is captivating enough to keep visitors engaged for days on end.

As France's third-largest city, Lyon can become quite bustling during the summer months, particularly in the charming medieval Old Town. However, a variety of wonderful day trips in every direction offer a perfect escape from the crowds.

From the serene vineyards of Beaujolais to the breathtaking alpine views of Grenoble, the range of activities available is impressive, all within a two-hour reach.

Explore beyond Lyon with these must-see day trips.

1. Enjoy Stunning Views in Grenoble

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Nestled among misty alpine mountains, Grenoble serves as the final stop before the majestic Alps truly ascend. Take advantage of this breathtaking setting by riding the iconic bubble-shaped cable car over the Isère River to the impressive viewpoint at Fort de la Bastille, where you'll be awestruck by the snow-capped alpine scenery. Back on solid ground, the angular Musée de Grenoble features everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by renowned artists like Renoir and Monet, along with a remarkable collection of 20th-century modern art.

As night falls, the quaint Old Town surrounding Place Grenette comes alive with rustic bistros and charming brasseries, where it's essential to try the fragrant herbal liqueur Chartreuse. The historic Café de la Table Ronde is perfect for this, and Le Rousseau restaurant showcases the region's local flavors. For a splurge, the Michelin-starred Fantin Latour elevates Grenoblois cuisine to extraordinary levels.

Getting to Grenoble from Lyon: Located about 100km (62 miles) southeast of Lyon, the most efficient way to reach Grenoble is by train. TER trains depart from Lyon Part-Dieu station every hour and typically arrive at Gare de Grenoble station in just under 90 minutes.

2. Indulge in the Beaujolais Wine Region

Travel time: 35 minutes

Villefranche-Sur-Saône serves as the charming gateway to one of France's renowned wine regions, the historic Beaujolais. Its vineyards weave through a rolling landscape spanning approximately 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres), and you can explore the various estates by driving, cycling, or joining a guided tour.

From the vibrant wine museum at Hameau Dubœuf to exquisite tastings under the whimsical towers of Château de Corcelles, this region invites you to unwind and savor the terroir. There are no major attractions to rush through, just outstanding wine to enjoy with great company. Begin your journey at the Villefranche-Sur-Saône tourism office and try to avoid visiting in November, as that's when the much-anticipated Beaujolais Nouveau is released.

Getting to Villefranche-sur-Saône from Lyon: Villefranche-Sur-Saône is situated about 30km (19 miles) north of Lyon, with direct TER trains taking approximately 35 minutes. The drive via the A6 also takes around 35 minutes, making it the ideal option for those wanting to explore the various vineyards in more remote areas.

3. Travel Back in Time in Annecy

Travel time: 2 hours

Turquoise canals weave through this charming city, leading to the romantic Lake Annecy, which draws throngs of tourists during the summer months. Known as the 'Pearl of the French Alps,' Annecy boasts a maze of narrow streets and picturesque 17th-century houses that are simply delightful. Don’t miss the chance to explore Lake Annecy as well. With its mostly flat terrain and stunning surroundings, you can rent bikes from Roul’ ma Poule for about €23 per day to enjoy the scenery.

Despite its tourist appeal, Annecy has established itself as a culinary hotspot, boasting an impressive seven Michelin-starred restaurants. The award-winning patisserie Philippe Rigollot is a perfect spot for a sweet treat during your afternoon stroll, while the cozy Le Bilboquet showcases the region's local flavors, especially the rich Savoie cheese, Reblochon.

Getting to Annecy from Lyon: Direct TER trains from Lyon Part Dieu take roughly two hours to reach Annecy. Driving is faster via the A43, taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes, but be prepared for tolls along the route.

4. Discover Art and Architecture in Avignon

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Artistic Avignon extends from the banks of the Rhône River, featuring a Mediterranean skyline punctuated by the majestic stone Palais des Papes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Europe’s largest medieval Gothic structures, where six papal conclaves were held in the 14th century. The quirky arches of the half-bridge Pont Saint-Bénézet make for great photo opportunities, while the Petit Palais Museum showcases a remarkable collection of medieval art.

In July, the Festival d’Avignon brings hundreds of music, dance, and theater performances, so indulge in local Côtes du Rhône wine while enjoying the festivities. You can savor fresh Provençal dishes at the Les Halles indoor market, and 46 is a lovely neighborhood restaurant perfect for warm summer evenings. Don’t miss trying the Les Papalines d'Avignon, delightful pink chocolate-coated balls filled with Origan du Comtat liqueur.

Getting to Avignon from Lyon: TGV INOUI trains departing from Lyon Part Dieu typically take between 1 hour and 1 hour 20 minutes to arrive in Avignon. Driving can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours and is not recommended.

5. Discover Swiss Attractions in Geneva

Travel time: 2 hours

The westernmost tip of Switzerland is just under two hours away, and a cross-border day trip brings a fresh perspective to the beautiful lakeside retreats east of Lyon. Rising from the tranquil blue waters of Lake Geneva (or lac Léman as the locals call it), the impressive 140m-tall Jet d'Eau fountain is Geneva’s most striking landmark.

For a deeper understanding of the city, visit the local history museum, Maison Tavel, dating back to the 12th century. Located in the charming Old Town, its winding streets lead to Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city’s oldest square. The steep, shuttered townhouses appear unchanged for centuries, and welcoming cafes like La Clémence provide a great spot for people-watching. The rustic Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville has hosted numerous celebrities and serves traditional Swiss dishes like gooey fondue, while you shouldn't miss the exquisite chocolates from Philippe Pascoët.

Getting to Geneva from Lyon: TER trains depart from Lyon Part Dieu and take approximately 2 hours to reach Geneva Cornavin station. Driving via the A40 and A42 also takes about the same time.