The great thing about Lyon is that, whether you head north or south, just a stone’s throw away or a little further afield, it’s super easy to get away from it all. Turquoise lakes, hikes in the most beautiful mountain ranges in France, world-famous natural parks… it’s hard to choose. And what about the many villages that dot the map of our beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region?
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, France’s favorite village in 2025
A key stop on the Way of St. James, Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” and this year won the title of France’s favorite village. Despite its small size, the village is a real treasure trove of heritage. Its imposing abbey, founded in the 13th century, naturally attracts attention with its imposing size and excellent state of preservation. The medieval village also preserves rich treasures from its glorious past. Between the half-timbered houses, the medieval market hall, and the old shops, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
👀 Must-see: Saint-Antoine Abbey, Notre-Dame de la Jayère Church
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A43 (1.5 hours)
❤️ Our favorite: its majestic Gothic-style abbey is a jewel in the Dauphiné region!
Polignac and its unique fortress
Here is another village that will transport you straight back to the magic of Lord of the Rings. Polignac and its fortress, unique in France, is a jewel of our regional heritage that certainly does not lack character. From up there, the view of the surrounding area is breathtaking. Polignac, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, is an easy getaway from Lyon and the road there is delightful!
👀 Must-see: the imposing fortress
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the N88 (1.5 hours)
❤️ Our favorite: the view from the fortress over the Massif Central
Pérouges, the medieval village near Lyon
This village is a real treasure. Its history and architecture have earned it a place among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France. “ The town is particularly famous for its medieval quarter, considered one of the most beautiful in France. Stroll through its steep, cobbled streets and dream of times gone by as you admire its 24 buildings listed as Historic Monuments.
👀 Must-sees: the walls of the medieval city, Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church, Place du Tilleul
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A42 (35 min), by TER train to Meximieux-Pérouges station
❤️ Our favorite: the Pérouges sugar galette, a traditional local dessert dating back to 1912
Chanaz, the “Little Venice of Savoie”
A small town just a stone’s throw from Lake Bourget, Chanaz also ticks all the boxes for an easy getaway from Lyon. People come here for its picturesque village charm and lush natural surroundings. Rightly nicknamed the “Little Venice of Savoie, “ its canal gives it incredible character, and it would be a real shame to pass it by without stopping!
@ViaRhôna
👀 Must-see: the old Pierre mill
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A43 (1.5 hours)
❤️ Our favorite: a drink on one of the terraces along the canal
Oingt, the village with ochre facades
Here too, we enter the holy of holies. Just 30 kilometers from Lyon in the south of Beaujolais, Oingt is also considered one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France. “ The ochre facades, so characteristic of the Pays des Pierres Dorées, immediately capture our attention and interest. Surrounded by vineyards, the village has a long tradition of winemaking, but also of art! Several artists and artisans have set up shop in the village’s narrow streets, allowing visitors to enjoy their visit from start to finish.
👀 Must-sees: the Oingt tower, the village church, and the Mechanical Music Museum.
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A6 (35 min), by TER train to Bois d’Oingt-Légny station (+ 25 min walk)
❤️ Ourfavorite: around fifteen artists and art galleries dot the village’s narrow streets.
Yvoire, the pearl of Lake Geneva
For many reasons, Yvoire, a medieval village with 1,000 inhabitants, is a real gem. Both its location on the shores of the largest alpine lake and its picturesque architecture give it a special status. The town has everything you need for a full day out (castle, garden, cobbled streets, shops, port, terraces). Yvoire, a jewel of regional heritage, even in its name!
👀 Must-sees: the shores of Lake Geneva, the medieval town
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A42 (2 hours)
❤️ Our favorite: the “Jardin des Cinq Sens” (Garden of the Five Senses), one of the most beautiful gardens in France
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, one of the most beautiful villages in France according to The Times in 2025
Ranked among the top villages in France by The Times in 2025, this village is located in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park. It is the only one in France to be built in a former Carthusian monastery (founded in 1280) and for this reason alone is well worth a visit.
© Loire Tourisme
👀 Must-see: The façade of the Chartreuse and the gardens, as well as the stone tunnel
🗺️ Getting there: 50 minutes by car from Lyon
❤️ Our favorite: local products such as cheese and the famous Chartreuse liqueur.
Crémieu, the cream of the crop
In the Balcons du Dauphiné, the sublime medieval city of Crémieu seems to have emerged from another era—yet we are only 12 kilometers from Saint-Exupéry Airport! From its castle (listed as a historic monument) on the hill, the view is simply breathtaking. Don’t miss the 15th-century medieval market hall, which has remained unchanged in appearance and function for 500 years. It is one of the most beautiful in France. Crémieu is also a great place to stop by bike (on the greenway) and for a gourmet break. There’s even a craft brewery, so just imagine! Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful villages in the region.
👀 Must-sees: the Dauphin’s castle, the Augustinian convent, the covered market, the stone houses
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A43 (40 min)
❤️ Our favorite: a weekly market is held in the magnificent Crémieu market hall every Wednesday morning
Cluny, a thousand-year-old town… looking to the future
The name Cluny will forever be associated with its abbey, which was once one of the epicenters of Christianity. Just an hour from Lyon, just past Mâcon, come and (re)discover this gem of heritage, which is in the running to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like Vézelay. That says it all…
©Ville de Cluny
👀 Must-sees: Cluny Abbey, a national heritage site, the imposing stud farm, and the cobbled streets of the town center (not to mention the region’s Burgundian specialties!)
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A6 (1 hour)
❤️ Our favorite: Cluny Abbey
Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, “the incredible city of the Dombes”
An hour from Lyon lies a medieval town with incredible energy. Driven by its weekly market, one of the most beautiful in France, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne has charm written all over its name. And what can we say about its architecture, with its remarkably well-preserved facades, flower-filled walkways, and cobbled streets? Every September, a plant market attracts curious visitors from all over Europe. You have to see it to believe it!
©Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne Town Hall
👀 Must-see: the 80-meter-long market hall!
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the D66 (1 hour)
❤️ Our favorite: the famous market (every Saturday) and the beautifully preserved architecture
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, the best preserved
Also listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez benefits from extensive conservation work carried out by the Association for the Preservation of the Chartreuse and the Park. It is a remarkable village in the Pilat Regional Nature Park.
👀 Must-see: the Chartreuse, a former 17th-century monastery with a kitchen, large cloister, and hermitage
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A7 (50 min)
❤️ Our favorite: the Jurieu chapel, in the upper part of the village, is also a must-see
Pont-en-Royans, beauty between nature and heritage
Pont-en-Royans is a visual poem. It combines so many colors and so much charm in such a small space. The town is located in the Vercors Natural Park. It offers a series of houses suspended above the river, which can be photographed from the banks or from the Picard bridge. The village is truly peaceful and conducive to relaxation. Picnic tables are set up there and there is even a waterfall for swimming! It is therefore best visited during the summer months.
©tourisme Saintmarcellin Vercors Isere
👀 Must-sees: the ruins of the fortified castle, the Romanesque church, the clock tower, the hanging houses
🗺️ Getting there: by car via the A43 (1 hour 30 minutes)
❤️ Our favorite: the Halle Gattégno art center, located in the hanging houses
