Lyon sits at a crossroads between Burgundy, the Rhône valley, the Alps and the plains of the Bresse, which makes it an excellent base for day trips. Trains from Part-Dieu and Perrache stations reach many of the destinations below, and others are easiest on a small-group tour or by car. Here are the trips we think are worth the time, and who each one suits.
Beaujolais and the Golden Stones
The wine country north-west of Lyon is the easiest escape from the city. The Pierres Dorées district, named for its honey-coloured limestone, has villages such as Oingt that are among the prettiest in the region, and rolling vineyards of Gamay grapes. A half-day small-group tour leaves from Place Bellecour, visits two family-run wineries, and includes tastings and lunch, so nobody has to drive. It is the best choice for wine and food lovers and for couples. Go in spring for green vines or early autumn for the harvest.
The Royal Monastery of Brou, Bourg-en-Bresse
About an hour by regional train from Part-Dieu, Bourg-en-Bresse is the capital of the Bresse, famous for its poultry, and home to the Royal Monastery of Brou. Margaret of Austria built this late Gothic church and its three cloisters in the early 16th century as a monument to her husband, and the carved tombs and stained glass are astonishing. Plan to see the church first, have lunch in town, and walk through the cloisters and museum. It suits art and history lovers, and it is quiet compared with the main French monuments. The church is unheated, so bring a warm layer in winter.
Pérouges, the medieval hilltop village
A short drive or train-and-taxi trip north-east of Lyon, Pérouges is a small walled village of cobbled lanes and stone houses that has been so well preserved that it has been used as a film location. Try the galette de Pérouges, a sweet sugar tart, and wander the main square. It is touristy at midday in summer, so go early or late. Many visitors combine it with Bourg-en-Bresse on the same day, since both lie on the Ain side of Lyon.
Vienne, the Roman town on the Rhône
Around 30 kilometres south of Lyon, Vienne can be reached on frequent trains from Part-Dieu and Perrache and is walkable from the station. Its sights include the Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in France, the ancient theatre that seats around 13,000, the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Maurice and the archaeological museum in the former abbey of Saint-Pierre. In July the Roman theatre hosts the Jazz à Vienne festival. A half day is enough for the main sights, which makes Vienne a good partner to a visit to the Lugdunum museum in Lyon.
The northern Rhône vineyards
South of Vienne, the steep terraced vineyards of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu produce some of the most prized Syrah and Viognier wines in France. Without a car, a guided tour is easiest, and some tours combine tastings with walks through the terraces. It suits serious wine lovers and those who want a more dramatic landscape than Beaujolais, though it works best on a clear day.
Annecy and its lake
Annecy, sometimes called the Venice of the Alps, is about two hours each way from Lyon by train or car, so it is a long day. The old town with its canals, the château and the lake with its mountain backdrop are worth the trip in summer, when you can swim or take a boat. It is better as an overnight stay if you can spare the time. A day trip works best in warm months, when the light lasts and the lakefront is lively.
Planning tips
Check train times the day before and buy tickets at the station or on a phone. Many small villages are quiet on Sunday afternoons and Mondays, and many wineries need an appointment, which is another reason a tour is the simple option. Leave time to be back in Lyon for an evening meal, and avoid planning a day trip on the day you arrive or depart. If you have only one free day, choose Beaujolais for taste, Vienne for history or Brou for art.
Choosing between them
For a first trip, the Beaujolais half day is the lowest-effort option because it needs no planning and returns to the centre of Lyon. For travellers who prefer trains and independence, Vienne is the simplest because it is so close and so walkable. Families usually enjoy Pérouges and Annecy more than a wine tour, and art lovers should put Brou at the top of the list. In winter, the long days out to the lake are less appealing, so choose a Roman town or a medieval village instead.
