Lyon - May 2016

If you are into Roman remains, visit the town of Vienne, about twenty miles away by train, which has some very well-preserved Roman buildings.

If you prefer the middle ages, the small town of Perouges near Lyon is very well preserved - go by bus from Lyon

If any of you is a motor enthusiast, there's one of France's nicest car museums at Rochetaillee north of Lyon - take local bus route 40 from the Presqu'ile (warning, steep uphill walk from the bus stop to the chateau that houses the museum).

Thanks so much.

What wine tour are you doing?

Haven't decided yet. If you have suggestions, we're open. We are thinking of going a couple of hours south to the Clos du Gravillas vineyard in Languedoc. It's owned by the cousin of an old high school buddy. Not sure.

I second the recommendations of Vienne and Perouges. For a nice walk check out Parc de la Tete d' Or.

Down the road, not too far, are the towns of Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage, connected by a bridge over the Rhone. The former is medieval. The latter is the mother house of Valrona chocolate. You can tour the factory, and the shop is very liberal with free samples. There are several restaurants with outdoor seating, overlooking the river. Very pleasant! The area also produces wine, so you can visit wineries when there.

About an hour and a half north of you is the heart of Burgundy. If that's not too far, consider doing your wine tour there. We did one last year with Max, and it was definitely worth the money, and was a highlight of our trip. You can google him by putting in Max wine tour burgundy. It will come us as Dijon rent a home. (He and his wife have several businesses.) Max picked up in his clean, comfy van for a full day of touring in Burgundy. We had a wonderful time, and learned so much. We visited 3 winemakers, had a fantastic pool-side lunch, and tasted some wonderful wine. Touring the caves was so interesting, and allowed us to understand a little better all of the work that goes into making good wine. We also stopped at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, where monks began making wine in the 12th century. Lovely day all around.

Thanks so much to everyone for their responses. We will look into all the great suggestions. It's wonderful being able to borrow from other's experiences. Merci!

Thanks, Phillip, for the details for the bus to Perouges - looks great for exploring!

Just West of Lyon, outside of Clermont Ferrand is the area of extinct volcanos. There is Le Puy de Dome with a little train that takes you to the top (restaurant there) and a theme part Volcania, some rides for kids, much scientific demonstrations, but I've been advised that you have to rent the audio system because everything is in French.