A stone’s throw from Lyon, villages full of history and charm await visitors looking for authenticity.
Discover our selection of 10 rural pearls to visit in 2024, where heritage, nature and gastronomy combine to offer unforgettable stays near the capital of Gaul.
Perched on the edge of the Monts d’Or: Charnay
The charming village of Charnay, located just 20 minutes by car from Lyon, is nestled in the heart of the Monts d’Or and offers an exceptional panorama of the Saône valley. Don’t miss a walk through the picturesque streets of the village, where you will discover beautiful golden stone buildings as well as the Romanesque church of Saint-Martin.
- Breathtaking panorama of the Saône valley
- Narrow streets and golden stone houses
Pearl of the Val de Saône: Trévoux
The former capital of Dombes, Trévoux is a medieval town that has preserved its historical heritage. You can admire the fortified castle and its walls, the Augustinian monastery or the peaceful banks of the Saône. There are also several arts and crafts workshops in the village that you can discover during your visit.
- A preserved medieval town
- Numerous arts and crafts workshops
The elegance of Oingt en Beaujolais
Oingt is one of the “most beautiful villages in France” and features medieval architecture, flowery streets and breathtaking views of the Beaujolais vineyards. Don’t miss a visit to the Church of Saint-Mathieu and its 16th-century frescoes, as well as the Museum of Mechanical Music.
- Medieval architecture and flower streets
- Museum of Mechanical Music
Country charm Chaponost
Chaponost is a village that has managed to preserve its authenticity and rural charm. Here you can admire the beautiful Roman aqueduct of Gier, classified as a historical monument, as well as several hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.
- Gier Roman Aqueduct
- Varied hiking trails
The rich heritage of Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise
Located at the gateway to the Monts du Lyonnais, this village has an exceptional heritage including the Collegiate Church of Saint-Symphorien and its remarkable stained glass windows. The weekly market is also a must to discover local products and the friendly atmosphere that reigns in this small town.
- Collegiate Church of Saint-Symphorien
- Live weekly market
The medieval city of Crémieu
Crémieu is a charming medieval town where you can stroll the cobbled streets, admire the half-timbered houses and visit the Château de Saint-Hilaire. Don’t miss the remains of the fortifications, witnesses of the village’s historical importance.
- Cobbled streets and half-timbered houses
- Château de Saint-Hilaire
Pérouges authenticity preserved
Listed among the “most beautiful villages in France”, this medieval village is a real step back in time. You will be charmed by its cobbled streets, stone houses and fortified church. For an unforgettable culinary experience, don’t miss tasting the famous Peruvian galette in one of the village inns.
- A listed medieval village
- Traditional Peruvian pancake
The bucolic charm of Ambérieux-en-Dombes
Located in the heart of the land of a thousand ponds, Ambérieux-en-Dombes offers a bucolic setting suitable for relaxation and walking. You can take a great walk around the ponds and observe the local fauna or even visit the 15th century Château Ambérieux.
- Bucolic surroundings and ponds
- Chateau Ambérieux
The sweetness of life in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or
Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or is a charming village on the outskirts of Lyon that offers a breathtaking view of the Saône. Here you can discover the Notre-Dame-des-Marais church, the Fougères castle as well as the magnificent golden stone residences that make up the village.
- Panorama over the Saône
- Chateau Fougères
The industrial heritage of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Located in the heart of the Pilat Regional Natural Park, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez is a unique village of its kind, as it is an old chartered building converted in the 19th century into workshops and houses. During your visit you will be able to discover a rich industrial and religious heritage.
- Chartreuse turned into workshops and homes
- Industrial and religious heritage