A Peaceful B&B Near Lyon: The Hospitality and Well-Being Philosophy at La Bergerie
- Audrey
- Mar 6
- 6 min read
🌿 Looking for a peaceful retreat near Lyon? Book your nature stay and unwind in the rolling hills of the Lyonnais countryside — just 20 minutes from the city.
Some places feel different the moment you arrive. Not grander or more polished — just warmer, slower, more real. La Bergerie, set in the village of Pollionnay in the hills west of Lyon, is exactly that kind of place. It is not a hotel. It is a home that welcomes guests — with genuine care, a sense of calm, and a deep connection to the surrounding countryside.
This article explores what makes La Bergerie unique: its values, its atmosphere, and the experience it offers to travellers looking for something more meaningful than a standard overnight stay.
Why Choose a B&B Over a Hotel?
The answer is simple: connection. A hotel offers convenience and anonymity. A bed and breakfast — at its best — offers a genuine human encounter.
At La Bergerie, guests are received the way you'd welcome a friend: with warmth, attention, and a genuine desire to make their stay memorable. This personal dimension is at the heart of everything we do. It explains why so many guests return season after season, and why our reviews consistently highlight the quality of the welcome as much as the comfort of the rooms.
For travellers drawn to slow travel — the art of prioritising depth over speed, immersion over consumption — La Bergerie provides an ideal base. Step back, breathe deeply, and let the pace of the countryside reset your rhythm.
A Historic Farmhouse With a Story to Tell
Walls That Remember
La Bergerie is a historic family farmhouse that has been passed down through generations. Located at 720 route du Gaminon in Pollionnay (Rhône), it was carefully restored to blend original character with contemporary comfort. Stone walls, mature gardens, generous spaces: every element has been preserved to honour the soul of the place.
You feel it the moment you step through the gate. There is something solid and reassuring about a home that has stood for generations — a sense of permanence that is increasingly rare.
A Transformation Rooted in Values
The decision to open La Bergerie as a B&B was not driven by commercial logic alone. It reflects a deep belief that genuine, unhurried hospitality — the kind practised with generosity and without pretence — has real value in today's world. Every design choice, every morning ritual, every conversation at the breakfast table reflects that conviction.
The Atmosphere: Nature, Simplicity, and Calm
A Garden That Invites You to Slow Down
The garden at La Bergerie is one of its greatest assets. Leafy, well-tended and peaceful, it offers a natural space for decompression after a hike through the Monts du Lyonnais. A shaded table, birdsong, the rustle of leaves — and the day immediately takes on a different quality.
In an age of constant digital noise, this kind of outdoor space matters. It creates the conditions for real rest: the ability to simply sit, talk, and be present.
Rooms Designed Around Rest
Each of the five rooms at La Bergerie takes its name from the surrounding landscape — Le Jardin (The Garden), L'Étang (The Pond), La Colline (The Hill), La Rivière (The River), and La Roulotte (The Caravan). Each has its own character, and all share the same philosophy: natural materials, soft light, a calming aesthetic, and no unnecessary noise.
La Roulotte deserves a special mention. With its private terrace and hot tub, it offers an intimate, slightly magical retreat — perfect for couples or for anyone looking to mark a special occasion.
No corridor noise, no impersonal check-in, no alarm bells: just the silence of the hillside and, on a clear morning, the distant sound of the countryside waking up.
The Table d'Hôtes: Well-Being That Starts at the Table
Home Cooking with Local Ingredients
Well-being at La Bergerie extends well beyond the rooms. Every evening, our table d'hôtes brings guests together around a shared meal — prepared from scratch using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
The full dinner menu (starter, main, dessert, wine and coffee included) is priced at €38 per person. A lighter plateau repas is available at €32, and a children's menu at €25 ensures that younger guests are equally well catered for.
Menus change with the seasons and the rhythms of the local market. Dietary requirements — vegetarian, gluten-free and others — are accommodated on request at the time of booking.
More Than a Meal
The table d'hôtes is also a moment of genuine conviviality. It is a chance to share stories with fellow travellers, exchange tips about local trails, and feel — just for an evening — part of a small, warm community. That is a dimension that no room service menu can replicate.
The Values Behind La Bergerie
Authenticity Without Pretension
La Bergerie does not aim to impress. It aims to welcome. There is no designer lobby, no high-tech spa, no elaborate lifestyle concept. Just a sincere home, with its own character and history, run by a family that genuinely enjoys receiving guests.
This authenticity shows up in small but meaningful ways: a homemade breakfast served each morning (for guests who book directly), personalised recommendations for local walks and visits, and a discreet but genuinely attentive presence throughout your stay.
Responsible Tourism in Practice
La Bergerie's commitment to environmental responsibility is concrete and unpretentious: careful waste sorting, a preference for local suppliers, and energy-conscious habits. These choices sit naturally within the setting — the green hills of the Ouest lyonnais, the well-maintained footpaths, the unspoiled landscape of the Monts du Lyonnais.
Choosing La Bergerie is also a quiet act of support for a more considered form of travel.
Hospitality That Guests Remember
Guest reviews tell a consistent story. Words like "attentive", "family warmth", "genuinely caring" and "personal" appear again and again. They point to something real: at La Bergerie, guests matter — and that shows.
Exploring the Area at Your Own Pace
La Bergerie's location in Pollionnay places guests at the gateway to the Monts du Lyonnais, with its marked trails, hilltop panoramas and preserved natural character. The Col de la Luère, reachable on foot or by bike, offers some of the finest views in the region.
Families will find excellent options nearby: the Parc Animalier de Courzieu (wolf and raptor sanctuary) makes for an unforgettable afternoon with children, while the local riding centre in Pollionnay offers horse riding and pony activities for all ages.
And for those who want to combine countryside with city: Lyon is just 20–25 minutes away by car. A half-day is enough to explore the Vieux-Lyon, stroll along the Saône, or discover why Lyon is considered one of France's great culinary capitals. For inspiration and practical tips, the Lyon Metropolis Tourism Office is an excellent resource.
✅ Key Takeaways
La Bergerie is an authentic family B&B in Pollionnay, Rhône — 20 minutes west of Lyon — run with genuine warmth and care.
Five individually named rooms, from peaceful nature retreats to the unique La Roulotte with a private hot tub.
Homemade table d'hôtes using local, seasonal produce — full dinner from €38 per person, by reservation.
Slow travel values: authenticity, respect for nature, simplicity, and genuine hospitality.
Perfect for couples, families and international travellers looking for calm, connection and a meaningful stay.
❓ FAQ
What makes La Bergerie different from a regular hotel?
La Bergerie is a family-run B&B, not a commercial hotel. The welcome is personal, breakfast is homemade, and the hosts know the local area intimately. It's a genuine human experience — the opposite of anonymous hotel stays.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes. A homemade breakfast is included for all reservations made directly through La Bergerie's website. Note that breakfast is not included for bookings made via Booking.com.
Is La Bergerie suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Several rooms accommodate up to five guests (La Colline, La Rivière), a children's menu is available at the table d'hôtes (€25), and the surrounding area offers plenty of family-friendly activities.
Can non-residents dine at the table d'hôtes?
Yes, subject to availability and on prior request. All meals are prepared on reservation, with a minimum of 24 hours' notice required.
How do I get to La Bergerie without a car?
La Bergerie has free on-site parking. Bus connections link Pollionnay to Lyon and Tassin-la-Demi-Lune for car-free exploration. By car, central Lyon is approximately 20–25 minutes away.
🌿 Ready to experience the calm of the Lyonnais hills? Book your nature stay and choose the room that speaks to you — five spaces, all designed around rest, nature and authentic hospitality.
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