Looking for the best day trips from Lyon? You’ve come to the right place!
While Lyon is certainly one of my favorite cities in France, it’s also the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
There are many charming towns within easy reach. Plus, Lyon has several rail stations including access to France’s high-speed TGV trains so you can spend more time exploring!
From medieval villages to stunning mountain landscapes, there’s a day trip for every type of traveler — just a short journey away.
Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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1. Annecy
Annecy is a picturesque town that’s perfect for a day trip from Lyon. It’s about a 2-hour drive (or train ride) away, making it easy to visit and return in a day.
You’ll fall in love with Annecy’s quaint old town. Its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings create a fairy-tale atmosphere. We visited on a market day in September, and it was hopping!
The town sits on the edge of Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. Take a relaxing boat ride or rent a paddleboat to enjoy the crystal-clear waters. (We loved the sightseeing boat tour around the lake!)
Don’t miss the Palais de l’Île, a unique 12th-century building that looks like a ship. It’s now a local history museum where you can learn about Annecy’s past.
For great views, walk up to the Château d’Annecy. This restored castle houses a museum with regional artifacts and art exhibitions.
Food lovers will enjoy trying local specialties like raclette or tartiflette. You can find these cheesy dishes in many restaurants around town.
If you visit in summer, you might catch the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. It’s a fun event that draws cartoon fans from all over the world.
2. Vienne
Just a short drive from Lyon, Vienne is an amazing town with a rich Roman history. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore its ancient ruins.
The Temple of Augustus and Livia is a must-see. This well-preserved Roman temple dates back to the 1st century BC. It’s a great spot for photos and learning about Roman architecture. (Love this temple? Check out another stunning temple in Nîmes, France!)
Don’t miss the Roman Theatre. It’s one of the largest in France and still hosts performances during summer. You can sit where ancient Romans once did and soak in the atmosphere.
Tip: For a truly impressive view of the theater, visit the Belvédère de Pipet at the top of Mont Pipet. From here you look down on the theater and the city of Vienne!
For a taste of local culture, visit the Saturday morning market. It’s held in the town center and offers fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialties.
For a deeper dive into Roman history, check out the Gallo-Roman Museum. It houses impressive mosaics and artifacts from the Roman era. It’s located on the site of more Roman ruins, so give yourself time to explore the grounds!
Vienne is also known for its jazz festival in July. If you’re lucky enough to visit then, you’ll enjoy great music in a historic setting.
3. Dijon
Dijon makes for a perfect day trip from Lyon. This fantastic city is known for its mustard, but it offers so much more. You can reach Dijon in about 2 hours by train from Lyon.
Sightseeing is a breeze — just follow the markers for the Owl’s Trail (Parcours de la Chouette) to see the top attractions in Dijon. The little Owl markers are embedded in the street.
Start your day at the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
This impressive building now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the best museums in France. Admire the mix of medieval and Renaissance art and check out the intricate tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. (Tip: entry to Dijon museums is free!)
Take a stroll down Rue de la Liberté, Dijon’s main shopping street. You’ll see beautiful old buildings and find plenty of shops to explore.
Don’t miss the Notre-Dame Church with its famous carved owl. Locals say rubbing the owl brings good luck. Why not give it a try?
For lunch, try some Burgundian specialties. Beef bourguignon or coq au vin are local favorites. And of course, don’t forget to taste some Dijon mustard, or bring home a jar as a souvenir from France!
End your day with a walk through the Jardin Darcy. This pretty park is a nice spot to relax before heading back to Lyon, and it’s right next to Dijon’s train station.
4. Geneva
Just a short hop from Lyon, Geneva makes for an exciting day trip. You can reach this Swiss city in about 2 hours by train or car.
Geneva sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva. The city’s famous Jet d’Eau fountain shoots water 140 meters into the air — an impressive sight! And don’t miss the amazing Flower Clock, located in the lakeside Jardin Anglais.
Stroll through the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The St. Pierre Cathedral is worth a visit for its blend of architectural styles.
For science buffs, CERN is a must-see. This is where the Large Hadron Collider is located. Geneva is also known for its international organizations, such as the headquarters of the United Nations.
Don’t forget to try some Swiss chocolate while you’re in town. Geneva has many chocolatiers offering delicious treats. (And if you’re in the mood for some high-end shopping, Geneva has you covered!)
Before heading back to Lyon, take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva. Or save time and money by taking advantage of one of the ferry lines to cross from key points around the lake.
5. Avignon
Avignon makes for a great day trip from Lyon. You can reach this remarkable city in about 2.5 hours by train.
Once there, you’ll want to check out the famous Palais des Papes. This massive Gothic palace was home to the popes in the 14th century. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the must-visit landmarks in France.
Don’t miss the Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d’Avignon. This famous bridge inspired the classic French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.”
Take a stroll through the historic old town. You’ll find narrow streets, cute shops, and lovely squares.
For art lovers, the Musée du Petit Palais houses a collection of Italian Renaissance paintings.
Grab lunch at one of the many cafes in Place de l’Horloge, a bustling square at the heart of Avignon. Or pick up something to eat at Les Halles d’Avignon (and check out the vertical plant wall!).
If you’re visiting in July, you might catch the Festival d’Avignon. It’s one of the oldest and most famous theater festivals in the world, and is one of the top reasons to visit Avignon.
6. Beaune
Beaune is a charming town in the heart of Burgundy wine country. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Lyon, making it perfect for a day trip.
You’ll love strolling through the old town’s cobblestone streets. The historic buildings and shops are a treat to explore.
Don’t miss the Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune’s main attraction. This former hospital from the 15th century has a stunning rooftop, where multicolored tiles are arranged in geometric patterns. I spent a lot of time taking pictures, but they don’t do it justice!
Inside, you can see old medical instruments and beautiful tapestries as you listen to the audio guide. Be sure to check out the rear garden for another great view of the patterned rooftops.
Wine lovers rejoice! Beaune is famous for its wines. You can visit cellars and taste local vintages. Try a wine tour to learn about Burgundy’s winemaking history.
Feeling hungry? Grab lunch at a local restaurant and try Burgundian specialties like beef bourguignon.
For a unique experience, check out the Fallot Mustard Mill. You can see how Dijon mustard is made and even create your own blend.
7. Aqueduct of Gier
If you’re a fan of Roman ruins, try taking a quick day trip from Lyon to see the Aqueduct of Gier. This ancient Roman structure once brought water to the city of Lugdunum (the Roman name for Lyon).
The aqueduct stretches for an impressive 85 kilometers. It’s one of the longest and best-preserved Roman aqueducts in France. You’ll be amazed by the engineering skills of the ancient Romans.
Some parts of the aqueduct are still standing today. The most famous section is the Chaponost arches. These tall stone arches make for great photos and a glimpse into history.
You can walk along paths near the aqueduct and explore the surrounding countryside. It’s a peaceful area with beautiful views. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
To get there, you can drive or take a bus from Lyon (it’s only a 30-minute trip). If you take the bus, be sure to check the return schedules. We didn’t pay close enough attention and had to wait 20 minutes for the next bus. Luckily, the weather was nice!
Visiting the Gier Aqueduct is a great idea if you are short on time but still want to explore more of the area around Lyon!
Transportation Options for Lyon Day Trips
Lyon has great connections to nearby destinations. You can easily travel by train or car for day trips.
Train Travel Tips
- Trains are fast and comfy for day trips from Lyon. Book tickets online or at one of the train stations in Lyon. Get to the station 20-30 minutes early. Bring snacks and water for the ride.
- Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding (this is getting phased out at some stations but look for the little yellow ‘composter’ machine.) Validation is not required for TGV tickets.
- Check the return schedule so you don’t miss the last train back. Keep your ticket handy for conductor checks during the trip.
Driving in the French Countryside
- While I prefer to travel by train, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace (and get to cities that are not well served by train routes). Book ahead for the best rates.
- French roads are well-maintained. Stick to speed limits to avoid fines and watch for speed cameras on highways and in towns.
- Parking can be tricky in small villages. Look for public lots on the outskirts and bring coins for parking meters.
- Be sure to fill up before leaving Lyon, as gas stations are less common in rural areas. Pack a map or use offline GPS in case of spotty cell service.
Best Time to Visit Lyon, France
Lyon offers great experiences year-round. The weather and fun local festivals and events shape the best times to visit Lyon and take day trips to these nearby cities.
- Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming gardens. You’ll enjoy comfortable weather for outdoor activities from April to June. Parks and riverbanks come alive with flowers and greenery.
- Summer is peak tourist season. Expect warm days perfect for exploring nearby villages and natural areas. Note: July and August can get hot! Pack sunscreen and water for your trips, and plan activities in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
- Fall cools down with crisp air and changing leaves. September and October are ideal for wine tours as harvest season begins. You’ll find fewer crowds at popular attractions.
- Winter gets chilly but rarely freezes. December brings festive markets and light displays (and don’t miss the Fête des Lumières!). Some outdoor sites may have limited hours, so check before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lyon offers many great options for day trips and short excursions. Here are answers to some common questions about exploring the area around Lyon.
Annecy is a top pick for a day trip from Lyon by train. You can reach this charming alpine town in about 2 hours.
Vienne, just 30 minutes south, is perfect for history buffs. Dijon, known for its mustard and wine, is under 2 hours away by high-speed train.
For a quick trip, head to Vienne to see its Roman ruins. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon there.
Plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Lyon itself. This gives you time to see the main sights, try local foods, and take a day trip or two.
If you want to explore more of the region, a week would be ideal. This way, you can enjoy Lyon and take a few day trips to nearby towns and cities.
Final Thoughts:
While there are plenty of amazing things to do in Lyon, it’s also fun to take day trips to explore more of the region.
You might be wondering why I didn’t include Paris in this list.
While you could take a day trip from Lyon to Paris (it’s only 2 hours by TGV), I feel like you really couldn’t do Paris justice. I think you need to spend 2-3 days to see the main attractions in Paris!
Here are some posts to help you explore Lyon and the nearby cities further:
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Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is the founder of Travel to Lyon.
She has explored Lyon with her husband (Chris) as well as on solo trips to France. She will be living in Lyon this summer to bring you even more tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Lyon!
Learn more about Lisa!
