With exactly one week to go until September 1, we’re going to have to give it our all for this final week of summer. We’re now in the “money time” of the vacation—which means that from now on, every decision counts. Instead of resigning ourselves to the inevitabilityof summer’s end, let’s take the bull by the horns one last time and make the most of the final days of vacation right to the very, very end (right to the very end). To do that, we’ve put together a three-step plan of attack combining nature and heritage— just the way we like it. Simple, but incredibly effective. Let’s make the most of these final moments so we can head back to school full of energy. Ready in the starting blocks? 3, 2, 1… go!
The Beaujolais, a world-renowned natural park just 30 km from Lyon
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget the Tête d’Or Park! We’ll admit it: the Beaujolais isn’t the most exotic destination from Lyon. And yet! We’d bet our lives that you still have plenty of wonderful things to discover in this UNESCO-listed park. From its capital, Beaujeau, to its small villages like Oingt or Ternand, you can plan a superb road trip through the vineyards. Are you more of a nature lover? Head to the Roche de Solutré for a journey into a landscape reminiscent of Monument Valley, or make your way to Mont Saint-Rigaud, the highest point in the Rhône region, for a breathtaking panorama.
Tournus and its thousand-year-old abbey, one of the most beautiful in France (1 hour from Lyon)
Do you have a soft spot for old stone buildings? Get ready to fall in love with Tournus and its thousand-year-old abbey. Just like the Romanesque cloister in Salles-Arbuissonnas or the Abbey of Ambronay, the Abbey of Saint-Philibert in Tournus is a true treasure of our heritage. It was listed as early as 1840 on the very first list of historic monuments—and for good reason! Considered one of the oldest monastic centers in France, its earliest stones date back to 875! You can’t miss its Romanesque church, one of the tallest in France with a vault height of 18 meters.
Lake Vouglans: Welcome to Norway, just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lyon
Let’s wrap up this selection with our favorite spot of 2026. Seen from the sky, you might think you’re in a Norwegian fjord, but we’re actually in the Jura, less than two hours from Lyon. A five-star retreat during heat waves, Lake Vouglans offers all the amenities you could want. Three beaches await you (Mercantine, Bellecin, and Surchauffant), featuring fine sand and shaded areas. Access is free. Just in case you’re feeling restless and have a bit of curiosity, the Jura offers one of the best playgrounds around. An example? The villages of Baume-les-Messieurs and Château-Chalon, among the most beautiful villages in France, located just 15 kilometers apart.
