We (family of 4, 2 daughters 23 and 26) will be in Lyon at end of June, first week of July. Primary purpose of trip is to visit relatives so some sightseeing will be taken care of by them. We would like, however, to do some day trips ourselves(maybe one overnight as we are renting an apartment in the city) from Lyon. One daughter really wants to see Alps. We would prefer travel by bus or train. Also, we will do a lot of our meals in the apartment, but would like to dine out for dinner. Keeping in mind that feeding 4 is an expensive proposition anyplace, does anyone have any suggestions for restaurants in Lyon that are reasonable? We are experienced in living in foreign countries and have one fluent French speaker in the family. We have not traveled in Europe as a family. Any suggestions are welcome.
Posted by
OP
Tucson
5 posts
Well, very surprised that there has not been a single reply to what I thought was a very simple and routine request. Will try one more time since this site was highly recommended. What should we line up to get out of Lyon for day or overnight trips? We are looking forward to about 10 days in the area, but have no idea what we might do with Lyon as a base.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
We have on;ly been through Lyon a cople of times (never stayed there) however when we have the chance we try and time our lunch stops for Lyon. Can get to try some great French dishes at a lower cost (and less courses) than at night. You should be able to get to Grenoble and to Macon/Dijon in a day trip. We have only done it by road so not sure of the practicalities by public transport. I also believe it is possible to get to and from paris in a few hours by High Speed train- but that sounds a little ambitious
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
Your family may like a day trip to Geneva and a ferry ride on Lac Leman. From Geneva you can easily get to Chamonix, a nice Alps experience. Another idea would be to head north to Cluny, Beaune, Autun and Vezelay although the three small cities would be harder to reach by public transportation. Another idea would be to head south to Nimes, Arles, etc. and dip into Provence. I consider anything within a 2 1/2 h driving distance fair game for a day trip.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1216 posts
Hi Bob. Annecy is a picturesque tourist town on a large lake surrounded by cliffs. Easy two hour train ride from Lyon; although buying four train round trips, it might be cheaper to rent a car; then you could venture higher into the Mtns if desired. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
Tucson
5 posts
All responses are greatly appreciated and we are researching them!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
Bob - I second the recommendation to daytrip to Annecy. Very pretty and worth seeing.
Posted by
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
14 posts
Annecy is a great day trip from Lyon ... lots of Napoleanic history there ... my best suggestion for you though ... is very simple: take me with you, I speak French and I'm pretty good at choosing restaurants!