Wondering where to go within 2 hours of Lyon? We too have often felt that need to get away from it all, that little thrill that makes you close your computer on a Friday evening and head off to discover new horizons! We've tried out a number of getaways that turn a simple weekend into a rejuvenating interlude. Ready to pack your suitcase? Then follow us as we take you on a tour of 10 destinations ideal for an exotic, gourmet and surprising break, all less than two hours' drive or train ride from the capital of the Gauls!
1. Where to go within 2 hours of Lyon? Annecy
During our weekend in Annecy, we visited the Château Museum and the Palais de l'Isle, both of which are wonderful places to stroll around. However, we were particularly taken with one of Annecy's must-sees: its famous lake . And this jewel of Haute-Savoie richly deserves its reputation! Magnificent, immense and unsurpassed, it also promises a host of activities. Whether you prefer walking, cycling or water sports, it's all possible! Our favorite view? The one you can admire from the Pont des Amoureux, between light and shade, or at sunset. It's magical!
The fastest way to get to Annecy is by car. Allow 1h45 to cover the 146 km from Lyon.
Our favorite hotel : theAce Hôtel, bookable here, boasts spacious, comfortable rooms with a decor as warm as the welcome. Free parking is a real plus!
The activity to book for your weekend: this 1-hour Segway tour to discover Annecy.
2. Hiking in Burgundy
Renowned for its wine, but also for its wild nature, Burgundy has captured our hearts... as hikers! If you're coming directly to Mâcon, head for the Solutré and Vergisson rock formations. Superb panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards await you! Meanwhile, the Parc National des Forêts, one of Burgundy-Franche-Comté's must-see areas, is just waiting to be explored by walkers. Among its thousands of trees, you can also spot archaeological remains here and there. It's so refreshing!
It takes about an hour by car or train to get from Lyon to Mâcon.
Our favorite hotel : the charm of yesteryear blends with modern comforts at theHôtel d'Europe et d'Angleterre. As a bonus, this hotel, which can be booked here, has charging points for electric cars, and dogs are welcome!
The activity to book for your weekend: this tour and tasting of the estate's wines in Mâcon.
Good to know: Lyon is nicknamed the "capital of Gaul" because, under the Roman Empire, Lugdunum was the main city of Gaul. Founded in 43 BC, it became the political, administrative and economic center of the region, with influence throughout the Roman West.
3. Where to go less than 2 hours from Lyon? Aix-les-Bains
The thermal baths are certainly one of the must-see sights in Aix-les-Bains that we've all heard about. But the town has many other surprises in store for us. Among them: Hautecombe Abbey, an architectural treasure proudly overlooking lake Bourget and its glacier-fed waters. We just love it! And if you want to admire both, head for the belvedere de la Chambotte, for an exceptional view. Get your cameras ready!
It takes 1h20 by car and 1h30 by train to get to Aix-les-Bains from Lyon.
Our favorite hotel : Bookable here, the Hôtel l'Iroko is full of charm. Its main attraction? Its incredible view of the lake, to wake you up in style!
The activity to book for your weekend: this 2-hourSegway ride in Aix les Bains between lake and forest.
Related article: Where to go for a cheap weekend in Europe? Top 15 destinations
4. Visit the Puy-de-Dôme, near Lyon
But what can you really visit in the Puy-de-Dôme, we asked ourselves as we looked for things to do less than 2 hours from Lyon? The Château de Murol, of course! As well as a preserved setting, you too might be lucky enough to take part in a costumed tour. Unsurprisingly, the kids loved it, and were eager to get into their old-fashioned clothes too! And if, like us, you're a fan of nature walks, there are some great spots waiting for you, including :
- the summit of the Puy-de-Dôme,
- lac Pavin,
- the Puy de Sancy,
- the Chaudefour valley.
When it comes to villages, our favorite is Montpeyroux, one of France's most beautiful.
If you're arriving by train, Clermont-Ferrand is an ideal base (approx. 1h journey time). Allow around 1h50 from Lyon by car.
Our favorite hotel : go to theHôtel de Paris for a comfortable room, a smiling welcome and a good breakfast. Click here to book this inexpensive hotel in Murol.
5. Where to go within 2 hours of Lyon? Grenoble
We don't always think of Grenoble when we want to spend a weekend less than 2 hours from Lyon. And yet, Grenoble has a lot to offer, including the Bastille, the cable car and the Musée Archéologique Saint-Laurent. And for a "green" break, head for Parc Mistral! With its shady paths, proudly upright trees and little train, this green radish bubble is a delight for children and parents alike.
Grenoble is only about 1h20 from Lyon, by train or car.
Our favorite hotel : bookable here, theHôtel Lux is ideal if you're arriving from Lyon by train. The train station is nearby, as is the streetcar for your visits to Grenoble.
The activity to book for your weekend: discover the upper part of the Furoncanyon by canyoning in Sassenage.
The article to read: Top 11 hikes around Grenoble in 2025
6. Discover the beauty of the Ardèche, near Lyon
Some places in the Ardèche are less than 2 hours from Lyon. This is particularly true ofAlba la Romaine, a must-see in the Ardèche, just 2 h away by car. From there, we filled up on memorable visits:
- Vogüé,
- grotte de Chauvet 2,
- aven d'Orgnac, etc.
Further north, near Valence (also worth a visit!), we also recommend the superb Château de Crussol, Annonay and Privas, to complete your stay near Lyon.
Our favorite hotel : Simple yet effective, La Musardière is a warmly welcoming bed & breakfast that you can book here. Its swimming pool is a pure delight in summer!
The article to read: Top 11 hikes in Ardèche
7. Where to go within 2 hours of Lyon? Dijon
Here's a city that's not as simple as it looks, just 2 hours from Lyon by car or train! One of Dijon 's most beautiful buildings is the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy: superb! We also learned a lot at the Musée de la Vie bourguignonne, a must-see in Dijon, which immersed us in the atmosphere of bygone days in the region. Visiting with our children, we also loved following the Owl trail: will you be able to find them all, hidden around the city? To organize your weekend, read our dedicated article Weekend in Dijon: what to visit in 2 or 3 days?
Our favorite hotel: Just click here to book theHôtel République and its adorable inner courtyard! Quiet, despite its prime location, it charmed us with its old-fashioned decor combining stone and wood.
The activity to book for your weekend: burgundy wine tasting at the Cave du Palais.
Good to know mustard is Dijon's specialty, because it's made from vinegar, which in turn is made from wine from this wine-growing region.
8. Discover Le Puy-en-Velay
Surrounded by rocky peaks, Le Puy-en-Velay a true cultural and historical gem, the town charmed us with visits to its cathedral and Notre-Dame-du-Puy cloister. However, our fondest memory remains the climb to the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe rock, atop an ancient volcanic chimney! And if, like us, you're lucky enough to visit Le Puy-en-Velay in September, you'll be able to attend the Fêtes du Roi de l'Oiseau : a real treat!
The quickest way to reach Le Puy-en-Velay from Lyon is by car (1h45 drive).
Our favorite hotel : Le Chris' Tel has spacious, comfortable and bright rooms. Book your cheap hotel in Le Puy-en-Velay here .
Read more: What to do in Le Puy-en-Velay 15 must-sees
9. Stroll around Beaune
Do you like typical, unusual towns? So do we! That's why we couldn't resist discovering what Beaune has to offer. Located just north of Lyon (1h40 by car and approx. 1h55 by train), the town's stone and timber-framed houses and charming alleyways of yesteryear were a joy to explore. It's all there for a stroll in an old-fashioned atmosphere of undeniable charm. In particular, theHôtel Dieu, with its geometrically patterned yellow roof, is a pure marvel!
Our favorite hotel: With its children's room, swimming pool and eco-responsible approach, the Greet Hôtel is a real favorite! Bookable here, this family-friendly hotel is also very affordable!
The activity to book for your weekend: wine tasting at Château de Pommard.
The article to read: Where to go for a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris? 19 destination ideas
10. Where to go less than 2 hours from Lyon? Geneva, a change of scene
Head for Switzerland, and more specifically Geneva. Less than 2 h from Lyon (1 h 50 by car and around 2 h by train), we found towns, villages and nature spots as different as they were interesting. We were drawn to the shores of Lake Geneva like a magnet, and we have to admit, it's hard to tear ourselves away! But visiting Geneva also means discovering :
- the Palais des Nations,
- the Botanical Gardens,
- Carouge,
- the Jardin Anglais,
- fascinating museums,
- the Reformers' Wall, etc.
Children and parents alike were captivated by the beauty of the famous "jet d'eau" in the middle of the harbor.
Our favorite hotel : we found excellent value for money at theHôtel Central, bookable here, which lives up to its name! With its warm decor, prime location and great price, it's the perfect place to spend a weekend in Lyon.
The activity to book for your weekend: a 50-minutecruise on Lake Geneva.
Petit Futé tip: with the Geneva City Pass, which you can book here, you get free access and discounts to many of the city's must-see sites.
You don't have to go far to get a change of scenery! There are plenty of great weekend destinations near Lyon. And the list is far from exhaustive. From the Vercors National Park to the Pilat Regional Nature Park, not forgetting Lake Monteynard, 1001 wonderful surprises await you around Lyon. Relaxing weekends are yours!
