Lonely PlanetJul 10, 2026
5 of the best day trips from Lyon
Go beyond France
23 things in this story
- Jet d’EauSight140m-tall water fountain shooting from Lake Geneva.
- La ClémenceCaféConvivial cafe perfect for watching the world go by.
- Maison TavelMuseumLocal history museum built in the 12th-century.
- Restaurant de l’Hôtel de VilleRestaurantServes traditional Swiss fare like gooey fondue.
- Philippe PascoëtRestaurantFinely decorated chocolates.
- Elsewhere
- Musée de GrenobleMuseumGrenoble, FranceHouses Egyptian antiquities and modern art masterpieces.
- ChartreuseRestaurantGrenoble, FrancePungent herbal liqueur sampled in Old Town.
- Café de la Table RondeCaféGrenoble, FranceGreat spot for sampling pungent herbal liqueur.
- Le RousseauRestaurantGrenoble, FranceWonderful purveyor of the region’s local produce.
- La Maison Fantin LatourRestaurantGrenoble, FranceMichelin-starred restaurant takes cuisine to new heights.
- BeaujolaisNeighborhoodVillefranche-sur-Saône, FranceHistoric province with 18,000 hectares of vineyards.
- Hameau DubœufMuseumVillefranche-sur-Saône, FranceGaudy wine museum.
- Château de CorcellesSightVillefranche-sur-Saône, FranceOrnate tastings beneath pointed-hat towers.
- Lake AnnecySightAnnecy, FranceLargely flat and surrounded by delightful scenery.
- Roul’ ma PoulePlaceAnnecy, FranceLocation de vélos électriques et classiques à Annecy.
- Philippe RigollotRestaurantAnnecy, FranceAward-winning patisserie for a sweet bite.
- Palais des PapesAttractionAvignon, FranceLargest medieval Gothic building in Europe.
- Pont Saint-BénézetSightAvignon, FranceFour quirky arches of the half-bridge.
- Petit Palais MuseumMuseumAvignon, FranceHouses a fine collection of medieval art.
- Festival d’AvignonFestivalAvignon, FranceHundreds of music, dance and theater performances in July.
- Le 46RestaurantAvignon, FranceFine neighborhood restaurant for warm summer evenings.
- Les Papalines d'AvignonRestaurantAvignon, FrancePink chocolate-coated ball with liqueur.
- Fort de la BastilleSightGrenoble, France
