There are so many reasons to stay in the gastronomic capital of France, and one of them is the variety of beautiful day trips from Lyon you can take to enhance your travel experiences in the region.
We define a day trip as one that can be done in a day. Just get up, leave early, travel to your destination, see the sights and be back in time for bed. The only problem with every one of these day trips from Lyon is that many of them take you to places you’d love to stay much longer than a few hours. They are ‘let’s stay’ destinations in themselves.
6 day trips from Lyon
The towns and sites listed below are just a short drive from Lyon. They offer diverse experiences – from history and culture to wine tasting and natural beauty. You’ll enjoy these day trips, especially if you’re using Lyon as a base.
You can reach them by car or by train. For most day trips from Lyon, your train journey will start from either Lyon Part Dieu or Lyon Perrache. Both train stations are close to the centre of the city.
Tain-l’Hermitage
Tain-l’Hermitage is a charming town renowned for its vineyards from which some of the Rhône Valley’s finest wines are sourced.
Its extensive vineyards are planted with the Syrah grape that thrives in this particular terroir. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings at local wineries and learn about the winemaking process and the region’s specialities.
Be sure to visit the Old Town. Tain-l’Hermitage has cobblestone streets, historic buildings and delightful cafes. It’s tempting to stay a while, with the Vercors mountain range as a picturesque backdrop.
The Chapelle de l’Hermitage, perched high on a hill, offers panoramic views of the vineyards and the Rhône.
Whether you’re there to taste the region’s wines, enjoy the natural beauty or spend time strolling through its streets, Tain-l’Hermitage is definitely a place to visit.
Getting there
By car: 90 km (via the A7).
By train: TER (Station – Lyon Part Dieu)
Travel time: By car or train, usually 70-90 mins.
Château de Bagnols
Château de Bagnols is a 13th-century castle – a magnificent example of French medieval architecture and timeless elegance. That’s because the castle has been meticulously restored and transformed into a luxury hotel.
The Château’s exquisite gardens, courtyards and vineyards provide are perfect for peaceful walks. You can eat at the gourmet restaurant, where classic French cuisine is paired with exceptional wines from the region.
Château de Bagnols also offers guided tours, so that guests can appreciate the castle’s rich heritage.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a luxurious break or just a day visit, the Château is more than worth the short drive from Lyon.
Getting there
By car: 35 km (via the A89).
By train: TER – 2 trains (Station – Lyon Part Dieu)
Travel time: By car, 40-60 mins; by train, up to 90 mins.
Vienne
Vienne is a fascinating town that manages to blend its ancient Roman past with its French heritage.
You must see the town’s preserved Roman ruins: including the 1st century amphitheatre that once hosted gladiatorial battles and still hosts theatrical performances; the stunning Temple of Augustus and Livia; and the Jardin de Cybèle, with the last remains of the Roman forum that stood on the site. Various museums (check out the Musée Gallo-Romain de Saint-Romain-en-Gal) have fascinating exhibitions to see, if you want to learn more.
The Old Town has cobblestone streets, cafes and beautiful 16th and 17th century architecture. The 13th century Cathédrale Saint-Maurice (pictured above) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the Abbaye de Saint-André-le-Bas is a beautiful example of the 12th century Roman style.
Vienne’s location on the Rhône gives you the opportunity for scenic riverside walks and leisurely boat rides.
Whether you’re an enthusiast of history or architecture or simply looking for some relaxing time out, this is one of the day trips from Lyon that should be on your list.
Getting there
By car: 34 km (via the A7).
By train: TER (Station – Lyon Perrache)
Travel time: About 30 mins.
Côte-Rôtie
Côte-Rôtie is a well respected terroir, celebrated for its exceptional Syrah-based wines.
The terraced vineyards of Côte-Rôtie are on steep, sun-drenched slopes along the Rhône River; the name itself roughly translates as ‘roasted hill or slope’. The grapes have characteristic rich red fruit, with peppery and floral notes.
If you visit Côte-Rôtie, you can see the winemaking process, taste the wine at various estates just enjoy the landscape, with its stunning river views.
Côte-Rôtie has a legacy of winemaking that dates back to Roman times. Today, it produces some of France’s most sought-after and highly regarded wines.
The nearby Pilat Natural Regional Park, encompassing 47 communes, is spread across 72,000 hectares and is primarily a mountainous region. It’s a protected area that’s worth visiting. Trekking trails are available for experienced and well-prepared walkers.
Getting there
From Vienne (see above)
By car: 11 km; head for Ampuis (via the D386 or Boulevard Georges Pompidou/N7)
By train: TER (Station – Ste Colombe Mairie)
Travel time: By car, about 15 mins; by train, about 20 mins.
Pérouges
The medieval town of Pérouges is a charming walled town located on a hilltop.
Pérouges offers two excellent historical experiences to show visitors its past: the Musée du Vieux Pérouges and Cité Médievale (a medieval village). A walk along the town’s ancient ramparts will give you panoramic views of the surrounding countryside – a photographer’s dream.
Pérouges is a maze of cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and small squares. In its winding alleys, there are shops, artisanal bakeries and cafes that offer local treats, such as pastries and galettes.
The central Place du Tilleul, named for its linden trees, is the heart of Pérouges and a perfect place to stop and relax.
If you have a keen eyes and a sharp memory, you might notice spots that have been featured in films. You’ll understand why.
Getting there
By car: 42 km (via the A42)
By train: TER (Station – Lyon Part Dieu)
Travel time: By car, 40 mins; by train, 60 mins.
Bourg-en-Bresse
The centrepiece of Bourg-en-Bresse is the stunning Royal Monastery of Brou (seen above), a 18th century architectural masterpiece. It features intricate Gothic design, with superb examples of Renaissance style, especially in the royal tombs.
Bourg-en-Bresse is also famous for its gastronomy, particularly its poultry dishes. The Bresse chicken, often called the ‘queen of poultry’, is a favourite of gourmets worldwide.
In the town’s medieval streets, you’ll find a range of boutiques, local markets and inviting cafes. Place Bernard, the central square where locals and visitors converge, is the location for the highly rated brasserie, Place Bernard, which serves traditional French food and local fine wines.
With its rich history, superb cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Bourg-en-Bresse is a little luxury day trip from Lyon.
Getting there
By car: 80 km (via A42); 67 km (via D1083)
By train: TER (Station – Lyon Part Dieu)
Travel time: By car (either route), around 70 mins; by train, 55 mins.
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