One Week Cultural and Scenic Road Trip from Lyon, France

Day 1: Explore Lyon

Lyon, France on May 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie du Palais

Start your day with fresh French pastries and coffee at this beloved bakery in the heart of Lyon. Open from 7am, perfect for an early start.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Explore this iconic hilltop basilica offering panoramic views over Lyon and impressive architecture. Open from 8am to 7pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Discover narrow Renaissance streets, vibrant shops, and traboules (hidden passageways) that showcase Lyon’s history.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café des Fédérations

Enjoy traditional Lyonnaise cuisine like quenelles or coq au vin in this bustling bouchon, open from noon to 3pm for lunch.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:30pm

Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Visit one of France’s largest fine arts museums, exhibiting works from ancient to modern art. Open 10am–6pm except Tuesdays.
EUR8, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Parc de la Tête d'Or

Stroll or rent a pedal boat in this large urban park with a botanical garden and a small zoo, open daily from early morning until 10pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie Georges

Savor classic French brasserie dishes in an Art Deco setting. Open 7 days a week till midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Drive to Dijon

Dijon, France on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Pick up rental car in Lyon

Collect your rental car from a convenient Lyon city location to begin your regional drive.
EUR50/day approx, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive from Lyon to Dijon

Enjoy the scenic 195 km drive north through Burgundy’s countryside. Estimated driving time 2h15m.
EUR15 (toll fees approx), 2h15m

11:30am

Visit Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

Tour the historic ducal palace complex and its museum, essential to understanding Burgundy’s history. Open 10am-6pm except Tuesdays.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Maison des Cariatides

Dine on Burgundian specialties in a charming 17th-century historic building. Open for lunch 12pm-2pm.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Explore Dijon’s Old Town and Owl’s Trail

Follow the famous Oiseaux Trail to discover Dijon’s medieval architecture and landmarks, self-guided tour available any time.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Check into hotel and relax

Rest and prepare for the next day’s journey. Consider staying at a central hotel to maximize sightseeing.
Price varies, rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Loiseau des Ducs

Experience fine dining with wine pairings from the famous Burgundy vineyards. Reservations recommended, open till 10pm.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 3: Drive to Annecy

Annecy, France on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departure.
Included in hotel or EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive Dijon to Annecy

Travel 200 km southeast through beautiful landscapes. Drive takes approximately 2h30m.
EUR15 toll approx, 2h30m

12:00pm

Stroll around Lake Annecy

Relax by one of Europe's cleanest lakes with charming canals and stunning mountain views, accessible year-round.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Auberge du Lyonnais

Savor Savoyard specialties like tartiflette in a warm and authentic setting. Open 12pm-2pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:00pm

Visit Château d’Annecy

Explore this restored castle overlooking the town and featuring local museums. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR6, 1h

4:30pm

Boat Ride on Lake Annecy

Take a relaxing boat tour to admire the alpine scenery from the water. Available daily from 10am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Freti

Try traditional Savoy cheese dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Open from 6:30pm to 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Drive Annecy to Geneva

Short 45 km drive crossing into Switzerland, approximately 50 minutes.
EUR0 toll, possible parking fees EUR10, 0h50m

9:00am

Visit Jet d’Eau and Lake Geneva Waterfront

Admire Geneva’s famous water fountain and enjoy lakeside promenades in the morning when it’s less crowded.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Tour the United Nations Office

Take a guided tour of the European headquarters of the UN. Book tours in advance; open 9am-11:30am and 2pm-4pm weekdays.
CHF15 (~EUR14), 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café du Soleil

Enjoy some of the best fondue in Geneva at this popular traditional Swiss restaurant. Open 11:30am-3pm.
CHF40 (~EUR37), 1h15m

1:30pm

Visit St. Pierre Cathedral

Climb to the top for great city views and explore archaeological sites beneath the cathedral. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF5 (~EUR5), 1h

3:00pm

Explore the Old Town

Wander through cobbled streets filled with shops and cafés, capturing Geneva’s history and vibrant life.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive back to Annecy

Return the rental for the day or park car; journey about 50 minutes.
EUR0-10 parking or toll, 0h50m

7:30pm

Dinner at local Annecy bistro

Relax after a big day with a casual meal featuring regional cuisine.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Visit Vienne

Vienne, France on May 21, 2025

8:30am

Drive Annecy to Vienne

Travel westward about 90 km, roughly 1h30m drive through scenic Rhône valley.
EUR10 toll approx, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Roman Ruins of Vienne

Discover impressive ancient sites including the Roman theater and temple, open year-round.
EUR5, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Pyramide

Indulge in classic French gourmet dishes at this historic restaurant, open from noon.
EUR45, 1h30m

1:45pm

Visit Saint-Maurice Cathedral

Tour this gothic cathedral notable for its architecture and stained glass, open till 6pm.
EUR0, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along the Rhône River

Relax with a gentle walk on the riverbanks to enjoy the natural surroundings.
EUR0, 1h

4:30pm

Drive back to Lyon

Return to Lyon, approximately 35 km, 40-minute drive.
EUR5 toll approx, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Enjoy a wide variety of gourmet food stalls and local specialties at this famous Lyon food market, open until 9pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Discover Lyon Neighborhoods

Lyon, France on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Salon de Thé Mireille

Enjoy traditional French tea and light breakfast treats in a charming tea salon. Open 8:30am to 6pm.
EUR12, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Croix-Rousse District

Walk through this artist quarter known for its silk-weaving history and vibrant street art.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Explore Mur des Canuts

See the famous trompe-l’oeil mural depicting the life of the Canuts silk workers.
EUR0, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Le Bouchon des Filles

Taste home-style Lyonnaise food in a cozy atmosphere. Open daily from noon.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Confluence Museum

Explore this cutting-edge science and anthropology museum located at Lyon’s river confluence. Open 11am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR9, 2h

4:00pm

Take a Rhône river cruise

Relax with a scenic river cruise from Confluence area to central Lyon, offering great urban views. Cruises operate until early evening.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Mère Brazier

Dine at this two-star Michelin restaurant known for classic Lyon cooking, reservations essential. Open till 10:30pm.
EUR80, 2h
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Day 7: Final Day in Lyon

Lyon, France on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Mokxa

Start the last day with some of Lyon’s finest coffee and light breakfast options, open from 8am.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Shopping at Presqu'île district

Spend your morning exploring boutiques, shops, and local markets in Lyon’s central shopping area.
EUR0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Terrasses de Lyon

Enjoy lunch with views of the city at this rooftop restaurant, open from noon.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Museum of Contemporary Art

Check out modern art exhibitions in a beautiful setting by the Rhône River. Open 11am-6pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return rental car and prepare for departure

Head to Lyon rental center to return your car and finalize your trip preparations.
Included in rental fee, 0h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Le Bouchon des Cordeliers

End your week with a final taste of traditional Lyon cuisine in a warm and authentic atmosphere. Open till 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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