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07 Jul 2025
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Paris to Lyon road trip itinerary

Paris to Lyon Road Trip Overview

Embark on a captivating journey from the bustling heart of Paris to the charming city of Lyon, discovering some of France’s finest cultural, historical, and gastronomic highlights along the way. Begin your adventure in Paris, where you can marvel at iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the world-famous Louvre Museum. After soaking in the Parisian ambiance, drive to Fontainebleau to explore the magnificent royal château set within picturesque forests—a true testament to French artistry and regal history. Continuing south, immerse yourself in the scenic landscapes of Burgundy's acclaimed vineyards around Beaune, where exceptional wines await and the medieval Hospices de Beaune offers an intriguing glimpse into the past.

Next, travel to Cluny Abbey, once the spiritual center of medieval Europe and an architectural marvel renowned for its Romanesque grandeur and tranquil surroundings. Finally, conclude your trip in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its vibrant old town, savor world-class cuisine in traditional bouchons, and admire both Roman ruins and Renaissance treasures. This road trip promises an unforgettable mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making it the perfect way to experience the essence of France.


Recommended Activities

  • Paris is the iconic capital of France, renowned for its world-class museums, historical landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, vibrant neighborhoods, and exquisite cuisine.
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    Fontainebleau

    Fontainebleau is famous for its stunning royal château surrounded by beautiful forests, offering a unique glimpse into French history, art, and architecture in a tranquil setting.
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    Burgundy Vineyards (Beaune)

    Beaune, at the heart of the Burgundy wine region, is celebrated for its picturesque vineyards, exceptional wine tastings, and impressive historical sites such as the Hospices de Beaune.
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    Cluny Abbey

    Cluny Abbey is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and was once one of the most influential monasteries in medieval Europe, offering visitors impressive ruins and rich historical insights.
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  • Lyon is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, fascinating Roman and Renaissance architecture, and picturesque old town, making it a cultural and gastronomic hub of France.
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Restaurants

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    Le Refuge des Fondus

    5.9

    Le Refuge des Fondus

    A quirky Montmartre spot in Paris where wine is served in baby bottles and communal fondue makes for a lively, memorable meal.
    5.9
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    L’Axel

    4.6
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    L’Axel

    A creative Michelin-starred restaurant in Fontainebleau blending French and Japanese influences for a unique dining experience.
    4.6
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    La Dilettante

    4.6
    $$$$

    La Dilettante

    A cozy bistro in Beaune focusing on organic, local ingredients and offering an ever-changing, inventive menu.
    4.6
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    Auberge du Cheval Blanc

    4.3
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    Auberge du Cheval Blanc

    A countryside inn near Cluny known for its rustic charm and creative dishes sourced from regional ingredients.
    4.3
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    Le Kitchen Café

    4.4
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    Le Kitchen Café

    A trendy Lyon eatery praised for its fusion cuisine, creative brunches, and minimalist design.
    4.4
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Hotels

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    Hotel Off Paris Seine

    4.3

    Hotel Off Paris Seine

    A unique floating hotel on the Seine River in Paris offering stylish rooms and stunning river views.
    4.3
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    La Demeure du Parc

    4.1

    La Demeure du Parc

    A chic boutique hotel next to the Château de Fontainebleau with a modern design blending with historical surroundings.
    4.1
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    Abbaye de Maizières

    4.4

    Abbaye de Maizières

    A medieval abbey turned charming hotel in Beaune, giving guests a historical and atmospheric stay.
    4.4
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    Hostellerie d'Héloïse

    4.6
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    Hostellerie d'Héloïse

    An intimate hotel near Cluny with characterful rooms by the riverside, perfect for a tranquil retreat.
    4.6
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    Mob Hotel Lyon Confluence

    4.1

    Mob Hotel Lyon Confluence

    A trendy eco-hotel in Lyon’s Confluence district known for its playful decor, community vibe, and green rooftop spaces.
    4.1
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Luan Santana

    Luan Santana

    The event will take place in Genève.
    Map Icon in Genève (128.05 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Nov 2025
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    Marco Mengoni

    Marco Mengoni

    The event will take place in Genève.
    Map Icon in Genève (128.05 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Nov 2025
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    David Voinson

    David Voinson

    The event will take place in Genève.
    Map Icon in Genève (128.05 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Nov 2025
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    D'Jal - En pleine conscience

    D'Jal - En pleine conscience

    The event will take place in Genève.
    Map Icon in Genève (128.05 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Jan 2026
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    Alexandre Kominek - Bâtard sensible

    Alexandre Kominek - Bâtard sensible

    The event will take place in Genève.
    Map Icon in Genève (128.05 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Feb 2026
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    Nordine Ganso - Violet

    Nordine Ganso - Violet

    The event will take place at Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Genève.
    Map IconBâtiment des Forces Motrices in Genève (130.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Oct 2025
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    Felix Dhjan - Nuances

    Felix Dhjan - Nuances

    The event will take place at Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Genève.
    Map IconBâtiment des Forces Motrices in Genève (130.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Jan 2026
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hi :) I'm going for the first time to Paris and going to Lyon for a concert. I'm driving down from Paris to Lyon and wanted to know some suggestions

    Villages to visit on drive from paris->lyon

    Hi :) I'm going for the first time to Paris and going to Lyon for a concert. I'm driving down from Paris to Lyon and wanted to know some suggestions

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
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    128 votes, 43 comments. Hey, guys! I'll be travelling across France and Stwitzerland on a sort of cheap budget for about 20 days. Know where I want

    Any suggestions of French cities between Paris and Lyon?

    128 votes, 43 comments. Hey, guys! I'll be travelling across France and Stwitzerland on a sort of cheap budget for about 20 days. Know where I want

    /r/solotravel
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    From Lyon to Nice you can also take a TGV From nice to Paris you can take a TGV (about 5,5 hours), fly (about the same time) or taking a night train (intercit de nuit). The ni...

    Best way to travel throughout France (Paris to Lyon to Nice to Paris)

    From Lyon to Nice you can also take a TGV From nice to Paris you can take a TGV (about 5,5 hours), fly (about the same time) or taking a night train (intercit de nuit). The ni...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi ! You absolutely have to visit Lyon and spend at least one day there, for sure. Uf you like good food, Lyon is the perfect place. Ut is considered the French gastronomic ca...

    Day trips from Lyon

    Hi ! You absolutely have to visit Lyon and spend at least one day there, for sure. Uf you like good food, Lyon is the perfect place. Ut is considered the French gastronomic ca...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    344 votes, 219 comments. Just recently came back from a 9 day tour of Paris/Lyon. Spent 6 days in Paris and 3 days in Lyon. These are some of the

    Lessons learned from my trip from Paris/Lyon

    344 votes, 219 comments. Just recently came back from a 9 day tour of Paris/Lyon. Spent 6 days in Paris and 3 days in Lyon. These are some of the

    /r/ParisTravelGuide

Music for Your Journey

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    Tété - À la faveur de l'automne

    Tété - À la faveur de l'automne

    A beautiful, soothing French song that captures the joy of traveling through the changing landscapes.
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    Édith Piaf - La Vie en rose

    Édith Piaf - La Vie en rose

    An iconic and romantic song, perfect for setting a Parisian mood as you start your road trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Dante YN - On Ira

    Dante YN - On Ira

    An uplifting anthem about journey and adventure, great for driving and discovering new places.
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    Garou - Sous le vent

    Garou - Sous le vent

    A powerful duet which brings energy and emotion to your journey.
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    Johnny Hallyday - Je te promets

    Johnny Hallyday - Je te promets

    A heartfelt classic that captures the emotional landscapes of travel.
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    Camille - Le Festin

    Camille - Le Festin

    Famous from the movie Ratatouille, this song inspires hope and appetite for discovery, ideal for the gastronomic regions on your route.
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    Joe Dassin - Les Champs-Elysées

    Joe Dassin - Les Champs-Elysées

    A joyful song celebrating the heart of Paris, perfect to listen to as you leave the city.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Stromae - Formidable

    Stromae - Formidable

    A modern French hit with catchy melody, great for city and countryside drives alike.
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    Éclat Harmonique - Les Champs De Lavande

    Éclat Harmonique - Les Champs De Lavande

    Evokes the beauty of the French countryside, perfect for the scenic vineyards of Burgundy.
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    Benjamin Biolay - Lyon presqu'île

    Benjamin Biolay - Lyon presqu'île

    A song dedicated to Lyon’s vibrant city center, great for arriving at your final destination.
    Listen on Spotify
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