What Are the Best Day Trips from Lyon? (And Why You Might Not Need One)

Lyon rewards slow travel. With a culinary scene that would be the envy of any town, plenty of cultural and historical sites, and an easygoing pace, visitors to Lyon can easily stay put and soak up all it has to offer. But if you’re the type of traveler who likes to explore beyond the city limits, Lyon also happens to be perfectly placed for a range of fantastic day trips.

Medieval villages, Alpine lakes, vineyard-covered hillsides – from Lyon, you can get a pretty expansive taste of the best of French travel. So, join us and discover some of our favorite day trips from La Ville des Lumières. But be sure to stick with us till the end, as we’ll also provide a reason why travelers – especially those who love wine – might be happier spending the duration of their visit in Lyon, after all. 

(For further Lyon travel inspiration, browse our Lyon Travel Blog archive.)

Annecy

Roughly two hours east of Lyon by train or car, the idyllic medieval mountain town of Annecy makes for a perfect getaway. Known as the Pearl of the French Alps and the Venice of the Alps, this postcard-perfect town charms with its pale blue canals, medieval lanes, and breathtaking lake framed by snow-dusted peaks.

Summer time in Annecy brings with it boat rides and weather perfect for lakeside lounging, though it's beautiful year-round. Meander the old town’s cobbled streets, visit the Château d’Annecy, then settle in for some quality French cuisine in a restaurant with a view. If you’re looking for the kind of picturesque destination that European travel dreams are made of, Annecy is hard to top.

Pérouges

If storybook ancient architecture and views over the beautiful Ain plain sound appealing, this walled village is the destination for you. Listed officially as one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages, Pérouges is a mere 45 minutes from Lyon! Catch a short train ride from Lyon-Part-Dieu Station and you’ll be wandering Pérouges’ atmospheric streets in no time. While there, be sure to try a Galette de Perouges, a sweet, buttery local pastry. 

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Vienne

For history lovers, Vienne makes an excellent half-day or full-day outing. Just 30 minutes south of Lyon by train, this riverside town boasts a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including the 2,000-year-old Temple of Augustus and Livia and one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in France.

You can spend your time exploring the Archaeological Museum of Vienne or strolling the peaceful Rhône riverbanks. If you’re visiting in July, the Jazz à Vienne festival transforms the Roman theatre into one of the most atmospheric music venues anywhere in Europe.

Beaujolais

North of Lyon lies the sun-dappled region of Beaujolais, a patchwork quilt of rolling hills, vineyards, and pretty villages. If you’re interested in wine, a day spent visiting some of the Beaujolais crus (like Morgon, Fleurie, or Brouilly) offers a chance to explore the real soul of the region. More information about Beujolais can be found in our History of Beaujolais Wine and our What is Beaujolais? video.   

Family-run domaines offer tastings and tours, and local restaurants pair the region’s fruit-forward Gamays with rustic cooking. Although a little forward planning is required, drinking first-rate wines in the very wineries where they’re produced is sure to please any wine connoisseurs in your group. To learn more, read our 10 Tips for a Self-Guided Wine Tour in France, 2025. 

Northern Rhône

Staying with the topic of wine regions, the Northern Rhône is the land of Syrah and Viognier, grapes grown on steep, terraced hillsides that catch the sun. It’s also home to some of the most storied appellations in France – Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph – but, at its best, can still manage to feel low-key and approachable. (Check out our Northern Rhône Wine Region Guide to learn more.)

Visits to boutique producers in towns like Tain-l’Hermitage and Ampuis are sure to leave lasting memories and maybe the opportunity to send some select bottles homeward. Expect passionate winemakers, marvellous scenery, and some of the finest reds and whites the country has to offer. Even those with only a passing interest in viticulture are sure to find the landscape here utterly charming. 

Aix-les-Bains

If your idea of a great day trip involves water, wellness, and a touch of Belle Époque class, Aix-les-Bains is just the ticket. Located on the shores of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, this spa town is about an hour and a half from Lyon by train. You can spend your time strolling the waterfront promenade, dipping into one of the town’s thermal baths, or taking a boat across the lake to visit the striking 12th-century Hautecombe Abbey. This beautiful town has attracted an illustrious set throughout the years, with visitors including Alexandre Dumas, Edith Piaf, Sarah Bernhardt, and Queen Victoria. 

Why You Might Not Need a Day Trip from Lyon

Now, here’s the thing: If wine is a big part of your passion for France, you don’t have to leave Lyon to experience the wines of Beaujolais, Burgundy, and the Northern Rhône. In fact, one of the best wine experiences in the region is right here in Lyon. 

Our Lyon Wine Tastings take place in a beautifully restored silk-weaver’s loft in the historic Croix-Rousse district. In just two hours, you’ll taste five carefully selected wines from the surrounding regions, each paired with local cheese, charcuterie, and fresh bread. It’s a small-group, expert-led experience designed for both curious beginners and seasoned wine lovers – no out-of-town travel required.

Led by certified sommeliers, our tastings offer the depth of a countryside tour with the convenience of a city-based experience. If your time in Lyon is limited (or you’d simply rather not spend part of your vacation on the road), this is a perfect way to explore France’s wine culture up close.

That being said, there’s a whole host of excellent day trips to enjoy close to Lyon that are sure to please culture vultures, foodies, sun worshippers, and every type of traveler in between.