15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Lyon

Activities

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Marie

Published on 09/09/2025

Lyon, the ancient capital of the Gauls, has a wealth of architectural and gastronomic treasures to offer. But the Lyon region also has some wonderful surprises in store for those wishing to explore its surroundings. From unspoilt medieval villages to grandiose nature parks, alpine lakes and famous vineyards, the excursions around Lyon offer a remarkable diversity. Whether you’re looking for nature, culture, history or relaxation, this selection of 15 destinations will enable you to discover the region’s hidden treasures less than 2 hours’ drive from the capital of the Gauls.

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1. Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

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Just 145 kilometres from Lyon, Annecy remains one of the most popular excursions around Lyon. Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, this Savoyard gem enchants visitors with its romantic canals, colourful facades and crystal-clear lake. The old town, with its cobbled streets and medieval castle, offers an idyllic setting for a day out.

Download the audio tour to discover Annecy on foot and on your own

For the best way to explore Annecy, let Navaway guide you on atour of Annecy. In just 1 hour, this 2.6 km route reveals the city’s best secrets through 20 captivating audio guides. From the old town to Lake Annecy, each stop reveals the history and anecdotes of this exceptional destination.

Lake Annecy, reputed to be one of the purest in Europe, invites you to relax and enjoy water sports. Hiking enthusiasts will love the Semnoz and Tournette footpaths, while gourmets can savour Savoyard specialities in the many restaurants in the town centre. Don’t hesitate to visit Annecy with the help of the audioguide so you don’t miss out on anything of this dream destination.

2. Pérouges, the medieval town of Bugey

Just 38 kilometres from Lyon, Pérouges is one of the most beautiful excursions around Lyon for lovers of medieval history. This 14th-century fortified town has survived the centuries without a single wrinkle, retaining its old-world charm with its golden stone houses and cobbled streets.

The Place du Tilleul, the beating heart of the village, welcomes visitors under the shade of its hundred-year-old tree. The fortress-church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and the ramparts are a striking example of medieval defensive architecture. Don’t forget to try the famous galette au sucre de Pérouges, a local speciality that will delight your taste buds.

The village is best explored on foot, strolling leisurely through its unspoilt streets. Many craftsmen have taken up residence in the old houses, perpetuating the craft traditions of yesteryear. This excursion around Lyon promises a real trip back in time, just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. The Beaujolais vineyards and their crus

Just 18 kilometres north of Lyon lies one of France’s most beautiful wine-growing regions. The Route du Beaujolais offers an exceptional gourmet excursion, winding its way through golden vineyards and characterful villages. This wine-growing region, world-renowned for its generous, fruity wines, unveils a stunningly beautiful undulating landscape.

The ten Beaujolais crus – Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Chiroubles, Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Régnié, Brouilly and Côte-de-Brouilly – form the backdrop to an exceptional wine tour. Each estate tells the story of its parcel of land, handed down from generation to generation with passion and expertise.

Val d’Oingt, the ancient village of Oingt, is well worth a visit. This medieval village with its golden stones, typical of the Pays des Pierres Dorées, offers an exceptional panorama of the surrounding vineyards. Its cobbled streets and characterful houses make it one of the most charming excursions around Lyon for a romantic getaway.

4. Vienne and its Gallo-Roman treasures

Just 33 kilometres south of Lyon, Vienne boasts an exceptional historical heritage, making it one of the most rewarding cultural excursions around Lyon. This former capital of the Allobroges has remarkably well-preserved Roman remains, testimony to its ancient splendour.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Vienne on foot and on your own

Navaway’sVienna city tour guides you through 4.1 km of historical discoveries in 1 hour and 40 minutes, thanks to 20 fascinating audio guides. This tour reveals the secrets of this holy city, from its ancient remains to its medieval monuments.

The Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of the best preserved in the world, sits majestically in the heart of the city. Vienne’s ancient theatre, carved into the hillside, hosts the prestigious Jazz à Vienne festival every summer. The Gallo-Roman museum at Saint-Romain-en-Gal, on the other bank of the Rhône, is the perfect complement to this immersion in antiquity. For a complete tour, don’t hesitate to visit Vienne using the Navaway audioguide.

5. Pilat Regional Nature Park

Just 66 kilometres from Lyon lies the Pilat Regional Nature Park, a veritable green lung offering a multitude of outdoor activities. This excursion around Lyon will particularly appeal to hiking enthusiasts and lovers of unspoilt landscapes. The park stretches over 700 km² between the Loire and Rhône rivers, revealing a mosaic of exceptional natural environments.

The Crêt de la Perdrix, the highest point in the massif at 1,432 metres, offers a magnificent panorama on a clear day, stretching from Mont-Blanc to the Cévennes. The well-marked and well-maintained hiking trails allow you to discover the wealth of local flora and fauna, from heather moors to fir forests.

Villages with character such as Malleval, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, provide a pleasant backdrop to this nature excursion. The Gouffre d’Enfer dam and its turquoise waters are another jewel in the park’s crown, accessible by a beautiful family hike. This nature destination is one of the most beautiful excursions around Lyon for oxygenating and recharging your batteries.

6. Chambéry, historic capital of Savoie

107 kilometres from Lyon, Chambéry reveals the elegance of the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy. This excursion around Lyon will charm you with its well-preserved architectural heritage and authentic Savoyard atmosphere. The historic centre, with its pedestrianised streets and colourful facades, is an invitation to stroll and discover.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Chambéry on foot and on your own

For the best way to explore Chambéry, follow theChambéry tour itinerary designed by Navaway. This 3.4 km route takes 1? hours to discover, thanks to 23 captivating audio guides that reveal the fascinating history of this historic capital of Savoy.

The Château des Ducs de Savoie, former residence of the counts and then dukes of Savoie, proudly dominates the old town. The famous Elephant Fountain, affectionately known as “the four without asses” by the people of Chambéry, is the town’s emblem. The railway rotunda, the work of Gustave Eiffel, bears witness to the town’s exceptional industrial heritage. Don’t hesitate to visit Chambéry with the audioguide for a complete immersion in Savoyard history.

7. Grenoble, capital of the Alps

Just 111 kilometres from Lyon, Grenoble blossoms in a spectacular mountain setting. This excursion around Lyon offers a complete change of scenery, with its grandiose Alpine landscapes and dynamic university town atmosphere. The capital of the Dauphiné region harmoniously combines historic heritage and modernity, culture and nature.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Grenoble on foot and on your own

Navaway’stour of Grenoble takes you on a 5.8km discovery tour in 2 hours 20 minutes, with 19 audio guides revealing the secrets of this capital of the Alps. From the old town to the cable cars, each stop reveals the wealth of this exceptional Alpine destination.

The Bastille, accessible by the most urban cable car in France, offers a breathtaking view of the Grenoble basin and the surrounding mountains. The historic centre, with its pedestrianised streets and lively squares, boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. The Musée de Grenoble, renowned for its collections of modern and contemporary art, is the perfect complement to this cultural discovery. For a complete exploration, let yourself be guided by choosing to visit Grenoble with the Navaway audioguide.

8. Lake Aiguebelette, the emerald of Savoie

Just 96 kilometres from Lyon lies Lac d’Aiguebelette, a natural gem with striking blue-green waters. This excursion around Lyon promises relaxation and water sports activities in an unspoilt mountain setting. Renowned as one of the warmest natural lakes in France, it offers ideal conditions for swimming and water sports.

The landscaped banks allow you to make the most of this exceptional stretch of water, whether you’re enjoying a family picnic or a lazy session in the sun. Rowing enthusiasts will find optimal conditions here, as the lake is regularly chosen to host top-level international competitions.

The hiking trails that encircle the lake offer remarkable views of this Savoyard emerald set in its mountain setting. The nature reserve protects the ecological wealth of this exceptional site, where many species of aquatic birds find refuge. This nature destination is one of the most rejuvenating getaways around Lyon to escape the urban hustle and bustle.

9. The Parc des Oiseaux at Villars-les-Dombes

Just 45 kilometres from Lyon, the Parc des Oiseaux offers one of the most exotic excursions around Lyon. This unique zoological park is home to over 3,000 birds of 300 different species over 35 hectares in the heart of the Dombes region. This family-friendly destination promises an exceptional ornithological world tour.

The park’s innovative concept allows visitors to observe birds from all over the world in faithfully reconstructed environments. Free-flying bird shows punctuate the visit, offering magical moments when eagles, vultures and parrots move freely above the amazed visitors.

The Dombes, the region of a thousand ponds, is a unique ecosystem in Europe. The park fits perfectly into this exceptional landscape, raising visitors’ awareness of the need to preserve wetlands and their winged inhabitants. The modern facilities and themed trails make this excursion around Lyon an educational and fun discovery for all the family.

10. The Grottes de la Balme, underground wonders

Just 51 kilometres from Lyon, the Grottes de la Balme reveal a fascinating underground world, offering one of the most refreshing excursions around Lyon. These natural caves, carved out by water over thousands of years, are a veritable mineral palace with spectacular geological formations.

The constant temperature of 12°C to 15°C makes this visit an ideal refuge on hot summer days. The underground route reveals majestic chambers adorned with astonishingly shaped stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted by the patience of water and time.

Local legend has it that Mandrin, the famous 18th-century bandit, used these caves as a hiding place. The underground lake and its mysterious reflections add a magical dimension to this caving exploration accessible to all. The “Coteaux de Saint-Roch” nature reserve completes this excursion with a panoramic walk on the surrounding heights.

11. Yvoire, medieval village on Lake Geneva

Just 150 kilometres from Lyon, Yvoire unfurls its medieval charms on the French shores of Lake Geneva. This excursion around Lyon transports visitors to an enchanting setting, where the architectural heritage blends harmoniously with the beauty of the largest lake in Western Europe.

Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Yvoire has preserved its medieval character intact. Its 14th-century ramparts, fortified gates and castle bear witness to its past as a strategic stronghold. Its flower-filled alleyways, veritable open-air gardens, have earned it the “4 flowers” label for towns and villages in bloom.

The Jardin des Cinq Sens, a contemporary landscape design inspired by medieval gardens, invites you to take a unique sensory stroll. The marina and its colourful boats complete this idyllic picture on the shores of Lake Geneva. This romantic excursion around Lyon offers a complete change of scenery in an exceptional Alpine setting.

12. Vercors Regional Nature Park

126 kilometres from Lyon lies the Vercors Regional Nature Park, an immense limestone fortress offering one of the most spectacular nature excursions around Lyon. This pre-Alpine massif stretches over 206,000 hectares between Isère and Drôme, revealing strikingly beautiful landscapes and exceptional biodiversity.

The Vercors plateaux are veritable balconies over the Alps, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding massifs. The deep gorges and vertiginous cliffs bear witness to the erosive power that has sculpted these landscapes over geological eras. The Grotte de Choranche, with its magical crystallisations, is one of the massif’s underground gems.

The Vercors also bears the memory of the French Resistance. The Resistance Memorial at Vassieux-en-Vercors recalls the sacrifice of the maquisards who made these mountains a symbol of freedom. Characterful villages such as Pont-en-Royans, with its houses suspended above the Bourne river, punctuate this exceptional historical and natural tour.

13. Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva

Just 225 kilometres from Lyon, the Château de Chillon stands in romantic silhouette on the waters of Lake Geneva. This excursion around Lyon, although further afield, rewards travellers with the discovery of one of Switzerland’s most visited historic monuments, in a grandiose Alpine setting.

Built on a rocky islet, this medieval fortress seems to float on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Geneva. Its round towers and crenellated ramparts have inspired many artists, including Lord Byron, who immortalised the “Prisoner of Chillon” in his famous poem.

The tour reveals vaulted rooms, impressive dungeons and magnificently restored stately flats. From the walkways, the panorama stretches across Lake Geneva, framed by the Swiss and French Alps. This exceptional excursion around Lyon combines medieval history and Alpine splendour in a truly enchanting setting.

14. Chamonix and Mont Blanc

Just 200 kilometres from Lyon, Chamonix opens the gates to the kingdom of Mont Blanc, offering one of the most spectacular excursions around Lyon. This legendary glacial valley, cradle of modern mountaineering and venue for the first Winter Olympics in 1924, reveals landscapes of absolute grandeur.

The Aiguille du Midi, accessible by cable car, propels visitors to an altitude of 3,842 metres for a breathtaking face-to-face view of the roof of Europe. The 360° panorama takes in the highest peaks in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. The “pas dans le vide”, a glass platform suspended above the glacier, is a unique experience for thrill-seekers.

The Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, can be discovered aboard the Montenvers rack-and-pinion train. This thousand-year-old glacier tongue, although in retreat, continues to fascinate with its imposing dimensions and deep blue crevasses. This exceptional alpine excursion around Lyon promises unforgettable memories in the world of high mountains.

15. Peaugres Safari in Ardèche

60 kilometres from Lyon, the Safari de Peaugres offers one of the most exotic excursions around Lyon. This 80-hectare zoo, the largest in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is home to more than 1,400 animals of 300 different species in an unspoilt natural setting in the green Ardèche.

The 5-kilometre driving safari allows you to observe 126 species of African and European animals in semi-liberty. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and zebras roam in vast enclosures that faithfully reproduce their natural habitat. This immersion in the heart of the African savannah, just a stone’s throw from Lyon, promises extraordinary animal encounters.

The park on foot completes this discovery with themed areas dedicated to different continents. The Madagascar area, the only one of its kind in France, is home to lemurs and fossas in a striking recreation of the Madagascan forest. Educational shows and guided feedings enhance this family excursion, raising awareness of the need to protect the world’s biodiversity.

In conclusion, these 15 excursions around Lyon reveal the exceptional wealth of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. From unspoilt medieval villages to towering Alpine peaks, from renowned vineyards to wild nature parks, each destination offers a unique facet of France’s heritage. Whether you’re a lover of history, nature, culture or relaxation, the Lyon region has something for everyone. Don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided in your discoveries thanks to the audio-guided tours of Lyon and the surrounding towns to enrich your exploration of these exceptional destinations.

Frequently asked questions about excursions around Lyon

What’s the best day out around Lyon?

Annecy remains the most popular excursion around Lyon, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” for its romantic canals and crystal-clear lake. Just 145km from Lyon, this destination combines medieval heritage, unspoilt nature and water sports in an exceptional Alpine setting.

How long does it take to visit these destinations from Lyon?

Most excursions can be made comfortably during the day. Nearby destinations such as Pérouges (38 km) or the Parc des Oiseaux (45 km) require half a day, while more distant destinations such as Annecy (145 km) or Chamonix (200 km) require a full day.

What excursions around Lyon can I make using public transport?

Several destinations are accessible by public transport: Vienne by direct train (25 minutes), Annecy and Chambéry by train (1h20 to 2h15), Grenoble by train or bus (1h20). Departmental coaches also serve certain destinations, such as the Parc des Oiseaux and Pérouges.

What’s the best season for these excursions around Lyon?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. In summer, you can make the most of the lakes and water sports, while winter brings out the magic of the snow-covered landscapes, particularly in Chamonix and the nature parks.

Are there any organised tours for these excursions?

Many tour operators offer organised excursions from Lyon to Annecy, Pérouges, the Beaujolais and Pilat. For an independent and personalised way to explore Lyon, Annecy, Vienne, Grenoble and Chambéry, use the Navaway audio guides.