10 Best Vegan Day Trips from Lyon, France
Lyon is one of the best places in France to base yourself for day trips. Within one to three hours, you can reach alpine lakes, medieval villages, mountain cities, vineyard towns, and cultural destinations, many with surprisingly good vegan food scenes. Whether you prefer traveling by train or renting a car, these destinations are easy to visit and offer a wonderful mix of nature, culture, and food.
We recently stayed in Lyon for 10 days and were fortunate to take 3 different road trips, including one of our favorite places on earth, Annecy. Below is a list of some of the best day trips you can take from Lyon, France.
Important tips about Lyon and dining times
Please keep in mind that people in Lyon and the surrounding areas eat lunch very early. We live in Portugal, so we are used to lunch happening between 12:30-3:00 p.m. In Lyon, lunch is from 11:00-1:30 p.m. You need to keep this in mind while traveling through this area, especially since vegan restaurants aren’t plentiful, so if you want to eat lunch, plan on arriving right when lunch starts. Check Instagram or Google Maps for their hours. Restaurants typically open for lunch from 11:00-1:30 p.m. and are closed in the middle of the day and then reopen for dinner from 6-9 p.m. Also, make reservations for the more popular spots, esp for dinner.
1. Annecy
Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is one of the most beautiful day trips from Lyon. The turquoise lake, canals, pastel-colored buildings, and mountain scenery make it feel almost unreal. This is one of my favorite places on earth – it’s so incredibly picturesque. I’ve been there two times and each time, I’m in awe of how gorgeous it is.
How to Get There
- By train: Direct TER trains from Lyon Part-Dieu take around 2 hours.
- By car: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the A43 and A41 highways.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for lake activities and outdoor dining. December is also magical thanks to the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere.
What to Do in Annecy
- Wander through the charming Old Town
- Walk along Lake Annecy
- Rent bikes and cycle around the lake (my favorite thing to do here!)
- Visit Château d’Annecy
- Take a lake cruise
- Swim at one of the lakeside beaches in summer (the water is very shallow so it’s warm during the summer)
Where to Eat
Annecy has become increasingly vegan-friendly.
- Granny Smith serves seasonal plant-based dishes and is the only fully vegan restaurant in Annecy
- Kia Ora is excellent for vegan lunches and pastries
- Pura Vida offers smoothie bowls, brunches, and healthy meals
- Dip Honest Food has several vegan-friendly brunch options
- And of course, there are several gelato spots with amazing vegan choices
Where to Stay (if you stay longer than a day trip)
- Old Town for charm and atmosphere
- Near the lake for scenic views
- Cran-Gevrier for quieter, more affordable accommodation
2. Grenoble
Surrounded by mountains, Grenoble is one of France’s most underrated cities. It combines outdoor adventure, museums, student energy, and a growing vegan scene. When we recently visited, we were shocked at how few tourists were there. It’s an amazing place to visit, considering it’s not overtouristed like many places in Europe.
How to Get There
- By train: Direct trains from Lyon take about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- By car: Around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal. Winter is beautiful if you want nearby snowy mountain views.
What to Do in Grenoble
- Ride the Bastille cable cars (this was our favorite activity while visiting recently)
- Explore the historic center
- Visit the Musée de Grenoble
- Walk along the Isère River
- Take short hikes in the nearby mountains
Where to Eat
- Gustavo is famous for vegan kebabs and burgers
- We had a delicious vegan pizza and vegan dessert from Brooklyn Slice Pizzaria since the nearby vegan restaurants were closed.
- Several cafés around the center offer vegan pastries and lunch menus – our favorite desserts were at Cafe Cannelle – the food was incredible!
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
- Hyper-centre for restaurants and nightlife
- Bastille area for mountain views
- Europole for convenient train access
3. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva makes an easy international day trip from Lyon with lakeside scenery, global culture, and excellent vegan dining.
How to Get There
- By train: Around 2 hours direct from Lyon Part-Dieu.
- By car: Approximately 2 hours, depending on border traffic.
Best Time to Visit
May through September is best for lakefront walks and outdoor cafés.
What to Do in Geneva
- Walk along Lake Geneva and enjoy the local vibe. There are many little restaurants and refreshment areas around the lake.
- See the Jet d’Eau fountain
- Explore the Old Town
- Visit the United Nations area. This area isn’t super close to the city so you need to take a local city bus. You can pay using your credit card to swipe.
- Relax in the city parks
Where to Eat
- Bio Fred serves organic vegan meals
- Le Phare Cafe is popular for vegan brunch
- Several Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants offer vegan-friendly menus
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
The Cornavin Station area is convenient for train travelers.
4. Dijon
Dijon offers elegant architecture, Burgundy wines, markets, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a slower-paced day trip.
How to Get There
- By train: TGV trains take around 2 hours.
- By car: About 2 hours via the A6 highway.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for the wine season and pleasant weather.
What to Do in Dijon
- Explore the medieval center
- Climb the Tour Philippe le Bon
- Visit the covered market
- Follow the famous Owl Trail
- Taste local Burgundy wines. This is a popular area for wine tours, so I recommend that you do a wine tasting tour.
Where to Eat
- Le Shanti offers vegetarian Indian cuisine with vegan options
- Monique is popular for vegan-friendly brunches
- Curieuses serves vegan French dishes and amazing desserts
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
The historic center is the best area for first-time visitors.
5. Avignon
Avignon combines medieval history, Provençal charm, and a warm southern French atmosphere.
How to Get There
- By train: High-speed TGV trains take around 1 hour.
- By car: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early autumn are ideal. July is famous for the Avignon Festival.
What to Do in Avignon
- Visit the Palais des Papes
- Walk across the Pont d’Avignon
- Explore the old town streets
- Browse Provençal markets
Where to Eat
- Italie Là-Bas has vegan-friendly Italian dishes
- Youpi! serves Mediterranean cuisine with vegan options along with an organic grocery store and bookstore
- V&G is known for vegan German and gourmet food – the best option here!
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
Inside the city walls for the best atmosphere and walkability.
6. Pérouges
This tiny medieval village feels frozen in time and is one of the easiest day trips from Lyon.
How to Get There
- By train: Take a train to Meximieux-Pérouges, then a short taxi or bus ride.
- By car: About 40 minutes from Lyon.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are quieter and more enjoyable than peak summer.
What to Do in Pérouges
- Wander the cobblestone lanes
- Photograph the stone buildings
- Browse artisan shops and then go to the edge of town to see the adorable sheep on the hillsides.
- Enjoy panoramic countryside views
Where to Eat
Vegan dining is limited, but some cafés offer vegetable tarts, salads, and sorbets. I highly recommend that you combine Pérouges with another nearby destination as it’s very close to Lyon, esp by car.
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
Small guesthouses inside the medieval village provide a unique overnight experience.
7. Chambéry
Chambéry is a charming Alpine city with colorful streets, mountain views, and easier access than Annecy.
How to Get There
- By train: About 1 hour 20 minutes direct.
- By car: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early autumn.
What to Do in Chambéry
- Explore the old town
- Visit Château des Ducs de Savoie
- See the Elephant Fountain
- Enjoy the nearby mountain scenery
Where to Eat
- Roots Cafe is the only 100% vegan place here and serves vegan brunch and afternoon tea
- Pokawa offers vegan poke bowls
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
Near Place Saint-Léger for atmosphere and walkability.
8. Beaune
Beaune is one of Burgundy’s prettiest wine towns and an excellent destination for food lovers.
How to Get There
- By train: About 2 hours from Lyon.
- By car: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
September, during grape harvest season, is especially beautiful.
What to Do in Beaune
- Visit the Hôtel-Dieu
- Explore wine cellars
- Walk through vineyard paths
- Browse the Saturday market
Where to Eat
- Lunchbox offers vegan-friendly Indian food
- Bien et Bon serves healthy vegan lunches
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
Inside the old town walls for easy access to the main attractions.
9. Aix-les-Bains
This lakeside spa town is ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. This is another beautiful lakeside destination. It’s not as populated as Annecy, but it’s absolutely stunning. The mountains nearby are incredibly tall and provide such an interesting backdrop.
How to Get There
- By train: Around 1 hour 15 minutes direct.
- By car: About 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
What to Do in Aix-les-Bains
- Relax beside Lac du Bourget
- Rent paddleboards or kayaks
- Visit thermal spas
- Hike to nearby viewpoints
Where to Eat
- Yoshi Sushi offers vegan sushi choices
- Cigkoftem serves seasonal dishes with vegan options
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
Near the lake for the best scenery.
10. Clermont-Ferrand
For volcanic landscapes and dramatic scenery, Clermont-Ferrand is a fantastic longer day trip from Lyon.
How to Get There
- By train: Around 2 hours 30 minutes.
- By car: Approximately 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through autumn is best for hiking and outdoor activities.
What to Do in Clermont-Ferrand
- Explore the black volcanic cathedral
- Visit Vulcania theme park
- Hike in the Chaîne des Puys
- Enjoy panoramic volcanic landscapes
Where to Eat
- Le Potager serves vegetarian cuisine with vegan options
- Planty Kitchen is popular for vegan bowls and brunch
Where to Stay (if you want to stay longer than a day trip)
Near Place de Jaude for convenient access to restaurants and attractions.
Final Tips for Vegan Travelers in Lyon
Lyon itself is famous for traditional French cuisine, but vegan options continue to improve rapidly. The city has excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants, making it an easy base for exploring southeastern France.
For most of these destinations, train travel is easy, comfortable, and often faster than driving. Renting a car becomes especially useful if you want to combine multiple villages, explore countryside areas, or visit hiking spots around the Alps.
Spring and early autumn are generally the best seasons for day trips from Lyon. You will enjoy mild weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful scenery without the intense summer heat.
FAQ: Best Vegan Day Trips from Lyon, France
What are the best day trips from Lyon for vegan travelers?
Some of the best vegan-friendly day trips from Lyon include Annecy, Grenoble, Geneva, Dijon, Avignon, Chambéry, Beaune, Aix-les-Bains, Pérouges, and Clermont-Ferrand. These destinations offer a combination of beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, and growing vegan dining options.
Can you take day trips from Lyon without a car?
Yes. Lyon is one of the best-connected cities in France for train travel. Most popular day trips can easily be reached by direct regional or high-speed trains. Annecy, Grenoble, Geneva, Dijon, Chambéry, and Avignon all have excellent public transportation connections.
Which day trip from Lyon is best for nature lovers?
Annecy and Aix-les-Bains are perfect for lake scenery and outdoor activities, while Grenoble and Clermont-Ferrand are ideal for mountain hikes and dramatic landscapes. Nature lovers who enjoy alpine views usually prefer Annecy or Grenoble.
What is the closest day trip from Lyon?
Pérouges is one of the closest and easiest day trips from Lyon, located less than an hour away by car. It is a beautiful medieval village known for its cobblestone streets and historic atmosphere.
Which day trip from Lyon has the best vegan food?
Grenoble and Geneva tend to have the strongest vegan dining scenes among these destinations. Annecy also has several excellent vegan-friendly cafés and brunch spots.
Is Annecy worth visiting as a day trip from Lyon?
Absolutely. Annecy is one of the most popular day trips from Lyon thanks to its turquoise lake, charming canals, mountain scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. It is especially beautiful in summer and early autumn. This is one of my favorite places in the world – the scenery is incredible.
Is Grenoble worth visiting?
Yes. Grenoble is an underrated destination that combines mountain scenery, museums, historic streets, and outdoor activities. It is also one of the easier places to find vegan food outside Lyon. We visited Grenoble recently and appreciated the chance to explore the city without many tourists around.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Lyon?
Spring and early autumn are generally the best times for day trips from Lyon. The weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Summer is ideal for lake destinations like Annecy and Aix-les-Bains, while winter works well for mountain scenery and Christmas markets.
Are vegan options easy to find outside Lyon?
In larger cities like Geneva, Grenoble, Dijon, and Annecy, vegan options are becoming increasingly common. Smaller villages such as Pérouges may have limited choices, so it can help to check menus in advance or bring snacks.
Which day trips are best for hiking?
- Grenoble for mountain trails
- Clermont-Ferrand for volcano hikes
- Annecy for lakeside and alpine hikes
- Aix-les-Bains for scenic viewpoints around Lac du Bourget
Which day trips are best for wine lovers?
Dijon and Beaune are the best choices for wine lovers. Both are located in Burgundy and offer vineyard visits, wine tastings, and charming historic centers.
Can you visit Switzerland on a day trip from Lyon?
Yes. Geneva is one of the easiest international day trips from Lyon. Direct trains take about two hours, making it possible to explore the city and return to Lyon the same day.
Are these destinations family-friendly?
Yes. Most of these day trips are excellent for families. Annecy, Aix-les-Bains, and Clermont-Ferrand are especially good for outdoor activities, while Avignon and Pérouges are fun for history lovers. Our kids actually really loved the medieval aspect of Pérouges and also enjoyed seeing the sheep at the edge of the town.
How many day trips should you plan from Lyon?
If you are staying in Lyon for a week, planning 2-3 day trips works well. If you’re staying even longer, you could easily do 3-4 day trips or even an overnight trip. This gives you enough time to enjoy Lyon itself while also exploring nearby lakes, mountains, villages, and wine regions.
Should you rent a car for day trips from Lyon?
A car is not necessary for most destinations because trains are efficient and convenient. However, renting a car can be helpful if you want to explore smaller villages, mountain areas, or multiple stops in one day.
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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
- NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
- Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
- Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
- Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities
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