Looking to escape Lyon for the weekend without traveling too far? Perfect! There are plenty of nearby destinations to explore for a great time. Pack your bags, and let me share my favorite spots less than 2 hours from Lyon.
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Cities
Annecy (1h30 by car)
Also known as “the Venice of the Alps”, this city has a suitable name because its lake has an important place.
Annecy’s Old Town is illuminated by neons in the early evening which creates a magical and quirky setting, you will find everything you’re looking for to end your day on a great note. Between the bars, clubs, restaurants, and stunning views on the lake, you will have a good time.
If you’re feeling like it, it is possible to rent a stand-up paddle at the lake during the day.
Maybe you will be tempted by a city tour on a Segway.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Most Instagrammable: Annecy Lake apartment, with great views of the lake from the balcony (from €458)
- Most affordable: Hôtel des Alpes, an idyllic setting to help you relax while amazing you (from €91)
Grenoble (1h25 by train)
Come and visit this city with a great historical heritage.
Between the museums, the castles, the art, and the Sassenage Cisterns, you will have everything you need to fill your day.
The attraction you must do is the cable car from which you can admire the city from high up without tiring yourself.
Once again, I would recommend a Segway tour of Grenoble to see the city from different angles.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Most Instagrammable: Grand Hôtel d’Angleterre Grenoble, a building with an atypical facade is situated in front of the Square Victor Hugo’s Gardens (from €81)
- Ideally situated: Grand Hôtel and its magnificent arch at the entrance along with its bar (from €102)
Valence (1h by train)
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A city close to nature has its charm, especially for hiking and nature outings lovers.
Valence offers numerous sport outings, whether it is by hikes, strolls; there is even some thrill, you will find something to live a unique and enriching experience.
Let’s not forget that Valence has an important heritage, you can admire the Fontaine Monumentale that offers a splendid setting, as well as the Saint Jean Baptiste church with its spectacular architecture.
There are also museums, such as the museum of archaeology that stands atop an archaeological site for a total immersion in the wonderful world of this passion.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- The most luxurious: The Maison Pic, a modern and minimalist decoration surrounded by nature (from €379)
- The most affordable: The Atrium Hôtel, a spacious room in a calm area of the city (from €92)
Aix-Les-Bains (1h20 by car)
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If you don’t know where to start in this city, discover the several tours suggested to omit nothing.
You will have the opportunity to see the Bauges massif Regional Nature Park and walk around the Bourget Lake, in which you can go for a swim in summer.
Don’t forget to go to the Casino Grand Cercle where you can play numerous games such as poker or slot machines.
Accommodations we recommend nearby:
- Out of the ordinary: The Hôtel des Eaux, a manor-like building and its gardens that will transport you to another century (from €87)
- The most luxurious: The Golden Tulip, and its relaxation area: a pool and sauna (from €104)
Geneva (1h50 by car)
Why not go abroad? Yes, it is possible. Switzerland is nearby, so why not travel to Geneva.
Wander around the Old Town with its medieval heritage and make the most of the opportunity to do some cultural outings such as at museums.
Or you can explore the city in a fun way with the paper chase “Vol contre la Montre”, which is an original tour.
Geneva is perfect for admiring breathtaking panoramas, so don’t hesitate to take breaks during your exploration.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- The most luxurious: Le Warwick Geneva, its glass facade and luxurious world (from €178)
- Good price-quality ratio: CitizenM Geneva, close to every attraction in the city (from €128)
Beaches
Atol Beach (25 minutes by car)
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Go to the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage to enjoy a relaxing moment near the water.
You can not only bask in the sun by the Eaux Bleues lake, but also take part in some activities such as golf, archery, orienteering, or go canoeing or fishing.
Strolls are suggested for those who want to carry on the moment of calm.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Ideally situated: À l’Orée du Bois, to reconnect with nature (from €83)
- The most spacious: Mas du Fort, where you can enjoy the pool (from €112)
Nantua Lake (1h by car)
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Go away to discover this lake in the Jura Mountains and go for a swim in this idyllic setting with its blue water and greenery.
Situated at the bottom of the village of the same name, the Nantua Lake is a place known to be romantic since many couples come here to spend time with each other and enjoy some fresh air as well as the wonderful landscape.
You can also visit the village and its surroundings.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Good price-quality ratio: L’écrevisse, cute and cozy (from €129)
- Ideally situated: Hôtel-Restaurant de l’Embarcadère. To eat and sleep with a view of the lake (from €89)
Lac des Sapins (1h05 by car)
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In Cublize, the Lac des Sapins opens its door for you to discover organic swimming, that is, in pure water without any chemical products.
Make the most of this moment and find the activity that suits you: picnic, pedalo, nautical base, or paintball for sport lovers.
You also have the possibility to go fishing, to go hiking on foot, by bike, or on horseback, on paths with different levels of difficulty. Everyone will find their groove.
For those who want to stay a night or more, the campsite is just a short walk away.
Accommodation I recommend nearby:
- Ideally situated: Lac des Sapins campsite (from €37.95 for two nights)
La Vallée Bleue (1h by car)
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The Vallée Bleue welcomes you to a calm moment by the water.
Several activities are available; you can go jet skiing on the Rhône, boating, kayaking, or stand-up paddling.
As for land activities, you can drive all-terrain vehicles, climb trees, or choose the means of transport you prefer for strolls.
Some activities (especially all-terrain) take place outside of the Vallée Bleue.
Here too, the campsite is just a short walk away.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Ideally situated: The campsite, close to every activity of the day camp (from €50 per night)
Countryside
Oingt (40 minutes by car)
Oingt is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Indeed, while wandering in the streets, you will instantly notice the constructions in golden stones that make the charm of this piece of heaven that looks like a medieval village.
You can visit the mechanical music museum and the majestic tower.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- The most quirky: Gîte de l’Oursonnière, a small cabin surrounded by nature (from €143)
- The most spacious: Clos des Fayettes, with its pool and Nordic bath (from €243)
Saint-Symphorien-Sur-Coise (55 minutes by car)
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This village is especially well known for its architectural and historical heritage, but most people love to spend time admiring the wonderful views in front of their sparkling eyes.
Being a little elevated, it is easy to find a place with a magical panorama of the surroundings and the greenery.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Ideally situated: Sittelles de Bamboche, a bucolic setting for an enchanting moment (from €81)
- The most spacious and out of the ordinary: Chateau De Riverie (from €130)
Montrond-les-Bains (1h15 by car)
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Montrond-les-Bains is esteemed for being a spa resort while having a medieval village appearance.
Indeed, as you roam down the streets, you will see a typical French village with stone houses.
The first attraction is the medieval castle dating from the 12th century that is possible to visit, as well as the gardens and the indoor museum.
The second attraction is the thermal spring to relax and recharge your batteries in an atypical place.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- The most affordable: Jardins du Forez, ideal for afternoons in the sun, and the golf club nearby (from €128)
- The most spacious: Apartment ECUREUIL with a terrace (from €119)
Le Puy-en-Velay (1h50 by car)
This colorful village will surprise you with its well-hidden places such as the natural cascades and its volcanic activity.
It’s also a place filled with history with the Polignac fortress, situated at the top of the hill, it’s impossible to miss it. In addition, there is the Chavaniac-Lafayette castle and its wonderful stone walls, green shutters, not to mention the splendid gardens.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Good price-quality ratio: The Originals City, the Hôtel Bristol, for a romantic moment (from €89)
- The most spacious: 43-4 with its private sauna: a cozy BnB with a sauna (from €100)
Quirky
City Aventure (25 minutes by car)
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If you love moments of calm mixed with some thrill, this amusement park is for you.
City Aventure offers you all sorts of activities: kayak, paddle, zipline, labyrinth, treetop course, or even inflatable structures. You will find everything for a beautiful day.
Aquaparc BeFUN (25 minutes by car)
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During summer, mix swimming and fun by going to the aquapark BeFUN and trying to hang on to the inflatable structures to pass the tests.
Many types of structures are available to assure you a good time while trying not to end up in the water, which is nearly impossible.
The park is secured with professionals on-site.
The Lac des Sapins campsite is a few minutes away.
Accommodations we recommend nearby:
- Ideally situated: Lac des Sapins campsite, to extend your experience (from €37.95 for two nights)
Yapluka Park (50 minutes by car)
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Spend a moment in the forest while doing a treetop course.
The Yapluka Park offers 12 courses (6 for kids and 6 for adults) with different levels of difficulty and height, it’s time to surpass yourself.
You can also choose to do a laser game with your friends or family.
Treasure hunts are organized for every age range.
Accommodations I recommend nearby:
- Charming setting: Commanderie de Champarey, an atypical and colorful place (from €115)
Rochetaillé-sur-Saône castle (25 minutes by car)
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Come to see this wonderful ancient, fortified castle dating from the 12th century. This building tells its past since the Middle Ages merely by its atypical appearance. Surrounded by trees, it gives the impression of traveling back in the medieval time during the visit.
The musée de l’automobile Henri Malartre is on the estate and you can admire the cars coming from different eras and keep your trip going for a while.
Castle of Bagnols (45 minutes by car)
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Everyone dreams of spending a night in a real castle!
Take the plunge and book a room at the castle of Bagnols, in which several modern rooms are available. You can enjoy a gourmet meal in a spectacular dining room.
To end your stay at the castle, have a relaxing moment at the spa.
Castle and Seigneury of Jarnioux (50 minutes by car)
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Discover this place, frozen in medieval times, with its castle built with gold stones.
Surrounded by nature and vines, you will travel back in time by visiting this piece of heaven.
You will have the opportunity to see relics related to the history of the castle, such as the Haute Justice and the legal institutions of the Ancien Régime. This old, fortified castle and its secrets will amaze you.
Accommodation I recommend nearby:
- The most quirky: Cabane Spa Sauna, for a quirky and magical moment surrounded by nature (from €331)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
