day trips from lyon france by train

These old steam trains, using systems dating . Surrounded by alpine peaks, turquoise waters, and lush forests its easily one of the most beautiful cities in France. Take a Scenic Tour of Lake Geneva. If youre planning to spend a few nights in Lyon, Ive got you covered. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The museum was built on the former premises of a 17th-century convent. You can read more about visiting Grenoble here. Its also located on a small island now since the Villerest Dam was built in 1982. Start at the "Mur des Canuts," an enormous mural painted on the faade of a building. There are several panels with some of the earliest known figurative drawings, making it one of the most important prehistoric art sites in the world. You can also choose a guided tour that includes wine tasting. Not only is Lyon a beautiful city full of historic buildings ( the inner-city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ), but it has also been known as the World's Capital of Gastronomy for almost one century. The Romantic-style park is a green haven, with hundreds of trees and plants, artificial lakes, walking paths, grassy lawns, and playground areas. With stunning alpine peaks, lush meadows, and beautiful lakes, this place has a lot to offer. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Lyon (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor All Rights Reserved. Address 69005 Lyon France Top routes from Lyon Looking for more ideas? Lyon: Day Trips - Tripadvisor There are also buses available, but theyre much slower. Lying on Lac Lman near the Swiss border, Yvoire has been voted one of the plus beaux village de France, meaning most beautiful village. 12:30 p.m.: If all the walking this morning has made you hungry, you're in luck. The menu here offers creative twists on traditional Lyonnais cuisine. The meanders of the Gorges de la Loire, between Saint-Paul-en-Cornillon and Chambles, are beautiful to see on a day trip from Lyon. Perouges epitomises medieval France with its cobblestone lanes surrounded by ramparts. The drive from Lyon to the abbey takes 1 hr 23 min. Geneva, home of luxury chocolate, is about 150 km (93 miles) from Lyon, making it another easy target for a road trip. A charming city, Valence situated at a central position on the direct high-speed train and highway line between Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Nicknamed theRiviera of the French Alps, Aix-les-Bains is a 1 hr 30 min drive from Lyon, but it is also straightforward to visit by train (1 hr 10 min one way). Getting to Grenoble The best option is to take the train from Lyon. You can even go canoeing along the Isre River, explore the Grenoble Museum, or walk high within the treetops at LOdysse Verte. Head to Le Kitchen Caf for fresh pastries, fruit and juices, omelettes, smoked trout, excellent coffee and tea, and other breakfast fare. Vienne is located just 34 km (21 miles) from Lyon where the Gere and Rhone rivers meet. Located in the Drme department in the region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, it is about 1h45 from Lyon by car. 4. Chteau de la Roche was built during the 1200s and was often used as a lookout point due to its strategic location or as a summer residence, depending on who owned the castle at the time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once the capital of the Dukes of Savoy, it became part of France in exchange for the Victor Emmanuel II becoming King of Italy. She is co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region. It dates back to Roman times 121 BC, when Lyon was the Roman capital and Marseille an important port city. This charming town is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe! The actual cave is too fragile to allow visitors, and so an exact replica was built called Grotte Chauvet 2. You can read more about traveling on the Train de lArdeche here. These day hiking routes from Prouges range from 40 minutes to 2.5 hours. Therefore, I recommend renting a car. Chteau de la Roche is just 1 hour by car from Lyon, and it is one of the best family day trips from Lyon on this list. Settle in for a picnic if you chose to bring items from the market to enjoy outdoors. I recommend carrying coins as not all parking ticket machines are set up to accept card payments. Discover popular train routes in France, journey times and how to book tickets online. 5 p.m.: Next, head to the Gallo-Roman Museum. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Eurostar has a summer season direct service to Lyon from London. Please read disclaimer for more info. Getting to Pont-en-Royans You can choose to take the train from Lyon to St Hilaire St Nazaire and then take a taxi for 11 km, or you can rent a car for the day to get to Pont-en-Royans. Next, roam through the bustling shopping streets in the area known as Cordeliers, slowly heading south to the enormous Place Bellecour. During your time here make sure you check out the scenic Place du Tilleul square too. Bronwyn Townsend 2012-2023All rights reserved. Day trips from Lyon by train - Lyon Forum - Tripadvisor Europe France Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Rhone Lyon Lyon Travel Forum Browse all 3,219 Lyon topics Day trips from Lyon by train Watch this Topic Browse forums All Rhone forums Lyon forum Akis0 Crete, Greece Level Contributor 127 posts Day trips from Lyon by train 10 years ago Save I only recommend companies and products that I trust and the income goes to keeping this website running. If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more about traveling around the region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alps. Recommended Train Take the train from Lyon Part Dieu to St-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet 3h 58m 75 - 140 Cheapest Bus One of the greatest cultural treasures in the world is located in the heart of department of Ardche, about 124 miles (200 km) away from Lyon. Getting to Yvoire There is no direct public transport from Lyon to Yvoire, so the best way to reach this incredible city is by car. The list of fun things to see and do in Dijon includes a visit to the Muse des Beaux-Arts (former Palace of the Dukes), the Old Town, and the Central Market. This beautiful town is small but extremely charming, and can easily be explored on foot in one day. How to spend 1 week in France. At the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited. Hop on Metro line C and take it to the Hnon station. 4:30 p.m.: From the park, head south and cross the Rhne river at the Pont de Lattre-de-Tassigny, walking until you reach the Croix-Paquet metro station. Click here to book your car in Lyon with DiscoverCars. This charming little town surrounded by the natural landscapes of Gorges de lArdche and other large regional parks. In only two hours by car or train, you can reach the beautiful city of Dijon, a favorite for visitors to Lyon and Lyonnais themselves! If you are looking for a day trip to explore some of the regions top cultural and historical sites, then choosing Avignon as a destination is a very sound idea. You can read more about visiting Annecy here. Scenic lake tour on Lake Geneva. The 8 Best Day Trips From Lyon, France By Courtney Traub Published on 03/04/21 Federica Gentile / Moment / Getty Images Situated south of Burgundy, northeast of Provence, and west of the Alps, Lyon is ideally placed for exploring these adjoining regions. Save 32% on average when you buy in advance, Prices from hundreds of train and coach companies, Join millions of people who use us every day, Travel to thousands of destinations in 45 countries. From natural wonders in Ardche to small towns in the Rhne Alps, and more. At the time of its construction, around 800, the Chteau de Grangent was standing on a rocky promontory 60 meters above the Loire River. The city is most famous for events that occurred in the 14th century which is when the popes fled from Rome to Avignon. While you cannot visit inside residents homes, you can admire the maison suspendues from all along the riverbank on the opposite side. 10. Magical port city, steeped in history Yvoire, on the other hand, is a medieval village located less than 70 km (43 miles) from Annecy. If you are interested in seeing other cities near Lyon, in the region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, then head over to Grenoble, as this is just 1 hr 20 min by train, 1 hr by car. THE TOP 10 Lyon Day Trips (w/Prices) - Viator Learn all about the attractions and things to do near this cosmopolitan city with our list of the top day trips from Geneva. Du Train: Trains from Paris (Gare de Lyon or Bercy) to Lyon are direct and the shortest journey time is 1h57. Travelling along a portion of the Gorges Doux (Valley of the Doux), the area is otherwise inaccessible and is known for its beautiful unspoiled landscapes. The town sits at the foot of the mountains, and it boasts a plethora of medieval pedestrian streets and ancient churches that will take you back thousands of years ago. Its one of the most popular tourist attractions near Lyon and offers striking scenery, as the castle is nestled within a lush wooded area and surrounded by forested peaks. And with plenty of lakeside beaches, biking lanes and hiking trails nearby, it is a sports-lovers paradise. Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. It is home to Palais de Papes, which happens to be the largest gothic medieval palace in the worldan attraction that fascinates visitors of all ages. There are several medieval exhibitions with lots of history from bygone centuries, including Well of Moses, which is a stone sculpture believed to have been erected during the 14th century. Its winding cobblestone streets and pretty squares will transport you back in time. Today, Valence is a lovely blend of historic and modern France. Option 1, Lyon to Paris by high-speed TGV train - fastest & most frequent. There are a couple of large thermal spa resorts around Aix-les-Bains, using natural spring waters. Visiting Aix-les-Bains is one of the best things to do around Lyon! Day trip from Lyon to Geneva? - Geneva Forum - Tripadvisor You can also enjoy a spa treatment atChevalley Thermal Baths or one of the endless activities around Lac du Bourget, the biggest natural lake in France. Getting to Aix-les-Bains There are a few daily direct trains from Lyon to Aix-les-Bains and the train ride takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you have enough time, make sure to book a tour and discover the vineyards! The chteau dominated the gorges and offered an ideal point of surveillance over the surroundings. Boasting thousands of years of historyreflected in impressive Roman ruins and architecture dating to the medieval and Renaissance periodsLyon is also resolutely modern. If you don't have one, we recommend booking your rental car with DiscoverCars.com . Lyon to Perouges by car. Its one of the oldest cities in the country and is thought to have been around since the 2nd Century AD. Even if youre not heading there during the winter, you can still get involved with plenty of other activities in the area including horse riding, rafting, and climbing during summer. Balkans Cat/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus. To learn more about Lyon's darker history, visit the Resistance and Deportation History Centre, which traces the events of World War II, Nazi persecution in the city, and the heroism of Resistance leaders such as Jean Moulin. Tip usually, buses are cheaper. It takes an average of 1h 57m to travel from Paris to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 243 miles (391 km). One of Lyon's Unesco World Heritage sites, Fourvire Hill houses the main vestiges of the Gallo-Roman city that once stood in present-day Lyon, then called Lugdunum. I love to write. Find out the best day trips from Lyon, all within a couple of hours drive. Dijon is another charming city in France and was designated a World Heritage Site in 2015. Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. Your guide will join you on the train therefore taking any headaches out of logistical concerns (including help getting through passport control and customs as quickly as possible). In recent years Lyon has become a popular destination . To begin with, it is home to one of the oldest museums in FranceMusee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon. Perched at the top of a hill, enjoy panoramic views across the valley below set against the fairytale backdrop complemented by the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps. In 2019, that direct train from London to Lyon runs three or four times per week from early May until mid-September. Day 1: Fly into Paris (save Paris sightseeing for your trip finale), pick up your car, and visit Giverny en route to Honfleur (sleep in Honfleur) Day 2: Morning in Honfleur, afternoon in Bayeux to see its tapestry and cathedral (sleep in Bayeux) The start point is at a place where a river used to flow underground. What youll find in this museum are some of the finest collections of arts from various parts of the globe. Chteau de la Roche is one of the most beautiful castles in France, with a very picturesque setting. Nestled between the French Alps to the east and Burgundy wine country to the north, Lyon is one of France's grandest and most exciting cities. For a more cultural day trip from Lyon, visit theAbbey of Hautecombe, located on Lake de Bourgets western shore. La Clusaz has 120km of pistes with magnificent views, but it is also an ideal spot for backcountry skiing, and there are even freeriding schools here. Your email address will not be published. Im Aura and I'm a full-time professional blogger. Rudolf Ernst/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus. Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. Pl. Go behind closed doors for fun anecdotes and the unvarnished truth on those intriguing French habits ;). With the construction of a dam in 1957, the former rocky promontory became a small island in a lake, the Lac de Grangent. This area is at the heart of the regions wine activities, and awaiting you here are plenty of vineyards, wine merchants, cellars, and wine-tasting tours. 6 of the Best Day Trips from Lyon | Trainline Is Lyon worth visiting? Our short detour to France's most underrated city While there are plenty of beautiful French cities to include in a France itinerary, Lyon is one you don't want to miss. Getting to La Clusaz There are no direct buses from Lyon to La Clusaz (youll have to change buses in Annecy). If youre heading to Chambry on a Saturday youre in for a treat. Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. The castle hosts many costume events, treasure hunts, and other interesting activities great for kids and adults. If youre looking for things to do around Lyon, then dont miss out on a visit to Grenoble. From a magnificent tlphrique carrying tourists up the historic Fort Bastille Grenoble, to the quays of the river Isre, it is certainly a beautiful city. My guides are packed with off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel fails stories, and practical tips & tricks. Except for the cities, easy day trips from Lyon by train, the best way to explore the French region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes on Lyon day trips is with your car. The ski resort of La Clusaz is less than a 2-hour drive from Lyon. Use this list of the best day trips from Lyon, France, as a guide to finding out about the many highlights the area has to offer. France Train Map | Interactive Train Routes in France | Trainline La Clusaz has to be one of the most beautiful places near Lyon especially during the winter months. You might also enjoy a glass of local red or white wine. It is split into two parts: the historic city center and the new town. Sites that are especially photogenic in the evening include the Lyon Opera, whose modern-day, domed glass roof was designed by architect Jean Nouvel; Htel de Ville and the entire Place des Terreaux; and the riverside quays and bridges along both the Sane and Rhne. Geneva If you're looking for day trips from Lyon by train then head to Geneva. Then you can settle in on board as we speed you to France. Prouges & Annecy Private Day Trip with Food Tasting from Lyon. The city also boasts several interesting Romanesque and Early Gothic churches. Clermont-Ferrand is situated in Central France and is one of the best places to visit from Lyon. Next, explore the Place de la Croix-Rousse (the main square), Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, and surrounding streets. Annecy is an old town in an idyllic setting and just a short distance from Lyon, making it a great destination for a day trip. This lakeside city of Aix-les-Bains has attracted the rich and well-to-to for centuries. Its one of the best day trips from Lyon and theres plenty to see including the Garden of Five Senses. Located in the Loire department, on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam, this is a 13-century castle that went through a deep restoration in the Gothic style in the 1900s. Europe's summer travel strikes: When, where and what - Euronews Appreciate the help. With over 270 train and coach companies in and across 45 countries including, Save 32% on average when you buy in advance. From here, youll have stunning views of the city! After the fall of the Roman Empire as christianity swept across Europe, the temple became a parish church until the 1789 French Revolution. Getting to Annecy There are plenty of trains and buses to choose from if you plan a day trip from Lyon to Annecy. The sugary, buttery, flattened brioche dough treat resembles a pie-like treat. You can read more about visiting Grotte Chauvet 2 here. Getting to Clermont-Ferrand a train ride from Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand takes a little over 2 hours and prices start at 15 euros. As the name suggests, this garden aims to envelop all the senses and is quite the experience! These spectacular images were created by prehistoric humans, or Homo sapiens, as they roamed the European continent. Unsubscribe in one click. One thing to note, however, is that the best way to explore this region would be on bikessince there are marked bike paths that will lead you to several destinations in no time. December is also popular for the festive season and the quaint Christmas market. 9 Amazing Day Trips from Lyon, France - Discover Lyon Magazine 6 of the best day trips from Lyon. To be honest, the newer part with its industrial buildings is nothing to write home about, but thankfully the old historic center makes up for it. You can pre-purchase your tickets here with Trainline. Getting to Chambry I recommend taking the train if you want to go on a day trip from Lyon to Chambry. The drive from Lyon to Ile de Grangent takes 1 hour. Some will find the two open-air Roman arenas even more impressive. Its even possible to head up a staircase to the roof! Day trips from Lyon - Rick Steves Travel Forum Home Travel Forum France Day trips from Lyon Day trips from Lyon Jump to bottom Posted by Ellen (Darmouth, MA, USA) on 02/24/20 07:59 AM I in a quandary whether to add Lyon as we conclude our Provence trip, tempting right on the TVG to the airport. Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. I loved its historical city center, which was in total contrast with the more modern buildings located a few bus stations away from the center. Continue through the first roundabout and at the second take the 4th exit onto D1084. If you are looking to visit an irreverent small town in central France, Romans-sur-Isre might just fit the bill. Lyon is an incredible city, with lots of tourist attractions to choose from. You cant explore the whole building as its still in use by the religious community that lives here. Lined with greenery and grassy areas, you'll come across picturesque boats and boat cafs, bike paths, and recreation spaces as you explore. Day trips from Lyon by train - Lyon Forum - Tripadvisor One of Europe's largest public squares, it's known for its equestrian statue of King Louis XIV and a giant Ferris wheel. With many famous sights like the Palais des Papes (Palace of the popes) and the Pont dAvignon (Avignon bridge), Avignon is one of the most popular cities to visit in France. It is a lively city with plenty of theatres, restaurants, and cultural events. It is about 2h20 from Lyon by car, nestled in the French Alps. Located only 17 km southwest of Paris, in the Ile-de-France region, Versailles is also one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Recommended option Train Take the train from Lyon Part Dieu to Meximieux Perouges 33 min 18 - 35 Cheapest option Rideshare Entry is free. There are trains operating every two hours normally, with an average journey time of just 31 minutes. Aside from admiring this unique view, you can also head to the Water Museum where youll get to learn about the water cycle and plastic pollution. From the old Palais de lIle to the Chteau dAnnecy, this was the home of the Counts of Genova. Here are the best accommodation options, for every budget: I hope that you enjoyed these destinations, theyre the best day trips from Lyon! Click here to buy your train tickets to Grenoble. To this day, the well-preserved arenas are used to stage concerts and open-air theater performances, especially in the summer. The meeting point is at the office de tourisme building, across the street in front on the Hotel royal Lyon, M-Gallery (20 Place Bellecour, Lyon) . We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day. 8:30 a.m.: Begin with breakfast on the right bank of the Rhne river. . The Best Day Trips From Lyon, France - TripSavvy 15 Best Day Trips from Lyon, France - Road Affair Check live train times Book tickets + More One of the great benefits of basing yourself in Lyon is its accessibility to other parts of the country, including neighbouring Geneva. 48 Hours in Lyon, France: The Ultimate Itinerary - TripSavvy A micro-sized hamlet characterised by timber frame houses, Perouges is less than 200 metres wide but brimming with a rich heritage founded by handweavers and hemp farmers. Get the best day trips from Lyon, all within a couple of hours drive. Except for the cities, easy day trips from Lyon by train, the best way to explore the French region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes on Lyon day trips is with your car. The series of underground caves are believed to have been in use during prehistoric times. Now offering a picturesque panorama to visitors, the ensemble is reminiscent of when the gorges were a strategic route between Forez and Velay. Heres the list of the best day trips from Lyon, fun Lyon day trips in Eastern France with something for every taste: If medieval villages are your thing, you will love Prouges, 40 minutes outside of Lyon. Guided tours are also available, and the castle is pet-friendly so the whole family can come along for the trip. Pont-en-Royans is located in Southeast France and is situated along the Bourne River. Apart from wine-tasting and vineyard tours, a day trip to this little town will also treat you to spectacular views of the famous golden stone villages, which are sometimes referred to as Little Tuscany. A day visit to the beautiful city of Annecy in Haute-Savoie is one of the most popular day trips from Lyon. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Then take the 1st exit onto Rte de Lyon/D22A heading to Chalamont/Meximieux/Perouges and then a left onto Rte de Prouges/Rte de Trvoux/D4. You can read more about visiting Valence here. One of Frances most well-preserved medieval villages, the enchanting destination has been used as film sets for movies including The Three Musketeers and Monsieur Vincent. Fully accompanied on the train option: Leave Lyon: 8.30am getting back into Lyon between 6.30pm-7pm. 2:30 p.m.: Next, walk about 15 minutes north up Rue Garibaldi until you reach the gates of the enormous Parc de la Tte d'Or, Lyon's largest park. Clermont-Ferrand to Nmes; 303km (188 miles) The savage beauty of the isolated Massif Central opens up on one of France's oldest train routes - and one of the most challenging to build, given the topography of the Gorges de l'Allier.