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Places to visit near Lyon provide the perfect escape into history, culture, and nature, all just a short journey from the city. From medieval villages and Roman ruins to tranquil lakes and scenic vineyards, these nearby destinations offer a refreshing contrast to urban life. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat or a culturally rich day trip, the surroundings of Lyon have something for everyone. Ideal for a quick getaway or weekend break, these destinations provide unforgettable experiences just beyond the city’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
10 Places To Visit Near Lyon
Discover places to visit near Lyon, offering a mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites, picturesque villages, and serene natural retreats, perfect for history lovers, wine enthusiasts, and nature seekers alike.
1. Pérouges
Photo: Marilou Perino / Wikimedia Commons
About 35 km northeast of Lyon, Pérouges is France’s most beautifully preserved medieval town and feels like living out of a fairy tale. Perched on the summit of a sloping hill, the village boasts cobbled streets, ivy-covered stone facades, and wooden fronts evoking centuries past. A former hub for linen weavers and craftspeople, Pérouges has retained the old-world atmosphere, such as a walled church and a central square that seems not to have been altered by time. With its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic countryside, Pérouges is a tranquil yet culturally enriching escape and easily ranks among the best places to visit near Lyon for families, photographers, and lovers of French history.
How To Reach: TER train or drive from Lyon
Main Attractions: City walls, medieval crafts, galette tasting
Entry Fee: N/A
2. Vienne
Photo: Jacques MOSSOT / Wikimedia Commons
Just 30 km south of Lyon along the Rhône River, Vienne is a fascinating town steeped in Roman heritage and sophistication. Once a great Roman town, it boasts well-preserved buildings such as the Temple of Augustus and Livia, a still-operational Roman theatre, and the Musée Gallo-Romain, which houses interesting antiquities. With centuries-old streets to stroll along, you’ll discover charming cafés, Renaissance architecture, and a riverside promenade that’s perfect for strolling. In the summer, the town truly comes alive with its world-renowned Jazz à Vienne Festival, attracting musicians and jazz enthusiasts from around the world to its stunning Roman amphitheatre.
How To Reach: TER train from Lyon Perrache
Main Attractions: Roman theatre, Temple of Augustus, jazz festival
Entry Fee: €7 / ₹700 (theater)
3. Beaujolais Vineyards
Photo: Geoff Wong / Wikimedia Commons
To the north of Lyon lies the beautiful Beaujolais wine region, a vineyard-covered hill country of golden slopes and picturesque stone villages that embody the charm of rural France. As one of the top places to see near Lyon, it’s renowned for its light, fruity red wines, especially the much-publicised Beaujolais Nouveau, which appears in November to much fanfare. Visitors can follow scenic wine trails through quaint villages like Oingt, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” whose golden-yellow houses and rolling vineyard views await. Wine cellars and family-run domaines offer welcoming tastings, explaining the tales and heritage behind each wine.
How To Reach: Car or group tour from Lyon
Main Attractions: Wine cellars, vineyard walks, picturesque villages
Entry Fee: €5 – €10 / ₹500 – 1000 (tasting tour)
4. Château De La Bâtie
Photo: David Venegas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
About 40 km southwest of Lyon is the Château de la Bâtie, a hidden medieval treasure overlooking the banks of the Isère, a peaceful tributary of the Rhône. Located in a rural landscape of green meadows and forest, this crumbling fortress is surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. A strategic medieval stronghold, the château now lies elegantly in ruins, its decaying stone walls and towers giving testament to centuries long past. Visitors may stroll through the peaceful ruins, take scenic walks along the riverside, or picnic in peace overlooking the valley below. The surrounding routes also attract nature hikers and cyclists seeking some peaceful refuge close to nature.
How To Reach: Regional train + bike, or drive from Lyon
Main Attractions: Ruins, river picnic spots
Entry Fee: N/A
5. Annecy
Photo: Yves LC / Wikimedia Commons
About 140 km east of Lyon lies Annecy, a fairytale alpine village renowned for its pristine lake, twisting canals, and postcard-perfect pastel buildings. Known as the “Venice of the Alps” in many cases, it entices travellers with its romantic charm and natural wonders. Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town) is a maze of cobblestone alleys, flower-tiled balconies, and quaint bridges over turquoise canals. Over everything looms the Château d’Annecy, a medieval castle that used to be the home of the Counts of Geneva and is now a museum. In summer, Annecy is a boating, paddleboarding, and cycling paradise on the lake. The lake, framed by white-brocaded mountains, is a perfect spot to swim or cruise.
How To Reach: TER/Intercité train from Lyon
Main Attractions: Lake Annecy, Old Town, château
Entry Fee: €5 / ₹500 (château)
6. Gorges De l’Ardèche
Photo: Jametlene Reskp / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
South of Lyon is France’s most impressive natural phenomenon, a dramatic limestone gorge carved out by the Ardèche River over millions of years. Infamously known as the “European Grand Canyon,” this 30-kilometre-long gorge is known for its colossal cliffs, winding roads, and heart-stopping water sports. The real showstopper is the Pont d’Arc, a magnificent natural rock bridge spanning the river and offering a postcard picture-perfect view for kayaking, swimming, or simply sunbathing on the beach at its foot. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the canyon’s park-like walkways, rolling vistas like Belvédère de la Madeleine, and peaceful riverbanks perfect for picnics. The Gorges de l’Ardèche stand out as one of the most unforgettable tourist attractions near Lyon.
How To Reach: Drive or guided tour from Lyon
Main Sites: River canyons, kayaking, and viewpoint spots
Entry Fee: €20 – 40 / ₹2000 – 4000 (kayak tour)
7. La Dombes
About 45 km north of Lyon is La Dombes, a tranquil and off-the-beaten-path gem, with over a thousand fish-filled lakes set within a mosaic of countryside. Originally planned for medieval fish farming, it is now a haven for biodiversity, especially birds. Nature lovers, families, and photographers converge here to explore wetlands, green meadows, and quiet woodland walks teeming with wildlife. The headline act is the Parc des Oiseaux, Europe’s second-largest bird park, where birds from all over the continents are safeguarded and where one can witness daily flight demonstrations and interactive paths. Spring through autumn finds visitors taking advantage of scenic cycle paths, lakefront promenades, bird-watching platforms, and picnics along idyllic bodies of water.
How To Reach: By car from Lyon
Main Attractions: Birdlife, lake loops, fisherman’s villages
Entry Fee: €5 / ₹500
8. Péage-De-Roussillon
Photo: CrlNvl / Wikimedia Commons
About 60 km southeast of Lyon, there is the charming town of Péage-de-Roussillon, one of the lesser-known yet enriching attractions near Lyon, celebrated for its authentic local heritage and unique industrial identity. Every Friday, a lively outdoor market offering anything from seasonal French produce and artisanal cheeses to handmade crafts and textiles is held in the town, which is ideal for an insight into everyday French country life. Near the town is the fascinating “Salt Mountain” (Montagne de Sel), a testament to the region’s historic saltworks industry. Open to visitors nowadays, this attraction features tunnels, exhibits, and restored machinery that reveal the history and significance of Rhône-Alpes salt mining.
How To Reach: TER train + bus or drive from Lyon
Main Attractions: Regional market, visit to the salt mine
Entry Fee: €8 / ₹800 (salt mine)
9. Vercors Regional Park
Photo: Julien Peytard / Wikimedia Commons
Southeast of Lyon is the Vercors Regional Natural Park, a gigantic alpine plateau characterised by spectacular limestone cliffs, dense forests nearby, deep gorges, and charming villages. Often called an outdoor enthusiast’s heaven, the park offers endless opportunities for treks, mountain biking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. It’s a serene winter ski resort with cross-country trails and cosy mountain chalets. Among the park’s attractions is the Gorges de la Bourne, a nature walk along grooves in between massive rock faces and mountain roads with serpentine twists. Nature lovers can hike into the Choranche Caves, whose underground rivers and luminescent stalactites create a spooky atmosphere.
How To Reach: By car or local bus from Lyon
Main Attractions: Treks, village strolls, road trips
Entry Fee: N/A
10. Crémieu
Photo: Elizabeth Jamieson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Just 40 km to the east of Lyon lies one of Rhône-Alpes’ loveliest medieval towns, Crémieu, a forgotten treasure but a delight to behold. A thriving monastic settlement and later a trading power, Crémieu still maintains much of its past character in its walls, ancient covered market (Les Halles), and 14th-century Augustinian monastery. The town square overflows with architectural heritage: half-timbered cottages, fortified gates, and ivy-draped narrow alleys. The remains of the Château Delphinal, situated above the village, provide panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs and the surrounding landscape. Each September, Crémieu entertains a medieval fair that attracts thousands, turning the town into a living museum of knights, musicians, and artisans.
How To Reach: Car or regional bus from Lyon
Main Attractions: Medieval market hall, monastery ruins, September medieval fair
Entry Fee: N/A
Places to visit near Lyon gaze back over centuries of French history and the surrounding natural beauty. Formed by Roman settlers, medieval nobles, and rural French culture, these attractions have something for every kind of visitor. From the cobblestone quarter of Pérouges to Ardèche’s spectacular gorges and La Dombes’ serene lakes, Lyon’s countryside provides unforgettable day-trip excursions. Culture, cuisine, nature, or adrenaline? TripXL helps you uncover the secrets of areas just beyond Lyon’s bustling streets.
Cover Photo: Carnet de Voyage d’Alex / Unsplash
