Seven extraordinary and ultra-exciting places to visit less than an hour from Lyon

Want to get away from it all without spending eight hours on a plane? Because we don’t always have the time, the budget or the motivation, these five absolutely exceptional spots should be enough to get you over the irrepressible urge to travel. Whether you’re looking for an unusual place, a cave full of history or a peaceful garden, we’ve got seven magnificent and ultra-expansive spots less than an hour from Lyon!

1. Le Palais Idéal du facteur Cheval

Looking to get away from it all? Did you know that one of France’s most emblematic historic monuments is just an hour’s drive from Lyon? The Palais idéal, also known as the Palais idéal du facteur Cheval, is nestled in Hauterives, in the Drôme region of France. Listed as a historic monument since 1969, it attracts thousands of visitors every year from the four corners of the globe. In 2020, it was even ranked as France’s second-favorite monument by the French TV show “Le Monument préféré des Français”. Unquestionably one of the most original spots near Lyon!

📍 8 Rue du Palais, 26390 Hauterives

2. The Rosa Mir garden

In Lyon itself, in Croix-Rousse, the Rosa Mir garden reopened its doors after more than a year’s closure in April 2023. And what a delight! Listed as a historic monument since 1987, the garden is located in the inner courtyard of the building at 83 grande rue de la Croix-Rousse. Created by Jules Senis, a refugee from the Spanish Civil War, this extraordinary garden was designed for his mother Rosa Mir. Despite its modest size of less than 400 square meters, it’s a real escape. Made of stone and decorated with seashells, the garden is inspired by Spanish architecture, with similarities to structures designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, such as Parc Güell and Sagrada Família.

📍 87 Gd Rue de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon 4e

3. Thiện Minh Pagoda Temple

Calling all lovers of Buddhist culture and aesthetics! Nestled atop the hills of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, the splendid Thien Minh Pagoda is a remarkable Vietnamese Buddhist temple, attracting large numbers of visitors every year from all over the world, seduced by its serenity and beauty. Just a 15-minute drive from Place Bellecour, this magnificent traditional-style temple is home to a perfect harmony of statues, gardens, flowers, spaces dedicated to worship and objects reminiscent of the richness of Buddhist belief. A marvel to behold at least once in your life!

4. The Cerdon caves

Only an hour from Lyon, the Grottes du Cerdon are truly magnificent, and for the more adventurous and sporty among you, offer the chance to enjoy a breathtaking view from the Belvedere. If you’re prepared for a steep climb, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view over the Cerdon valley! What’s more, these caves are part of a prehistoric activity park where you can take part in activities such as fire-making, pottery and archaeological digs. It’s one of the best places to spend a day with the family, discovering the caves and immersing yourself in the prehistoric past!

📍 Grottes du Cerdon, Labalme, 01450

5. The medieval village of Pérouges

This time, just 35 km from Lyon, Pérouges transports you to the heart of the Middle Ages! Classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, this jewel perched on the Ain plain offers incredible historical immersion and breathtaking scenery! From the Porte d’En-Haut to the 15th-century fortress-church, each alleyway tells its own story. As for the Place du Tilleul, with its stone houses and weathered cobblestones, it reinforces the charm of yesteryear. The village has retained its original elliptical shape, following the old line of the ramparts. This medieval setting invites you to take a stroll and enjoy a “slow life”. Why not take a trip down memory lane?

📍 Pérouges

6. The Gimond dam

Looking for peace and quiet? Just an hour from the capital of the Gauls, in Chazelles-sur-Lyon, the Gimond dam is the perfect destination for a hike and a breath of fresh air, far from the city. Originally built to supply the town with drinking water, the dam is now a haven for nature (and fishing) lovers. A truly refreshing break!

📍 Chemin du Barrage, 69610 Grézieu-le-Marché

7. Oingt and its Italian flair

In Lyon, we LOVE Italy. But despite direct trains to Milan, it’s sometimes hard to find the time to travel that far. Fortunately, 45 minutes from Lyon lies the medieval village of Oingt, also voted “most beautiful village in the region” by the editors of Le Progrès and Le Dauphiné Libéré in 2022. What makes it special? It resembles a village in Tuscany, thanks to its golden stone houses. Say no more, we’re on our way…

📍 Val d’Oingt, 69620