City-dwellers of Lyon, it’ s summer, it’s vacation, it’s relaxation, and even if you love your city, we know you want to get some fresh air. As much as we love our bouchons lyonnais, our traboules, our neighborhoods, our quays and our gastronomy, sometimes we just want to see the country (without going too far away, of course). Luckily, our region is home to some sublime places, small villages, magnificent walks, exceptional scenery and above all… 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. A wine-growing 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, admire the sunset over the valley… In short, Château de Montmelas is a must-see in the Beaujolais region.
🚗 About 45 minutes by car from Lyon
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 gem of history to go and see. 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. In the surrounding area, there are also several other castles to see and visit!
🚗 About 30 minutes by car from Lyon
3. Château de Bouthéon, Loire
Here’s an incredible building to visit! The 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 finest châteaux in the region! A real little gem.
🚗 About 1 hour’s drive from Lyon
4. Château de la Roche, Loire
Well, this one’s one of our favorites. It’s been standing 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 the incredible monument that is Château de la Roche. And what a tour it is! We offer dramatized tours and even escape games, and all this just 1 hour from Lyon!
🚗 About 1 hour’s drive from Lyon
5. Château de Pupetières, Isère
Restored by Eugène Viollet le Duc in the 19th century, the architect was able to create an architectural masterpiece oscillating between several materials and a unique allure. Since then, the Château de Pupetières has been open to visitors, and we can’t recommend you enough: it’s an extraordinary place! Be careful, however, with opening dates.
🚗 About 1h10 by car from Lyon
6. Château de Bagnols, Rhône
This château is a little unusual in that it’s a Hotel&Spa! But that 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.
🚗 About 40 minutes by car from Lyon
7. Château de Menthon Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
Next to Lake Annecy, this Château is a real gem in Haute-Savoie. Although the Annecy area is full of beautiful châteaux, this one is truly special. With its Hogwarts-like appearance, it has been located 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!
🚗 About 2 hours by car from Lyon
8. Château de Vizille, Isère
The Château de Vizille on the outskirts of Grenoble has actually been the Museum of the French Revolution since 1983. Aside from its impressive architecture, its gardens are surely the most breathtaking feature. Take a stroll through a hundred acres of perfectly manicured grounds, labeled a “remarkable garden”!
🚗 About 1h30 by car from Lyon
Bonus: Facteur Cheval’s ideal palace
We couldn’t talk about châteaux without mentioning the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval. Well-known to the people of Lyon, the history of this palace is just 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 and virtually all year round.
🚗 About 1h20 by car from Lyon