Lyon and Surroundings in a Few Days
Centrally located in the heart of the Presqu’île and just steps from Lyon’s top landmarks, Hôtel des Célestins is the perfect base for discovering both the city and its surroundings.
Whether you’re here for a day or staying a little longer, here are our top tips to help you make the most of your time in Lyon — and to venture a little further off the beaten path.
Visit Lyon in One Day
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If you’ve only got a single day in Lyon, focus on the essentials. Start your morning wandering the cobbled lanes and Renaissance facades of Vieux Lyon, ducking into traboules and hidden courtyards. Then head up to Fourvière Basilica for a breathtaking panoramic view. Stroll back down through the Rosary Gardens and follow the riverbanks of the Saône.
Later, cross the Presqu’île via Place Bellecour and explore the nearby shopping streets. End your day with dinner at a traditional bouchon lyonnais – many of which are just a short walk from Hôtel des Célestins.
Explore Lyon in Two Days
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Two days give you time to dig deeper. Alongside the must-sees of the 1st day, head to the Croix-Rousse district, the historic silk-workers’ quarter with a bohemian flair and striking mural art.
Spend your afternoon at the iconic Musée des Confluences, and discover the modern, architectural Confluence district where the Rhône meets the Saône. Top it off with a bike ride or river cruise, both easily accessible from the hotel, for a relaxing finish to your day.
Visit Lyon in Three Days
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With three days, you can slow the pace and soak up more of the city. Add a visit to more niche museums such as the Musée des Tissus or the Miniature & Cinema Museum, both favourites among those in the know.
Take a break in the Parc de la Tête d’Or, home to a botanical garden, boating lake and small zoo. Cinema buffs shouldn’t miss Monplaisir, birthplace of the Lumière brothers and home to their eponymous institute.
For something more contemporary, try the Sucrière or MAC Lyon. In the evening, check out a concert or theatre show — most venues are within easy reach of Hôtel des Célestins.
A Day Trip to Beaujolais
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Less than an hour north of Lyon, Beaujolais is a scenic wine region reminiscent of the rolling hills of Tuscany. Explore the region’s famous golden stone villages, including Oingt, listed among the most beautiful in France.
Wine lovers can stop by vineyards and estates to sample local crus such as Morgon and Fleurie. In between tastings, follow the Beaujolais Wine Route by car or bike, and enjoy walks through the vines and visits to heritage châteaux.
Discover the Dombes
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To the east of Lyon, the Dombes is a land of over 1,000 ponds and tranquil nature. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, walkers and anyone craving a break from the city.
Hike or cycle through peaceful trails between the ponds, then enjoy a meal based on local freshwater delicacies such as carp, pike or the region’s iconic frogs' legs.
One of its highlights is the Parc des Oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes — one of Europe’s largest bird parks and a hit with families.
A Getaway in the Bugey
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Nestled between the Ain region and the foothills of the Alps, Bugey is a natural haven of mountains, lakes, forests and vineyards.
Outdoor lovers can hike, mountain bike or even swim in the Lac de Nantua. lac de Nantua.
The region is also known for its wine, especially Cerdon, a light sparkling rosé that’s both local and unique.
Don’t miss the Gorges de l’Ain, the hilltop village of Cerdon, and the nearby caves, which trace history from prehistoric times to the French Resistance.
Escape to the Monts d'Or
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Just northwest of Lyon and easily accessible by public transport, the Monts d’Or are a peaceful escape from the city.
These wooded hills offer well-marked walking routes with stunning views from the Mont Cindre, Mont Thou, and Mont Verdun — and on a clear day, even the Alps in the distance. Charming villages like Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or and Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or make the perfect stops for a lunch break or photo opportunity. If you’re staying at Hôtel des Célestins, our team will happily help you plan the best trail for your fitness level and time available.
Charming villages like Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or and Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or make the perfect stops for a lunch break or photo opportunity.
Wine Day-Trip from Lyon
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From Lyon, several renowned wine regions can easily be explored on a day trip. Less than an hour north of the city, the Beaujolais offers rolling vineyard landscapes and charming villages built with the famous golden stones. It is the perfect setting to discover the celebrated Beaujolais crus – Morgon, Brouilly or Moulin-à-Vent – while visiting family-run wineries and tasting local wines directly with the winemakers.
South of Lyon, the Rhône Valley opens the door to another exceptional wine route. Around the towns of Vienne and Ampuis lie the prestigious vineyards of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu, known worldwide for their elegant wines. Many estates welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings, offering a wonderful introduction to the iconic grape varieties of the Rhône Valley. Continuing south along the road, the appellations Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage, around Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon-sur-Rhône, also offer many cellars and estates open for tasting.
To the east, the Bugey is a more discreet but equally charming wine destination. This small vineyard region is known for Cerdon, a delicate sparkling rosé produced using a traditional method and often tasted directly at the producers’ cellars.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic escape in the countryside, these vineyards near Lyon offer a delightful gourmet experience just a short journey from the city.
Explore the ViaRhôna by Bike
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For cyclists, the ViaRhôna offers a scenic way to explore Lyon and beyond. This greenway follows the Rhône all the way from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. From Lyon, head south towards Vienne or north into Beaujolais, passing riverbanks, vineyards, and postcard-perfect villages.
The urban sections are ideal for discovering the city safely by bike — ride from the Presqu’île to Parc de la Tête d’Or or down to Confluence.
When staying at Hôtel des Célestins, you can securely store your bicycle in our underground cellar.
