15 Must-Do Excursions Around Lyon

Lyon, the former capital of Gaul, captivates with its architectural and gastronomic wealth. But the Lyon region also holds magnificent surprises for those who wish to explore its surroundings. Between preserved medieval villages, grandiose natural parks, alpine lakes and renowned vineyards, excursions around Lyon offer remarkable diversity. Whether you crave nature, culture, history or relaxation, this selection of 15 destinations will allow you to discover the hidden treasures of the region less than 2 hours drive from the capital of Gaul.

3. The Beaujolais vineyard and its crus

18 kilometers north of Lyon begins one of France's most beautiful wine terroirs. The Beaujolais route offers an exceptional gourmet excursion, winding between golden vineyards and characteristic villages. This wine region, world-renowned for its fruity and generous wines, reveals a rolling landscape of striking beauty.

The ten Beaujolais crus – Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Chiroubles, Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Régnié, Brouilly and Côte-de-Brouilly – mark an exceptional wine tourism route. Each estate tells the story of its plot, transmitted from generation to generation with passion and know-how.

Val d'Oingt, the old village of Oingt, deserves an extended stop. This medieval village with golden stones characteristic of the Golden Stones Country offers an exceptional panorama over the surrounding vineyard. Its cobbled streets and character houses make it one of the most charming excursions around Lyon for a romantic getaway.

4. Vienne and its Gallo-Roman treasures

33 kilometers south of Lyon, Vienne reveals an exceptional historical heritage that makes it one of the most enriching cultural excursions around Lyon. This former capital of the Allobroges preserves remarkably preserved Roman remains, witnesses of its ancient splendor.

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Vienne on foot and independently

The Vienne visit itinerary offered by Ryo guides you through 4.1 km of historical discoveries in 1h40, thanks to 20 fascinating audio guides. This route reveals the secrets of this holy city, from its ancient remains to its medieval monuments.

The Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of the best preserved in the world, majestically dominates the city center. The ancient theater of Vienne, carved into the hillside, hosts the prestigious Jazz à Vienne festival every summer. The Gallo-Roman museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal, located on the other bank of the Rhône, perfectly complements this immersion in antiquity. For a complete visit, don't hesitate to visit Vienne by following the Ryo audio guide.

5. Pilat Regional Natural Park

66 kilometers from Lyon extends Pilat Regional Natural Park, a true green lung offering a multitude of outdoor activities. This excursion around Lyon will particularly appeal to hiking enthusiasts and lovers of preserved landscapes. The park deploys its 700 km² between Loire and Rhône, revealing a mosaic of exceptional natural environments.

Crêt de la Perdrix, the massif's highest point at 1,432 meters altitude, offers a grandiose panorama extending from Mont-Blanc to the Cévennes on clear days. The hiking trails, marked and maintained, allow discovery of the richness of local fauna and flora, from heather moors to fir forests.

Character villages like Malleval, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, pleasantly punctuate this nature excursion. The Gouffre d'Enfer Dam and its turquoise waters constitute another jewel of the park, accessible by a beautiful family hike. This nature destination constitutes one of the most beautiful excursions around Lyon to get fresh air and recharge.

6. Chambéry, historical capital of Savoie

107 kilometers from Lyon, Chambéry reveals the elegance of the former capital of the duchy of Savoie. This excursion around Lyon seduces with its preserved architectural heritage and its authentically Savoyard atmosphere. The historic center, with its pedestrian streets and colorful facades, invites strolling and discovery.

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Chambéry on foot and independently

To explore Chambéry optimally, follow the Chambéry visit itinerary designed by Ryo. This 3.4 km route is discovered in 1h30 thanks to 23 captivating audio guides that reveal the fascinating history of this historical capital of Savoie.

The Château des Ducs de Savoie, former residence of the counts then dukes of Savoie, proudly dominates the old town. The famous Fontaine des Éléphants, affectionately nicknamed "les quatre sans cul" by Chambériens, constitutes the city's emblem. The railway rotunda, work of Gustave Eiffel, testifies to the exceptional industrial heritage of the city. Don't hesitate to visit Chambéry by letting yourself be guided by the audio guide for complete immersion in Savoyard history.

7. Grenoble, capital of the Alps

111 kilometers from Lyon, Grenoble flourishes in a spectacular mountain setting. This excursion around Lyon offers total change of scenery, with its grandiose alpine landscapes and dynamic university town atmosphere. The capital of Dauphiné harmoniously combines historical heritage and modernity, culture and nature.

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Grenoble on foot and independently

The Grenoble visit itinerary offered by Ryo accompanies you on 5.8 km of discoveries in 2h20, with 19 audio guides that reveal the secrets of this capital of the Alps. From the old town to the cable cars, each step reveals the richness of this exceptional alpine destination.

La Bastille, accessible by France's most urban cable car, offers an impressive view over the Grenoble basin and surrounding massifs. The historic center, with its pedestrian streets and lively squares, reveals remarkable architectural heritage. The Museum of Grenoble, renowned for its modern and contemporary art collections, perfectly complements this cultural discovery. For complete exploration, let yourself be guided by choosing to visit Grenoble with the Ryo audio guide.

8. Lake Aiguebelette, emerald of Savoie

96 kilometers from Lyon nestles Lake Aiguebelette, natural jewel with striking blue-green waters. This excursion around Lyon promises relaxation and water activities in a preserved mountain setting. Renowned for being one of France's warmest natural lakes, it offers ideal conditions for swimming and water sports.

The developed banks allow full enjoyment of this exceptional body of water, whether for a family picnic or a sunbathing session. Rowing enthusiasts find optimal conditions there, the lake being regularly chosen to host high-level international competitions.

The hiking trails that encircle the lake offer remarkable viewpoints over this Savoyard emerald set in its mountain setting. The nature reserve protects the ecological richness of this exceptional site, where numerous aquatic bird species find refuge. This nature destination constitutes one of the most restorative excursions around Lyon to escape urban tumult.

9. Parc des Oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes

Only 45 kilometers from Lyon, Parc des Oiseaux offers one of the most exotic excursions around Lyon. This unique zoological park houses more than 3,000 birds of 300 different species on 35 hectares in the heart of Dombes. This family destination promises an exceptional ornithological world tour.

The park's innovative concept allows observation of birds from around the world in faithfully recreated environments. Free-flight bird shows punctuate the visit, offering magical moments where eagles, vultures and parrots evolve freely above amazed visitors.

Dombes, region of a thousand ponds, constitutes a unique ecosystem in Europe. The park fits perfectly into this exceptional landscape, raising visitor awareness about wetland preservation and their winged inhabitants. Modern facilities and thematic routes make this excursion around Lyon an educational and fun discovery for the whole family.

10. Grottes de la Balme, underground wonders

51 kilometers from Lyon, Grottes de la Balme reveal a fascinating underground world, offering one of the most refreshing excursions around Lyon. These natural cavities, carved by water over millennia, constitute a true mineral palace with spectacular geological formations.

The constant temperature of 12°C to 15°C makes this visit an ideal refuge during hot summer days. The underground route reveals majestic halls adorned with stalactites and stalagmites of amazing shapes, sculpted by the patience of water and time.

Local legend tells that Mandrin, the famous 18th-century bandit, used these caves as hideouts. The underground lake and its mysterious reflections add a magical dimension to this speleological exploration accessible to all. The sensitive natural area "Les Coteaux de Saint-Roch" completes this excursion with a panoramic hike on the surrounding heights.

11. Yvoire, medieval village on Lake Geneva

150 kilometers from Lyon, Yvoire displays its medieval charms on the French shores of Lake Geneva. This excursion around Lyon transports visitors to an enchanting setting, where architectural heritage harmoniously blends with the beauty of Western Europe's largest lake.

Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Yvoire has preserved its intact medieval character. Its 14th-century ramparts, fortified gates and castle testify to its past as a strategic stronghold. The flowered streets, true open-air gardens, have earned it the "4 flowers" label from flowered towns and villages.

The Garden of Five Senses, contemporary landscape creation inspired by medieval gardens, invites a unique sensory stroll. The marina and its colorful boats complete this idyllic picture on the shores of Lake Geneva. This romantic excursion around Lyon offers total change of scenery in an exceptional alpine setting.

12. Vercors Regional Natural Park

126 kilometers from Lyon extends Vercors Regional Natural Park, immense limestone fortress offering one of the most grandiose nature excursions around Lyon. This pre-alpine massif deploys its 206,000 hectares between Isère and Drôme, revealing landscapes of striking beauty and exceptional biodiversity.

The Vercors plateaus, true balconies over the Alps, offer breathtaking panoramas over surrounding massifs. Deep gorges and vertiginous cliffs testify to the erosive power that sculpted these landscapes over geological eras. Choranche Cave, with its fairy-like crystallizations, constitutes one of the massif's underground jewels.

Vercors also carries the memory of French Resistance. The Resistance Memorial in Vassieux-en-Vercors recalls the sacrifice of resistance fighters who made these mountains a symbol of freedom. Character villages like Pont-en-Royans, with its houses suspended above the Bourne, punctuate this exceptional historical and natural excursion.

13. Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva

225 kilometers from Lyon, Chillon Castle raises its romantic silhouette on the waters of Lake Geneva. This excursion around Lyon, albeit more distant, rewards travelers with the discovery of one of Switzerland's most visited historical monuments, in a grandiose alpine setting.

Built on a rocky islet, this medieval fortress seems to float on the crystalline waters of Lake Geneva. Its round towers and crenellated ramparts have inspired many artists, notably Lord Byron who immortalized the "Prisoner of Chillon" in his famous poem.

The visit reveals vaulted halls, impressive dungeons and magnificently restored lordly apartments. From the rampart walks, the panorama extends over the entire Lake Geneva, framed by Swiss and French Alps. This exceptional excursion around Lyon combines medieval history and alpine splendors in a truly fairy-like setting.

14. Chamonix and Mont Blanc

200 kilometers from Lyon, Chamonix opens the doors to the Mont Blanc kingdom, offering one of the most spectacular excursions around Lyon. This mythical glacial valley, cradle of modern mountaineering and theater of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, reveals landscapes of absolute grandeur.

Aiguille du Midi, accessible by cable car, propels visitors to 3,842 meters altitude for a striking face-to-face with Europe's roof. The 360° panorama embraces the highest peaks of French, Swiss and Italian Alps. The Step into the Void, glass platform suspended above the glacier, provides unique sensations to thrill seekers.

Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, is discovered aboard the Montenvers rack railway. This millennial glacial tongue, although retreating, continues to fascinate with its imposing dimensions and crevasses of deep blues. This exceptional alpine excursion around Lyon promises unforgettable memories in the high mountain universe.

15. Safari de Peaugres in Ardèche

60 kilometers from Lyon, Safari de Peaugres offers one of the most exotic excursions around Lyon. This 80-hectare zoological park, the largest in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, houses more than 1,400 animals of 300 different species in a preserved natural setting in green Ardèche.

The 5-kilometer car safari allows observation of 126 species of African and European animals in semi-freedom. Lions, rhinoceros, giraffes and zebras evolve in vast enclosures faithfully reproducing their natural habitat. This immersion in the heart of African savanna, a stone's throw from Lyon, promises extraordinary animal encounters.

The walking park completes this discovery with thematic spaces dedicated to different continents. The Madagascar space, unique in France, houses lemurs and fossas in a striking recreation of Malagasy forest. Educational shows and commented feedings enrich this family excursion that raises awareness about global biodiversity protection.

In conclusion, these 15 excursions around Lyon reveal the exceptional richness of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. From preserved medieval villages to grandiose alpine summits, from renowned vineyards to wild natural parks, each destination offers a unique facet of French heritage. Whether you are a lover of history, nature, culture or relaxation, the Lyon region holds treasures for all tastes. Don't hesitate to let yourself be guided in your discoveries thanks to the audio-guided circuits of Lyon and surrounding cities to enrich your exploration of these exceptional destinations.

Frequently asked questions about excursions around Lyon

What is the most beautiful excursion to do around Lyon?

Annecy remains the most popular excursion around Lyon, nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps" for its romantic canals and crystalline lake. At 145 km from Lyon, this destination combines medieval heritage, preserved nature and water activities in an exceptional alpine setting.

How long does it take to visit these destinations from Lyon?

Most excursions can be done comfortably in a day. The closest ones like Pérouges (38 km) or Parc des Oiseaux (45 km) require a half-day, while more distant destinations like Annecy (145 km) or Chamonix (200 km) deserve a full day.

Which excursions around Lyon can be done by public transport?

Several destinations are accessible by public transport: Vienne by direct train (25 minutes), Annecy and Chambéry by train (1h20 to 2h15), Grenoble by train or bus (1h20). Departmental buses also serve certain destinations like Parc des Oiseaux or Pérouges.

What is the best season for these excursions around Lyon?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures and less crowds. Summer allows full enjoyment of lakes and water activities, while winter reveals the magic of snowy landscapes, particularly in Chamonix and natural parks.

Are there organized tours for these excursions?

Many tour operators offer organized excursions departing from Lyon to Annecy, Pérouges, Beaujolais or Pilat. For autonomous and personalized discovery, Ryo audio guides allow exploration of Lyon, Annecy, Vienne, Grenoble and Chambéry at your own pace.