5 of the best day trips from Lyon

08.09.2023 - 06:23 / lonelyplanet.com

With its cinematic topography, magnificent cuisine and 2000 years of history, Lyon is impressive enough by itself to keep visitors interested for several days at a time.

France’s third-largest city can get busy in the summer, especially in the medieval tourist-friendly Old Town. However, Lyon’s there is a plethora of splendid day trips fanning out in every direction that might help you get away from those crowds.

From the languid vineyards of Beaujolais in the north to Grenoble's widescreen alpine vistas to the south, the variety of activities is remarkable too, and they’re all reachable in two hours or less. 

Go beyond Lyon with these top day trips.

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes 

Surrounded by misty alpine hills, Grenoble is the last port of call before the Alps truly rise. So take advantage of this stunning location by riding in an iconic bubble-shaped cable car over the Isère River and up to the imposing Fort de la Bastille viewpoint, where the snowcapped alpine vistas are sigh-inducing. Back on the ground, the angular Musée de Grenoble houses everything from Egyptian antiquities to masterpieces by the likes of Renoir and Monet. Its collection of 20th-century modern art is sublime too. 

When evening falls, the charming Old Town around Place Grenette spills with rustic bistros and canopied brasseries, and it's imperative to sample the pungent herbal liqueur Chartreuse. The historic Café de la Table Ronde is a great spot for this, and Le Rousseau restaurant is a wonderful purveyor of the region’s local produce. If you’re willing to splurge, Michelin-starred Fantin Latour takes Grenoblois cuisine to new heights.

How to get to Grenoble from Lyon: Grenoble is around 100km (62 miles) southeast of Lyon and taking the train is the most efficient way of reaching the city. TER trains leave from Lyon Part-Dieu station every hour and usually arrive at Gare de Grenoble station just under 90 minutes later. 

Travel time: 35 minutes

Villefranche-Sur-Saône is the quaint gateway town leading to one of France’s most famous wine regions, the historic province of Beaujolais. Its vineyards lace an undulating landscape that covers around 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres) and you can either drive, cycle or take a guided tour around the various domains.

From the gaudy wine museum at Hameau Dubœuf to ornate tastings beneath pointed-hat towers at Château de Corcelles, this is a place to slow down and appreciate the terroir. There are no big sights to tick off here, just exceptional wine that should be enjoyed with good company. Start at the Villefranche-Sur-Saône tourism office and make sure to avoid November, as that month sees the annual and always popular release of Beaujolais Nouveau. 

How to get to Villefranche-sur-Saône