Normandy to Beaune/Lyon avoid Paris

I suspect it's going to be very difficult. I did not visit Paris on my current trip but still went through the city three times because so many of the rail lines radiate out from Paris. On one occasion I had to change train stations. I was dreading that, but it turned out not to be too much of an issue. There were a couple of short flights of stairs to negotiate, though.

Perhaps someone else has a good suggestion for you.

Yes and no.

You can get a train to Caen, and then a flight to Lyon.

Otherwise, to modify a well known expression, all tracks lead to Paris.

This website shows the trains. Looks like the only way is through Paris, changing stations there from Gare St-Lazare to Gare de Lyon. The good news is that Metro Line 14 goes directly between the stations. I believe it has no stairs so it will easier to manage luggage than on most Metro lines.