Wonders around Lyon
With its charming alleys and its unique atmosphere in France, Lyon is a great city that is full of tourist spots and there is a lot to do there. But as soon as a ray of sunlight points its nose, you immediately want to see other horizons or enjoy nature… Discover our best spots around Lyon for a rejuvenating, cultural or sporting getaway!
Immerse yourself in a magical world at the Palais du Facteur Cheval
Here is an essential outing to do around Lyon: the Palais du Facteur Cheval is a real invitation to daydream! The work of one man, it was built for 33 years by Ferdinand Cheval, a postman with a child's soul. Uninhabitable, the Ideal Palace is classified as a Historic Monument. As you stroll through a lush garden, you can admire all kinds of sculpted animals: octopus, pelican, elephant; but also a multitude of imaginary beings, fairies and giants in the lead. The place regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions and workshops for children.
The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval
Take the “Water and Men” walk in Trévoux
Lovers of nature, history and new technologies, this outing is for you. Before starting the course, download the dedicated application and let's go for a 3 km connected mini-hike ! By following your virtual guide, you will be able to walk through the charming village of Trévoux. In front of each monument or preserved site, the application is triggered and offers you little stories told by different characters. After the historic center, direction the banks of the Saône where you will then follow the towpath. A super bucolic 2.0 walk around Lyon!
Discover Trévoux, 30min from Lyon
Cool off at the Caves of Cerdon
If the thermometer climbs in the city, this walk to the Caves of Cerdon will allow you to cool off while being in a magical place around Lyon. The visit is done on your own, but you can download the audio guide to your smartphone so you don't miss any information. For about 1h30 you will be able to stroll along the underground route shaped during the great ice ages. You will cross several cavities of different size and depth ... a mysterious and grandiose atmosphere guaranteed! Remember to take something to cover up, the temperatures drop to -4 ° C all year round in the lowest cave. The tour ends with a sensational view of the Cerdon Valley. An outing not to be missed!
The caves of Cerdon
Harvest your fruits and vegetables at the Picking of Fraisochamp
An original outing to do around Lyon? Take your basket and go get your fresh produce yourself! The Picking of Fraisochamp offers you pick your fruits and vegetables all year round. You will then be guaranteed to have the best freshness and to consume local, all with respect for nature and the seasons. Upon arrival, the staff will guide you through the various fields and greenhouses on the premises. A great activity to do near Lyon, especially if you are with your family!
ℹ️ Picking is closed in winter
Picking Fraisochamp
Wandering around Round Table Island
Do you want nature around Lyon? Leave the city by the south to go to Vernaison. Here is hidden the Island of the Round Table, whose name invites you to dream. On foot or by bike, you can explore every corner of this mysterious island with varied vegetation: forests, ferns and lianas will project you into a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city! You will also find a magnificent old farmhouse in ruins: the Ferme du Loup. The ideal is to pack a picnic and spend the day there.
On the outskirts of Vernaison, along the Rhône
Visit the archaeological site of Larina
A stroll in the heart of history around Lyon? Meet at the top of the Larina plateau where there used to be a prehistoric village. In this extraordinary setting, the archaeologists did a fantastic job which will allow you to visualize all the dwellings and other meeting places of the time. Thanks to small stone walls and very educational explanatory panels you will an unexpected trip to the heart of the Neolithic. You can extend the walk along the cliffs for several kilometers.
Larina archaeological site
Take a sporty hike in the moors of Montagny
A great hike around Lyon? Not far from the Regional Natural Park of Pilat, and starting from Givors, a loop of almost 18 km - approximately 4h30 of walk - will allow you to discover superb landscapes of moors. Put on your sneakers and go for the day by planning a picnic, this will allow you to take several breaks to admire the view and regain your strength. If you need to play sports in an exceptional setting, this outing is ideal! To better prepare it, download the hiking file.
Hike from Givors
Walk around Limonest
A more accessible hike than the previous one around Lyon, especially if you are with your family. The trail is fairly flat, without any difficulty. Along this 5 km walk, you will see old washhouses, fields as far as the eye can see and a breathtaking panorama of the Lyonnais mountains. For more information you can download the explanatory sheet.
Explore the golden stone villages
Around Lyon, many villages are worth a visit. This is particularly the case of those of “Little Tuscany” which are surrounded by vines. 30 km from Lyon, start your tour with the prettiest: Oingt. This medieval village, perched on a hill, enjoys a breathtaking view of Beaujolais. Along the alleys you will be charmed by its small shops, its old dungeon and its medieval atmosphere. If you are not satisfied, you can continue through the surrounding villages: Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Beaujeu or even Riverie.
Oingt, village of Beaujolais
Have your head in the stars at the Vaulx-en-Velin Planetarium
Explore space at the Vaulx-en-Velin Planetarium! Make yourself comfortable and let yourself be guided to the far reaches of the universe : a scientific mediator will help you discover stars, planets and galaxies. Several sessions are offered to adapt to all audiences. The permanent and temporary exhibitions will answer all your questions about the formation of the Earth and the Big Bang and fun areas have been set up to arouse the interest of all! Budding physicists will be able to participate in workshops in the lab. An ideal visit to do around Lyon on a rainy day!
Family fun at Wakoo Park
Tree climbing course, zip line, labyrinth, trampolines… there is plenty to have fun at Wakoo Park! Are your little ones tired of the square downstairs? Here is the ideal outing to keep them busy around Lyon! They will be able to climb in complete safety on giant nets, go go-kart or even laugh in inflatable rollers. Part of the park is entirely dedicated to children under 5, enough to have a great time, free from any worries. And if the day is scorching, water guns and foggers will be available to refresh the whole family!
ℹ️ Open only in summer
What more to do around Lyon?
The surroundings of Lyon are rich and the possibilities of discoveries very numerous! Whether you are looking for nature, history or physical activity, you will be spoiled for choice not far from the city. And if you want to take your exploration of the surroundings of Lyon a little further, consider going to see the Pilat Natural Park, or discover the unmissable spots of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
