Unusual Places to Visit Around Lyon: 5 Hidden Nature Gems
- Audrey
- Jul 3
- 6 min read
Looking to step off the beaten path for a weekend? Unusual places around Lyon are easier to find than you might think, as long as you know where to look beyond the busy squares of the Presqu'île. Just minutes from the former Roman capital of Gaul, the western hills of Lyon and the Monts du Lyonnais hide forgotten Roman ruins scattered across meadows, a mountain lake tucked behind a climbing crag, a convent designed by Le Corbusier where only birdsong breaks the silence, and a medieval hamlet perched with views over the Alps. Five quiet addresses, far from the crowds, for a proper breath of fresh air before heading back to warm up by the fire.
Why Venture Off the Beaten Path Around Lyon
The Lyon region is full of secrets that standard guidebooks barely touch on. Between the Monts du Lyonnais, the Garon valley and the rolling hills west of the city, the countryside hides ancient ruins, hilltop villages and quiet forests less than an hour's drive away. These unusual places around Lyon share a common thread: few crowds, plenty of nature, and a strong sense of authenticity. They suit a romantic getaway just as well as a family outing, provided you pack sturdy walking shoes and, for a couple of the sites, check opening times before setting off. Here is our selection, from the closest to the furthest from Pollionnay.
The Roman Aqueduct of the Gier in Chaponost, Ancient Ruins in the Countryside
Few visitors to Lyon realise that one of France's finest Roman ruins sits just a short drive from the city, right in the middle of orchards. At the Plat de l'Air site in Chaponost, a row of 72 arches stretches for more than 500 metres: the longest visible section in France of the Gier aqueduct, which once carried water 86 kilometres to Lugdunum, the ancient name for Lyon. The site is free to access year-round and unfolds along a marked trail through meadows, woodland and pastures where horses sometimes graze.
The contrast between the ancient stonework and the surrounding farmland gives this hidden gem near Lyon a particular charm, especially early in the morning when the light skims across the arches. Those up for a longer walk can continue to the Beaunant siphon bridge, another striking 270-metre-long remnant that once crossed the neighbouring valley.
Good to know
Free access, open every day, year-round
About 25-30 minutes' drive from La Bergerie
Flat, family-friendly trail; parking near the site
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to walk around the Plat de l'Air
Yzeron, Lake Ronzey and the Py Froid Rocks
Just a few minutes from La Bergerie, the hilltop village of Yzeron is worth the detour on its own, with its stone lanes and its half-forgotten past as a favourite retreat for Lyon residents. But it's the surrounding countryside that really steals the show: the small Lake Ronzey, set up for fishing and picnicking, and just above it, the Py Froid rocks, a historic climbing spot that local climbers fondly nickname "Bleau Lyonnais," a nod to the famous Fontainebleau forest.
The trail linking the two sites winds through a beech forest before opening onto a clear viewpoint, ideal for a picnic break. Along the way, curious walkers can detour to the Châteauvieux dolmen, a prehistoric standing stone tucked away in the woods, or to the small waterfall hidden at the entrance to the village. A perfect pocket of untouched nature, just around the corner from home.
Good to know
About 15-20 minutes' drive from La Bergerie
Easy loop of 4 to 8 km depending on the route; parking near the lake
Lakeside snack bar/restaurant in season
Dogs must be kept on a leash
La Tourette Convent in Éveux, Silence Designed by Le Corbusier
Set on the hills above Éveux, about 30 minutes from La Bergerie, the Sainte-Marie de la Tourette convent is one of Le Corbusier's last major works in France and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016. Home to a community of Dominican friars, this raw-concrete building, carved with light wells and geometric façades, opens for guided visits on select days, on weekdays and weekends alike.
Perhaps the most unusual experience of all, though, is simply wandering the several-hectare grounds surrounding it, freely accessible from 8am to 7pm: here, as the architect himself put it, the place "is not spoken, it is lived from within." Only birdsong disturbs the silence of this quiet corner of countryside, between forest and meadow. A rare find for architecture lovers and anyone simply seeking a moment of calm.
Good to know
Outdoor grounds freely accessible every day, 8am-7pm
Guided building tours Tuesday to Sunday at 2:30pm (€10, online booking recommended)
About 25-30 minutes' drive from La Bergerie
Rochefort, the Medieval Hamlet Facing the Alps
A little further into the Monts du Lyonnais, in the village of Saint-Martin-en-Haut, the hamlet of Rochefort surprises visitors with its untouched charm: golden stone houses, a Romanesque chapel, the ruins of a medieval keep, and barely 200 residents. The site is best discovered on foot, at the end of an easy walk of under 6 kilometres from the village centre.
About 150 metres before reaching the hamlet, a viewpoint table reveals one of the finest views in the region: on a clear day, the panorama stretches all the way to the Alps and Mont Blanc, with Lyon and its Fourvière basilica visible below. It's this contrast between medieval heritage and wide-open views that makes Rochefort one of the most memorable unusual places around Lyon, especially loved by hikers in search of authenticity.
Good to know
About 40-45 minutes' drive from La Bergerie (hikers' car park in Saint-Martin-en-Haut)
Easy hike, about 5.7 km, free access year-round
Viewpoint table and keep ruins freely accessible
Practical Tips for Exploring These Spots at Your Own Pace
To make the most of these outings, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon, especially in summer, and pack sturdy walking shoes: most of these sites are best reached on foot, through open countryside. Bring water, a camera and, weather permitting, a local picnic to enjoy by a lake or under the arches of an ancient aqueduct.
Looking for a shorter walk straight from La Bergerie? The nearby Col de la Luère also offers lovely forest loops with views over the Monts du Lyonnais. After a day of exploring, there's nothing quite like coming home to somewhere just as peaceful: that's exactly the spirit we've built at La Bergerie, between the garden, the meadows and our quirky glamping wagon with a private hot tub to round off the experience in style.
Key Takeaways
The Roman aqueduct of the Gier in Chaponost (72 arches, free access) is one of the closest unusual spots to La Bergerie, about 25-30 minutes away.
Yzeron brings together a lake, a historic climbing site and a prehistoric dolmen in one spot, just 15-20 minutes away.
La Tourette Convent has free, open grounds — perfect for a quiet break in nature.
The hamlet of Rochefort promises one of the finest views in the region, over the Alps and Lyon.
All these sites are open year-round, though morning or late-afternoon light makes the landscapes truly shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest unusual places to La Bergerie? Lake Ronzey and the Py Froid rocks in Yzeron are the closest, about 15-20 minutes' drive away. The Roman aqueduct in Chaponost and La Tourette Convent follow, at around 25-30 minutes.
Are these places suitable for children? Yes, most offer easy, flat trails, particularly around the Chaponost aqueduct and Lake Ronzey. The grounds of La Tourette Convent are also well suited to a relaxed family stroll.
Do I need to book in advance to visit these unusual places around Lyon? The outdoor sites (aqueduct, lake, Rochefort hamlet) are freely accessible year-round. Only the guided tour of La Tourette Convent's building requires online booking — the grounds themselves remain open access.
What's the best season to explore these spots? Spring and autumn bring soft light and fewer visitors, but each season has its charm: the Py Froid rocks stay pleasant even in summer thanks to their shaded exposure, and the Rochefort hamlet offers particularly clear views on sunny winter days.
Can I combine several of these places in one day? Yzeron and the Chaponost aqueduct combine easily into a half-day outing. For Rochefort and La Tourette Convent, it's best to plan a dedicated trip for each, given the extra distance and visiting time involved.
Between ancient ruins, a mountain lake, remarkable architecture and a medieval village, these unusual places around Lyon prove that a real change of scenery is never far away. Sometimes all it takes is stepping off the beaten path to rediscover calm, authenticity and fresh air that can be hard to find in the city. And to enjoy these outings without rushing back at the end of the day, La Bergerie welcomes you in Pollionnay, right at the heart of this natural playground. Want to explore further? Check out our easy family hiking trails in West Lyon.
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