Lyon’s city dwellers, we know you want to get some fresh air. As much as we love our city, sometimes we just want to see the country. Luckily, our region is home to sublime places small villages walks, hiking and… castles!
1. Château de Montmelas, Rhône
Breathtaking panoramic views over the Rhône Valley, vineyards as far as the eye can see – that’s what the magnificent Château de Montmelas has to offer. Wine estate and château that you can privatize, this building is a dream place to spend a few hours or a few days. Stroll through the fabulous gardens, watch the sun set over the valley… In short, Château de Montmelas is a must-see in the Beaujolais region.
🏰Find out more at the official website
🚗 About 45 minutes by car from Lyon, Château de Montmelas, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin
2. Château de Chatillon d’Azergues, Rhône
Built in the Middle Ages, probably around the 12th century, the Château de Chatillon D’Azergues is a real little jewel of history to behold. Unfortunately, it is now closed to the public, but if you happen to wander through the village, it will be a pleasure to admire it. There are many other castles to see and visit in the surrounding area!
🚗 About 30mn from Lyon by car, Châtillon d’Azergues, Rhône
3. Château de Bouthéon, Loire
Here’s an incredible building to visit! Visit Château de Bouthéon is a must-see, just 1 hour from Lyon. With its huge park, ponds, rose garden and exciting tours, it also hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Absolutely magnificent and well-maintained, it’s one of the most beautiful châteaux in the region! A real little gem.
🏰Find out more at the official website
🚗 About 1h from Lyon, Andrézieux-Bouthéon, Loire
4. Château de la Roche, Loire
Well, this one is one of our favorites. It’s been lying there on the water since the 13th century. Protector of the Loire Gorge, it has stood proudly for hundreds of years without faltering. Today, it’s possible to visit this incredible monument, Château de la Roche. And what a visit it was! We offer dramatized tours and even escape games, all just 1h10 from Lyon!
🏰 F ind out more at the official website
🚗 123 allée du Château, La Roche, Saint Priest La Roche, Loire
5. Pupetières Castle, Isère
Restored by Eugène Viollet le Duc in the 19th century, the architect created an architectural masterpiece that oscillates between different materials. Since then, the Pupetières Castle is open to visitors, and we can’t recommend it enough. Beware of opening dates. Visits are free for children under 12, €5 for groups and €7 for the full price.
🏰 F ind out more at the official website
🚗 Château de Pupetières, 100 Rte de Virieu, Châbons
6. Château de Bagnols, Rhône
This château is a bit special, as it is a Hotel&Spa! This hasn’t always been the case, as the building has been in use for over 8 centuries. Now a listed historic monument, it’s a unique place just 40 minutes from Lyon where you can lock yourself away in an enchanted interlude for a few moments.
🏰 F ind out more at the official website
🚗 40 minutes from Lyon. Château de Bagnols, Le Bourg, Bagnols
7. Château de Menthon Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
Next to Lake Annecy, this Château is a real gem in the Haute-Savoie region. Although Annecy’s surroundings are full of beautiful castles, this one is really special. With its Hogwarts look, it has been based in Menthon for a thousand years. You can visit it most of the year, from 2pm to 6pm, and in summer from 10am to 7pm. Reservations are highly recommended! Full price is €11.
🏰 F ind out more at the official website
🚗 About 2h from Lyon, Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Allée du Château, Menthon-Saint-Bernard
8. Château de Vizille, Isère
The Château de Vizille on the outskirts of Grenoble has been the Museum of the French Revolution since 1983. Apart from its impressive architecture, its gardens are surely the most breathtaking. Take a stroll through one hundred hectares of perfectly manicured grounds, awarded the “remarkable garden” label!
🏰Find out more at the official website
🚗 1h30 drive from Lyon, Musée de la Révolution française – Domaine de Vizille, Place du Château, Vizille
Bonus: Le Palais idéal du Facteur Cheval
We couldn’t talk about castles without mentioning Facteur Cheval’s Palais Idéal. Well-known to the people of Lyon, the history of this palace is as original as its architecture. Ferdinand Cheval, then a rural letter carrier, collected stones on his rounds for 33 years. It was completed in 1912. It’s a totally surreal, uninhabitable palace, adorned with all kinds of animals and magical creatures. Le Palais idéal du Facteur Cheval was classified as a historic monument by André Malraux. You can visit it for less than 10 euros, almost all year round.
🏰Find out more at the official website
🚗About 1h20 from Lyon, Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, 8 Rue du Palais, Hauterives