If your ideal getaway involves discovery and boundless exploration, planning your itinerary around Lyon is an excellent choice. To assist you in uncovering the wonders of Lyon and its picturesque surroundings, Camping Barolles has curated this essential guide to the region’s top sights and activities.
What to Visit Around Lyon: Explore the City and Its Surroundings
Before venturing into the broader regional landscape, begin your journey within Lyon itself, a city consistently ranked among France’s finest destinations. Often hailed as the ‘City of Lights,’ Lyon boasts a profound historical and cultural legacy woven into its very fabric. A quintessential landmark is the magnificent Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, majestically perched above the cityscape. This iconic edifice transports visitors back in time, providing breathtaking panoramic views across Lyon and its expansive surroundings.
Further your exploration by strolling through Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), famous for its unique ‘traboules’ (secret passageways) and charming, cobblestone alleys that vividly reflect the city’s rich architectural past. Nature enthusiasts will find the Parc de la Tête d’Or an unmissable stop. Spanning over 105 hectares, this expansive urban park, France’s largest, offers a serene escape complete with a tranquil lake, meticulously kept gardens, children’s play zones, picnic spots, and even a complimentary zoo.
Should inclement weather arise, Lyon offers an abundance of captivating museums to explore. Among the must-see institutions, you’ll discover:
- The Musée des Confluences, a striking architectural marvel dedicated to natural history, anthropology, and societal evolution;
- The Musée Miniature et Cinéma, captivating film buffs with its intricate miniature sets and iconic movie props;
- The Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon (MAC Lyon), a dynamic hub for modern art aficionados;
- The Institut Lumière, celebrating the birthplace of cinema and its pioneering inventors;
- The Musée de l’Imprimerie et de la Communication Graphique, for those intrigued by the history of printing and graphic arts.
For a truly memorable evening, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Here, you can soak in the vibrant ambiance of numerous bars and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a nighttime excursion.
Discover the Rhône Department
For those eager to venture beyond the city limits, the Rhône department offers a wealth of captivating discoveries just a short distance from Lyon.
Commence your regional adventure with an excursion to the Pilat Regional Natural Park, conveniently situated close to Lyon. This expansive natural park is a true treasure for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a myriad of hiking trails and providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. Whether you visit during the warmth of summer or the chill of winter, it stands as an ideal destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature and vast open spaces around Lyon.
Extend your journey just outside Lyon with a stop in Chaponost. This charming village is renowned for the Gier Aqueduct, an awe-inspiring remnant of Roman engineering that is sure to fascinate history buffs.
For a more serene experience, pause in Belleville-en-Beaujolais and marvel at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Belleville. This 12th-century Catholic church, enveloped by lush greenery, presents a tranquil scene perfect for delving into the region’s spiritual heritage.
Finally, if you appreciate fine wines and scenic vistas, ensure your itinerary includes an extension to the Beaujolais region. Located to the northeast of the department, this area is celebrated for its rolling vineyards, enchanting villages, and diverse range of activities. It serves as the perfect locale to blend enriching cultural exploration with delightful culinary experiences.
What to Visit Around Lyon: Explore the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region
Should your appetite for discovery extend further, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers an even broader spectrum of unmissable attractions.
Visit the Ain Department
Begin your exploration of the Ain department in the city of Bourg-en-Bresse. Here, you can admire the magnificent Royal Monastery of Brou, a masterpiece of 16th-century Gothic architecture, rich in intricate details. The city also reveals other Renaissance and 16th-century structures, offering a captivating journey back in time.
Next, make a stop in Pérouges. This village, recognized as one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France,’ boasts a remarkably preserved medieval cité that perfectly evokes the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Conclude your exploration of Ain by traversing the Bugey wine route, a splendid scenic drive that weaves through landscapes blending impressive architecture, rich cultural sites, and stunning natural beauty. This route provides an opportunity to discover charming, authentic villages, historical landmarks, and panoramic vistas, making it an ideal choice for those seeking unique places to visit near Lyon off the usual tourist path.
Discover the Allier Department
To further your exploration of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, we highly recommend a visit to the Allier department.
Here, you’ll encounter a landscape punctuated by formidable medieval fortresses, ancient cellars, and majestic castles. For an immersive experience, many of these historical strongholds are open for visits. Highlights include the imposing Castle of the Dukes of Bourbon, the robust Fortress of Hérisson, the picturesque Montaigu-le-Blin Castle, and the historic Billy Fortress.
Furthermore, the department offers excellent opportunities for excursions into its diverse towns. For a vibrant medieval and festive atmosphere, we suggest Montluçon, while Moulins stands out as a city rich in art and history. And, of course, don’t overlook Vichy, famously known as the ‘Queen of Spa Towns’ for its therapeutic waters.
Lastly, Allier also presents some truly unique attractions, such as the fascinating Laveau-Sphere clock, vibrant color festivals, and an emerging street art scene, offering an unexpected blend of creativity and heritage.
Embark on an Excursion to Ardèche
In the captivating Ardèche department, make sure to visit the intriguing Forêt de Païolive, often referred to as the ‘Fairy Forest.’ Here, you’ll encounter unique limestone formations resembling natural sculptures, such as the ‘Elephant,’ the ‘Bear,’ and the ‘Lion Rock.’
It’s impossible to discuss Ardèche without highlighting its iconic Gorges de l’Ardèche. This impressive 32-kilometer-long canyon carves through spectacular landscapes and is home to several remarkable caves, including the Grotte de la Madeleine and the Grotte de Saint-Marcel, both offering fascinating underground explorations.
Visit the Cantal Department
Begin your journey through the Cantal department by exploring the magnificent Cantal volcano and ascending to the panoramic summit of Puy Mary. Continue your adventure towards Chaudes-Aigues, celebrated for possessing Europe’s hottest natural thermal waters.
Consider excursions to the charming medieval village of Salers, the historic heart of Aurillac, the picturesque village and Château de Tournemire, and the spiritual town of Saint-Flour.
Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the impressive Garabit Viaduct, a marvel of engineering crafted by Gustave Eiffel’s company. For a truly enchanting spectacle, we highly recommend witnessing its grandeur illuminated after dusk.
Discover the Drôme
Your exploration of the Drôme department can commence in the south, within the enchanting Regional Natural Park of Baronnies Provençales. This park unfolds unique panoramas, harmoniously blending rugged mountain ranges, fragrant lavender fields, and ancient olive groves.
Continue your journey to discover the extraordinary Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval. This utterly unique architectural masterpiece, constructed by a postman with no formal training, will captivate you with its unconventional beauty and inspiring history.
Finally, before departing from this department, be sure to pass through the delightful city of Montélimar, famously recognized as the home of delectable nougat.
Excursion to Isère
The Isère department beckons with numerous routes boasting spectacular landscapes and a multitude of excursions offering breathtaking vistas and panoramic viewpoints.
You can explore the four renowned mountain massifs encircling Grenoble:
- Vercors, known for its dramatic cliffs and diverse hiking trails;
- The Taillefer massif, dotted with pristine alpine lakes;
- Belledonne, offering varied landscapes across its different altitudes;
- Chartreuse, inviting you to visit the iconic Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse, a serene sanctuary nestled deep within the mountains.
Each of these four massifs presents a wide array of cultural and sporting activities. During winter, enjoy snowshoeing and ski touring, while summer invites opportunities for climbing and canyoning.
For a superb vantage point over Grenoble, ascend to the Fort de la Bastille Belvedere, offering unparalleled city views.
And for a change of pace from cultural pursuits, consider a thrilling day out at Walibi Rhône-Alpes Amusement Park.
Visit Loire and Haute-Loire
Begin your journey in the Loire department with the city of Saint-Étienne, home to a renowned Museum of Modern Art.
From there, discover the stunning Loire Gorges and Lake Grangent, where a landscape of wild, verdant nature awaits your exploration.
We also suggest a stop in the city of Roanne, famous for its rich culinary heritage and gastronomic delights.
Discover Savoie and Haute-Savoie
In Savoie and Haute-Savoie, you can explore the magnificent Vanoise National Park, a protected area teeming with diverse and rich flora and fauna.
Should you seek rejuvenation, head to spa towns like Aix-les-Bains, Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, and the medieval village of Yvoire for moments of pure relaxation. Here, you can indulge in thermal springs and enjoy the beauty of majestic lakes such as Lac du Bourget and Lake Geneva.
Also, make time to visit Annecy, often called the ‘Venice of the Alps,’ to experience its iconic lake, charming canals, beautiful parks, and flower-lined streets.
Finally, embrace the grandeur of the Mont Blanc massif and its renowned ski resorts, which provide spectacular landscapes and outdoor opportunities throughout both summer and winter.
Where to Stay to Visit Lyon and the Surrounding Cities?
To fully immerse yourself in the myriad activities and stunning landscapes surrounding Lyon, ensuring well-deserved moments of rest is paramount. And what better way to achieve this than by choosing a conveniently located campsite near Lyon?
Camping Barolles, welcoming guests year-round, stands as the perfect base for discovering Lyon and its environs, regardless of the season. This campsite provides pitches equipped with water and electricity, along with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your stay, ensuring optimal comfort and connectivity after a day of exploring the region around Lyon.
Strategically situated in Saint-Genis-Laval, this campsite’s location is ideal not only for visiting Lyon city center but also for venturing into the wider surrounding areas. After a day spent exploring departments like Isère or Drôme, you can comfortably retreat to the campsite each evening to unwind and prepare for another exciting day of regional discoveries near Lyon.