On the water, under the stars, in the trees or in a barrel, it’s possible to vary the original experiences when it comes to sleeping in totally unusual places. At Lyon Secret we love anything out of the ordinary. So it was only natural to find you the craziest places to spend a crazy night! So, are you ready to sleep in the trees?
1. Treehouses in Saint-Julien de Labrousse
Just 2 hours from Lyon, you’ll find this atypical estate with its many unusual dwellings: tree houses perched high in the trees! On several levels, the nine Cabanes de Labrousse offer you a unique experience in the heart of the Cévennes forest! Rates for one night vary from 75e up to a hundred euros. Breakfast is included in the price, and fun fact: it’s served in a basket at the foot of your tree in the morning!
Tip: for an even more unusual night’s sleep, consider the Pod hut or the Cabane du Cerf!
Les Cabanes de Labrousse, Ardèche, Le Grand Bouveyron
2. The SPA Paysanne bubble, gaze at the stars in a futuristic bubble!
Have you always dreamed of falling asleep under the stars without fear of the many bugs that could disrupt your night? Roma estate makes your dream come true. 1 hour from Lyon, in Isère, watch the sunset and shooting stars from your queen-size bed. Spa and large private terrace make for an unforgettable experience, day or night. Expect to pay just over €170 per night for 2 people.
Domaine Roma, 530 chemin du Petit Meignan, Jarcieu
3. Water cabins at Domaine de la Dombes (Ain)
We already told you about it in this article the water cabins of the Domaine de la Dombes are an adventurer’s dream. On stilts, floating or perched in the trees, these unusual accommodations in Saint-Paul-de-Varax, 1 hour from Lyon, have a timeless charm. These homes vary in size and can accommodate between 2 and 6 people. Some are fully equipped, others are more modest (ideal for budding adventurers!), but always with the breathtaking spectacle of the lake mist at sunrise. Expect to pay €100-€235 for two people per night, depending on the cabin.
Domaine de la Dombes Etang du moulin – chemin de Verfey, 01240 Saint-Paul-de-Varax
4. The ViaRhôna Lodges
Once again, just 1 hour from Lyon, this atypical little interlude is located along the ViaRhôna, the famous bicycle path linking Lyon to the Mediterranean. If you’d like to sleep in one of our lodges between your long days of pedaling, this is the place to do it! In Bugey-Sud, between the river and the mountains, you can sleep in high-perched cabins, or in cosier wooden houses with private hot tubs!
Lodges cost around 40e a night! Prices can go up to almost 180 euros for “tribal” accommodation, which sleeps a maximum of 6 people.
Les Lodges de la ViaRhôna – Port de Virignin, Virignin
5. Sleep in a barrel at the Joseph Lafarge estate
Budding oenologists and wine enthusiasts, here’s the unusual place you need to spend an exceptional evening in the heart of a wine estate. Located in Burgundy Franche-Comté, joseph Lafarge Estate 1h north of Lyon, offers a total immersion in its vineyards, which produce exceptional wines every year. Six oeno-tonneaux named after famous grape varieties: Aligoté, Chardonnay, Gamay, Muscat, Pinot noir and Sauvignon. Please note: the sanitary facilities are not in the barrel but next to it!
Rates for one night range from €99 to €249, depending on the number of guests. Breakfast is included.
Domaine Joseph Lafarge, 630 chemin du Grand Bois, Lugny
6. Sleep in a Yurt at Clos du Jubin
The yurt was originally a traditional dwelling of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia, particularly the Mongols. Today, she has settled in the Clos du Jubin this traditional farmhouse between the Loire and Rhône rivers welcomes you to an unusual setting. Just 45 minutes from Lyon, it’s the ideal place to treat yourself to a weekend away, almost at home.
Clos du Jubin, 365 Chemin du Jubin, Saint-Forgeux
7. Sleep in hammock nets in the trees!
At Hêtre en Forez, we invite you to commune with the trees! Whether you’re looking for a half-day, a full day, a place to sleep or even a fondue, we offer a wide range of safe, high-altitude activities to help you better understand the secrets of these illustrious plants. In Chalmazel, 1h40 from Lyon, you can fall asleep under the stars just a few meters above ground. And for those of you who are a little apprehensive (like us at Lyon Secret), we’ll tell you again: it’s all secure! You’re well looked after and everything is extremely well organized! Comforters and breakfast are provided. Expect to pay €75 per night.
Hêtre en Forez – tree climbing, Le Pont de Chevelières, Chalmazel – Jeansagnière
8. The Folies de la Serve, one of the most unusual places in the world
To end this article on a high note, we’ve found you a place where you’re spoilt for choice in terms of accommodation. We’ve got gypsy caravans, cabins and totally atypical rooms, the Folies de la Serve transports you into a unique universe in each of the homes you choose. The rooms are cleverly decorated to make you dream. Take a trip to the land of 1001 Nights with warm colors and thematic decorations. You’re about to be thrust into unexplored lands! The cost of these two units is €98, including breakfast.
Les Folies de la Serve, 359 impasse des roulottes, Ouroux, Deux-Grosnes
9. In a perched cabin in Haut-Bugey
Halfway between Lyon and Geneva, Champdor is a peaceful spot close to Lake Nantua. If you’re looking to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature and enjoy walks and hikes in the area, we’ve got the perfect accommodation for you: the Lazine, a little tree house. Perched in the middle of a beech tree stand, 3m high, on the edge of the wood, the hut offers splendid views of the sunset. Count €140 for 2 people including breakfast, and €20 extra per person (up to 4 in all)!
📍 Champdor-Corcelles, 01110
Read about Lyon Secret: Insolite : 5 ultra-poetic spots to sleep on the water near Lyon!