Discover Rhône | A Visitor's Introduction to Rhône

Why is Rhône Worth a Visit?

Rhône is worth visiting for its unparalleled cultural heritage, culinary prestige, and diverse landscapes. At its heart lies Lyon, France’s third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lyon combines 2,000 years of history with a thriving contemporary arts scene, cutting-edge gastronomy, and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Beyond Lyon, the department opens up into the Beaujolais wine region, famous for its rolling hills, golden stone villages, and excellent wines — particularly its light and fruity reds made from the Gamay grape. In the west, the Monts du Lyonnais offer a peaceful retreat of forests, waterfalls, and traditional farms.

Rhône also stands out for its accessibility and authenticity. While Lyon attracts international visitors, the surrounding countryside retains a distinctly local feel. Whether you're interested in Michelin-starred restaurants, scenic drives through vineyards, or discovering Roman amphitheatres and Renaissance buildings, Rhône has something to delight every kind of traveller.

Rhône Highlights: Things to See and Do in Rhône

Lyon

The cultural and gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a city that truly has it all. Explore the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), where Renaissance architecture lines cobbled lanes filled with bouchons (traditional Lyonnais restaurants). Walk through hidden traboules — secret passageways used by silk merchants and Resistance fighters — and admire the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Jean.

Ride the funicular to Fourvière Hill to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which offers sweeping views of the city. Don’t miss the Musée des Confluences, a futuristic science and anthropology museum at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Art lovers should head to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the finest in France.

In the evening, relax with a glass of local wine on the Presqu’île or enjoy a meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant — Lyon boasts more than 20.

Beaujolais Wine Region

North of Lyon lies the Beaujolais countryside, a patchwork of vineyards, golden-stone villages, and scenic hilltops. This area is renowned for its Beaujolais Nouveau — the light, fruity red wine released each November — as well as more complex crus like Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent.

Villages like Oingt, Vaux-en-Beaujolais, Juliénas, and Chiroubles offer tastings at small family-run wineries, often with stunning panoramic views. The Route des Vins du Beaujolais (Beaujolais Wine Route) is perfect for a self-guided driving tour through picturesque landscapes.

Oingt

Classified as one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France", Oingt is a golden-hued hilltop village in the Beaujolais region. Its medieval stone streets, art galleries, and small shops make it a perfect stop on a countryside day trip. Climb the Tour du Donjon for panoramic views over the vineyards and enjoy a glass of wine on a quiet terrace.

Monts du Lyonnais

West of Lyon, the Monts du Lyonnais are a peaceful escape into nature. Rolling hills, lush forests, and small farms define the landscape, with trails ideal for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The area is dotted with quaint villages like Saint-Martin-en-Haut and Yzeron, where you’ll find rustic inns, traditional cheese shops, and local festivals.

In winter, the higher altitudes may even see a dusting of snow, making it feel like a mini mountain getaway — just 45 minutes from Lyon.

Vienne (nearby in Isère)

Although technically in the neighbouring Isère department, Vienne is just 30 minutes south of Lyon and well worth a visit. This ancient Roman city boasts an extraordinary Roman theatre, still used for performances today, and the Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of the best-preserved Roman structures in France.

Each summer, Jazz à Vienne brings world-class musicians to the city’s Roman ruins for one of Europe’s top jazz festivals.

Parc de la Tête d’Or

Located in the centre of Lyon, this sprawling 117-hectare urban park is one of the largest in France. Parc de la Tête d’Or features a lake, botanical gardens, rose gardens, and even a small zoo. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, a family picnic, or a boat ride on a sunny day.

Croix-Rousse

A bohemian district of Lyon, Croix-Rousse sits on a hill once home to the city’s silk workers. Today, it’s filled with trendy cafés, independent boutiques, and quirky staircases with street art. Don’t miss the Mur des Canuts, a massive mural depicting life in the neighbourhood. The area comes alive on weekends with food and craft markets.

Lyon’s Food Scene

Lyon is considered the gastronomic capital of France, and no trip would be complete without diving into its food culture. Try traditional dishes like quenelles de brochet (pike fish dumplings), salade lyonnaise, and andouillette at a local bouchon.

Visit the famous Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a gourmet food hall with everything from oysters and foie gras to artisan cheeses and pastries. If you're adventurous, book a food tour to sample local delicacies and learn the stories behind them.

Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)

Held each December, Lyon’s Fête des Lumières is one of Europe’s most spectacular winter festivals. Buildings across the city become the canvas for incredible light installations, animations, and art projections. Millions of visitors come to see the transformation of Lyon into a glowing open-air gallery.

Aqueduct of the Gier

Hidden in the countryside near Chaponost, you can find remnants of the Roman aqueduct of the Gier, once responsible for supplying water to ancient Lugdunum (Lyon). This impressive engineering feat stretches for over 80 km, with several preserved arches and sections that you can explore on foot or by bike.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is the main gateway to Rhône, offering direct flights from cities across Europe and beyond. From the airport, you can reach central Lyon in about 30 minutes via the Rhônexpress tram or taxi.

Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache train stations are major hubs on France’s TGV network, with direct trains from Paris (2 hours), Marseille (1 hour 40), and Geneva (2 hours).

To explore the Beaujolais or Monts du Lyonnais, a car is recommended, though some regional trains and buses connect key towns.

Parking

In central Lyon, parking is mostly paid and can be competitive. Use park-and-ride (Parc Relais) car parks on the outskirts, connected to the city centre by tram or metro. In rural areas, parking is generally free and easy to find in villages and vineyard estates.

Dining

Rhône is a culinary powerhouse. Lyon alone offers everything from street food to haute cuisine. Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for high-end local ingredients and small eateries. Top restaurants include La Mère Brazier and Le Neuvième Art.

Outside the city, enjoy rustic meals in the Beaujolais and Monts du Lyonnais. Local specialities include cervelle de canut (a herbed cheese spread), rosette de Lyon (dry sausage), and tarte à la praline (a sweet pink almond tart).

In Beaujolais villages, you’ll find cosy auberges serving traditional food alongside generous glasses of local wine.

Shopping

Lyon offers excellent shopping opportunities. Browse high-end boutiques in the Presqu’île, vintage shops in Croix-Rousse, and local markets like Marché Saint-Antoine along the Saône River.

For regional products, shop for Beaujolais wine, rosé sausages, silk scarves, and local cheeses like Saint-Marcellin. The village of Oingt has artisan craft shops with pottery, woodwork, and regional delicacies.

When to Visit

Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit Rhône, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful landscapes — especially during the Beaujolais harvest in September.

Summer (July–August) brings festivals and warm weather, but Lyon can be quite hot and busy. In December, the Fête des Lumières is a magical time to visit Lyon, though you'll need to book accommodation well in advance.

Winter is quieter in the countryside, but Lyon remains lively with winter markets, museums, and cosy dining.

Local Events

• Fête des Lumières (Lyon, December) – A stunning city-wide light festival with art projections on historical buildings.

• Les Nuits de Fourvière (Lyon, June–July) – Outdoor theatre, music, and dance performances at the Roman theatre.

• Beaujolais Nouveau Day (Mid-November) – Celebrations in Lyon and across the Beaujolais region as the first wine of the year is released.

• Jazz in Vienne (June–July) – A top-tier music festival just south of Rhône, easily reached from Lyon.

• Biennale d’Art Contemporain (Lyon, every two years) – A major event on the international contemporary art calendar.

Exploring Beyond Rhône

Rhône borders several attractive areas, ideal for day trips or longer stays:

• Ain – To the east, with the Dombes lakes and bird reserves.

• Isère – To the south, home to Vienne, mountain parks, and Roman history.

• Loire – To the west, for hiking in the Monts du Forez and exploring Saint-Étienne.

• Saône-et-Loire – To the north, entering the Mâconnais wine region and historic abbeys.

From the city lights of Lyon to the golden vineyards of Beaujolais and the tranquil forests of the Monts du Lyonnais, Rhône is a department that truly offers the best of both urban and rural France. Whether you're wandering ancient streets, tasting freshly pressed wine, or simply soaking in the scenery, Rhône delivers a rich, diverse experience that lingers long after your visit.