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      7 Activities to Visit

      Road Trip to Lyon: A Spectacular Day Through the French Countryside

      Road Trip to Lyon: A Spectacular Day Through the French Countryside
      Starts from

      Paris

      Transportation

      By Car

      Guidance

      Self-Guided

      Activities

      7

      Duration

      12 hours

      Length

      268 mi

      Guide details

      Starts from

      Paris

      Transportation

      By Car

      Guidance

      Self-Guided

      Duration

      12 hours

      Length

      268 mi

      History and CultureUnusual LocationsGastronomy
      Map preview

      Created by:

      Hamit Gokay Meric
      Hamit Gokay Meric
      Travel Expert

      Highlights

      • Get inspired by grandiose châteaus of the French countryside.
      • Admire the Gothic architecture of centuries old cathedrals.
      • Get lost in the narrow streets of Oingt and travel back in time.
      This route takes you to Lyon through the French countryside and the spectacular French landscapes. You'll be amazed by the region while you explore its castles, wineries, and the cities from medieval times that are still standing with all their glory. Historic sights, scenic country roads and tasty wines await you on this unique journey.

      Categories

      This route takes you to Lyon through the French countryside and the spectacular French landscapes. You'll be amazed by the region while you explore its castles, wineries, and the cities from medieval times that are still standing with all their glory. Historic sights, scenic country roads and tasty wines await you on this unique journey.
      Hamit Gokay Meric
      Hamit Gokay Meric
      Travel Expert
      • Get inspired by grandiose châteaus of the French countryside.
      • Admire the Gothic architecture of centuries old cathedrals.
      • Get lost in the narrow streets of Oingt and travel back in time.
      7 Activities to Visit

      Day 1

      268 mi0.5 mi

      Exploring Elegant Chateaux, Historic Cathedrals and Wineries

      This road trip will let you discover the nation's one of the most lavish palaces, a Gothic masterpiece, rare classic cars and fighter planes in a historic château before you wind down the roads of Burgundy's infamous vineyards. While Paris is the capital city of France, Lyon is considered the gastronomic capital of the country. After this busy day of history and elegance, you're going to have dinner in the exquisite cobbled streets of a small historic village in Beaujolais.

      Day Itinerary

      Château de Vaux le Vicomte
      10:001 hr

      Château de Vaux le Vicomte

      Castle
      Open Details
      This 17th century castle was constructed for Nicolas Fouquet, and it is a great stop to see a bit of French architecture. It reflects the classic French style, and Louis XIV hired the architect of Vaux le Vicomte to design the famous Versailles. It has a hundred rooms, and it has been listed as the largest private estate that has become a historical monument in France. You can also grab a coffee from the kiosk after your visit.
      85.2 mi1 hr 30 min
      12:305 min

      Car Park

      Parking
      Open Details
      Park here and continue on foot to discover the gothic Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre and have lunch in a local restaurant neaby.
      0.2 mi5 min
      Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre
      12:4515 min

      Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre

      Church
      Open Details
      Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a perfect gothic art example, and it has a marvelous façade with sculpture depictions of life from its time. It is a 15th century masterpiece with its stained-glass windows, and it has a not so common painting of Christ on horseback. Also don't forget to take a look at Luca Penni's painting, The Deposition, in the Treasury.
      0.3 mi5 min
      Le Quai
      13:101 hr

      Le Quai

      Brasserie
      Open Details
      Stop by this restaurant on the side of YonneRiver and enjoy the views from the terrace during your lunch. They have amazing value full course menus. You won't be disappointed with the beef Bourguignon.
      91.7 mi1 hr 30 min
      Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune
      16:0045 min

      Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune

      Castle
      Open Details
      Imagine visiting a historic château in the French countryside and also seeing a plane and classic car exhibition on site. Château Savigny is located in Savigny-les-Beaune, and it overlooks several hectares of green pastures. The castle was built in 1340, but it was dismantled during the invasion of Burgundy by Lois XI. After becoming a private property of Bouhier family in the 17th century, the château was bought by a wine operator in 1972. If you are a vehicle enthusiast, you'll be delighted to discover the impressive collection of motorcycles, aircraft and helicopters.
      3.7 mi15 min
      Hôtel-Dieu
      17:001 hr

      Hôtel-Dieu

      History Museum
      Open Details
      After just a 15-minute drive, you'll reach the Hospices de Beaune, a hospital from the Middle Ages. This historic gem in Burgundy has the epic features of gothic architecture, and it is also known with its 60 hectares of wine estate.
      This hospital was opened in 1443, after a devastating century of wars and plague in Baune. This charitable complex was for the most disadvantaged people and its magnificent courtyard was home to a number of buildings with stunning façades, overhead skylights and tile roofs.
      The gothic chimneys give a special character to this structure and give a hint to the times when meals were prepared in the kitchen for the poor sick people. Rogier Van der Weyden was the mastermind behind the architectural perfection of the buildings.
      Today, the 60 hectares of wine estates produce pinot noir and chardonnay and the prestigious products are sold by Sotheby's auction house to help the hospital's conservation and equipment.
      87.2 mi1 hr 40 min
      Black Horse Saloon
      20:001 hr 30 min

      Black Horse Saloon

      Restaurant
      Open Details
      This western style restaurant is in Oingt, one of the most beautiful villages of Beaujolais wine region. After passing through farms, you'll truly feel like a cowboy here. Although you are in France, this restaurant has amazing hamburgers and seafood. Additionally, the whole village of Oingt is renovated, and it really has the charm of a small French village. After your dinner, take a stroll along the cobbled streets and fall in love with the stone structures before your drive to Lyon.

      Route on Map

      Map preview