Best Backpacking Destinations in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
1. Parc de la Tête d'Or
Spacious urban park with a lake, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
- Green Space: Provides ample green space to relax amidst the city.
- Lake Activities: Offers boating and fishing opportunities.
- Variety of Facilities: Includes tennis courts, a rose garden, and a zoo.
2. Fourvière Hill
Historic hill offering panoramic views of Lyon and the Rhône valley.
- Historic Sites: Home to Roman ruins, basilicas, and a Gallo-Roman theater.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of Lyon's cityscape.
- Peaceful Retreat: Offers a peaceful and serene environment away from the bustling city.
3. Vieux Lyon
Medieval quarter with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning architecture.
- Historic Buildings: Home to beautiful Renaissance-era mansions.
- Cobblestone Streets: Features charming, narrow alleyways lined with shops and cafes.
- Traboules: Offers secret passageways connecting Vieux Lyon's streets.
4. Croix-Rousse
Historic district known for its silk industry and vibrant street art.
- Silk History: Preserves the rich history of Lyon's silk-weaving trade.
- Street Art: Showcases unique and colorful murals by local artists.
- Craft Shops: Features artisanal workshops selling traditional crafts.
5. La Colline de la Croix-Saint-Roch
Ancient hill with a church and picturesque streets filled with street art.
- Historic Church: Features the beautiful Church of Saint Roch.
- Street Art: Offers a vibrant, ever-changing street art scene.
- Panoramic Views: Provides stunning vistas of Lyon and the Rhône valley.
6. Le Presqu'Île
Island-like peninsula with iconic bridges, historic sites, and modern architecture.
- Iconic Bridges: Includes the famous Fourvière Bridge and Saint-Antoine Bridge.
- Historic Sites: Features the Bellecour Square, the city hall, and Palais de Justice.
- Modern Architecture: Showcases contemporary buildings like Musée des Confluences.
7. Bugey-Cerdon
Wine region offering hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes.
- Wine Tasting: Allows visitors to taste the local Cerdon wine.
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hikes through vineyards and forests.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the stunning beauty of the Jura Mountains.
8. Monts du Lyonnais
Mountain range offering hiking trails and stunning vistas.
- Hiking Trails: Provides challenging trails for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the region's diverse flora and fauna.
9. Dombes Regional Nature Park
Nature park with lakes, forests, and a variety of wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Allows visitors to observe diverse bird species.
- Hiking Trails: Offers well-marked trails for exploring the park.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the beauty of the park's lakes and forests.
10. Saint-Etienne
Industrial city with modern architecture, museums, and vibrant street art.
- Modern Architecture: Showcases contemporary buildings like the Louis-Ferdinand Céline House.
- Museums: Features museums such as the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie Saint-Etienne.
- Street Art: Offers a vibrant and ever-changing street art scene.
11. Saint-Chamond
Industrial town with a castle, museums, and a picturesque old quarter.
- Castle: Features the stunning Château de Saint-Chamond.
- Museums: Offers museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle.
- Old Quarter: Showcases the charm of its medieval streets and architecture.
12. Villefranche-sur-Saône
Historic town with a castle, charming streets, and a vibrant market.
- Castle: Features the beautiful Château de Villefranche.
- Market: Offers a bustling market selling local produce and crafts.
- Charming Streets: Showcases the town's medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.
13. Grenoble
Modern city with a historic center, museums, and outdoor activities.
- Historic Center: Features the charming Vieille Adresse neighborhood.
- Museums: Offers museums like the Musée de Grenoble and Musée Dauphinois.
- Outdoor Activities: Allows visitors to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and rafting nearby.
14. Vercors Regional Nature Park
Nature park offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities.
- Hiking Trails: Provides challenging hikes through picturesque landscapes.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Rock Climbing: Allows visitors to experience challenging rock climbing routes.
15. Chartreuse Regional Nature Park
Nature park with monasteries, hiking trails, and stunning vistas.
- Monasteries: Features the famous Grande Chartreuse and Val-de-Bénédiction.
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hikes through the park's forests and mountains.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the beauty of the Chartreuse Mountains.