What are the best campsites in the Rhône?
Camping de Lyon: a campsite open all year round on the outskirts of Lyon
Located in Dardilly, on the outskirts of Lyon, the Camping de Lyon **** welcomes holidaymakers all year round in a lush, 6-hectare natural park. It offers 239 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as comfortable accommodation such as mobile homes, gypsy caravans and ‘Toile & Bois’ tents. Families can enjoy a playground, a heated swimming pool in fine weather and a range of on-site facilities. An ideal spot for exploring Lyon whilst enjoying a natural and relaxing setting. Open all year round.
Huttopia Pays de Condrieu: a nature campsite between the Rhône and the vineyards
Set on a 19-hectare estate in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, the Huttopia Pays de Condrieu *** offers a stunning setting close to the vineyards of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie. The campsite provides spacious pitches for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes, as well as comfortable accommodation such as chalets, cabins and ‘Toile & Bois’ tents. Holidaymakers can also enjoy a swimming area with a heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool, a forest spa and a wide range of leisure facilities. Located just 45 minutes from Lyon, the campsite is an ideal base for exploring the Pilat and the Rhône Valley.
Camping La Trillonnière: in the heart of the Monts du Lyonnais
Situated in Mornant, in the heart of the Monts du Lyonnais, La Trillonnière Campsite ** offers a pleasant break in the countryside close to Lyon. In a lush, friendly setting, it offers 44 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as 6 comfortable chalets. Holidaymakers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails and the many outdoor activities on offer in the Monts du Lyonnais, whilst remaining just a few kilometres from Lyon. Open all year round for rentals, except during the Christmas holidays.
Les Rives de Condrieu Campsite: a family-friendly holiday in the countryside on the banks of the Rhône
Situated in Condrieu, around 40 km from Lyon, the Les Rives de Condrieu campsite **** enjoys a leafy setting on the banks of the Rhône, in the heart of the Rhône Valley. Spanning 4.66 hectares, it offers 197 mobile home pitches and a large water park with swimming pools, a paddling pool, water features and a slide. Families can also enjoy the kids’ clubs, summer entertainment, mini-golf, multi-sports campground and boules court. Nearby, the ViaRhôna cycle route and the Roches de Condrieu water sports centre offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Open from April to October. To discover all the campsites in the Rhône, click here.
What are the must-see attractions in the Rhône that you shouldn’t miss?
Lyon, a city steeped in history to explore with the family
You simply cannot visit the Rhône region without exploring Lyon, a city shaped by over 2,000 years of history. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, the ancient city of Lugdunum reveals traces of its Roman, medieval, Renaissance and industrial past across its various neighbourhoods. Its historic site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, includes Vieux-Lyon, Fourvière Hill, the slopes of Croix-Rousse and part of the Presqu’île.
To start your visit, head to Fourvière, where families can step back in time whilst exploring the impressive remains of the Roman theatres. The Grand Théâtre and the Odéon bear witness to the splendour of Lugdunum and offer a particularly pleasant setting to explore with children. A few steps further up, the silhouette of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière towers over the city, and its esplanade offers a superb panoramic view of Lyon, the Rhône and the Saône.
Heading back down towards Vieux-Lyon, you’ll find cobbled alleyways, colourful façades and the famous traboules, which give the neighbourhood the feel of a historic film set. The walk naturally continues towards the Presqu’île, all the way to the vast Place Bellecour, the heart of the city and one of the largest squares in Europe. Covering 62,000 m², it makes for a pleasant starting point to stroll around, take a break or continue exploring the city centre’s shopping streets.
The atmosphere changes as you head to the Croix-Rousse, another of Lyon’s iconic hills, closely linked to the history of the ‘canuts’ and the silk trade. Children will particularly enjoy the Fresque des Lyonnais, a huge trompe-l’œil mural depicting figures who have shaped the city’s history, from Paul Bocuse to the Lumière brothers and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
For a break in the countryside, head to the Parc de la Tête d’Or. With its 105 hectares, vast lawns, lake, botanical garden and zoo, it is one of Lyon’s top destinations for a family day out. Finally, two museums offer a fun and cultural way to continue your exploration: the Musée des Confluences, with its spectacular architecture, tells the story of humanity and life through four major themes, whilst the Musée des Beaux-Arts, situated on Place des Terreaux, takes you on a vast artistic journey from antiquity to modern art.image
The Beaujolais: vineyards, villages and rolling countryside
To the north of Lyon, the Beaujolais region reveals a gentle landscape, where the scenery changes as you travel through the valleys and over the hills. Nestled between the Rhône and the Saône, this destination stretches to the edge of the Mâconnais and offers a lovely mix of vineyards, meadows, forests and lush green valleys. Here, rows of vines cling to the hillsides, creating panoramic views that are particularly lovely to explore with the family, as you meander along the narrow roads and country lanes.
The vineyards are, of course, one of the region’s greatest assets. They are broadly divided into the southern Beaujolais, with its rolling countryside north of Lyon, and the wine-growing Beaujolais, which stretches further north around the famous Beaujolais wines. Lovers of heritage and traditional craftsmanship can set off to explore the estates and wine-growing villages, whilst families will particularly enjoy the many scenic spots perfect for a stroll. Among the best-known wines are Morgon, Fleurie, Juliénas, Chiroubles, Moulin-à-Vent, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Régnié and Chénas – names that are an integral part of exploring this region.
To discover the soul of the Beaujolais, several towns and villages are well worth a visit. Oingt, perched amidst the vineyards and listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, charms visitors with its medieval alleyways, golden-hued stone houses and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Further south, Villefranche-sur-Saône, the capital of the Beaujolais, invites you to explore its historic streets and heritage, particularly around the Rue Nationale. Other villages, such as Salles-Arbuissonnas-en-Beaujolais, with its ancient cloister, or Beaujeu, the historic cradle of the Beaujolais, also offer insights into the history and identity of this region.image
But the Beaujolais isn’t just about its heritage: it’s particularly well suited to outdoor activities. Numerous signposted trails criss-cross the hills, wind through the vineyards and run alongside meadows and valleys. Whether on foot or by bike, families can enjoy walks suited to different levels of ability, with, as they round a bend, unobstructed views of the hillsides, a village of golden stone or a narrow path lined with vines. A wonderful way to take the time to discover the Beaujolais and make the most of its landscapes, combining nature, heritage and local character.
The Pilat on the Rhône side: nature, walks and ancient history
To the west of Lyon, the Rhône section of the Pilat Regional Nature Park reveals particularly varied landscapes around Condrieu, Loire-sur-Rhône, Longes and Pélussin. The vineyard-clad slopes of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie overlook the Rhône Valley, whilst meadows, forests, orchards and small villages provide the perfect backdrop for a getaway in the great outdoors. From the heights, the panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding hills offer wonderful moments to share with the family.
The Pilat is also perfect for hiking, with numerous signposted trails offering routes to suit all levels. Families may prefer short walks and nature trails, particularly around Condrieu, Longes or Mont Monnet, whilst more experienced walkers can venture out on longer, hilly routes. A wonderful way to discover the landscapes of the Rhône whilst enjoying unspoilt nature.
In Saint-Romain-en-Gal, the journey takes on a historical dimension with one of the most important Gallo-Roman archaeological sites in France. Spanning several hectares, the remains of ancient Vienna reveal streets, dwellings, shops, workshops and thermal baths, allowing visitors to imagine daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. Children will particularly enjoy the remarkable mosaics, whilst the museum displays numerous artefacts unearthed during the excavations. The Domaine des Allobroges, with its garden, traditional ovens and reconstructed ancient vineyard, rounds off this entertaining exploration of the Roman era. A fascinating stop-off that combines nature, heritage and a journey back in time during a camping holiday in the Rhône.
The cuisine of the Rhône: a blend of Lyon specialities and fine wines
It’s impossible to explore the Rhône without giving pride of place to its cuisine, which is particularly celebrated in Lyon, a true land of culinary tradition. In Lyon’s famous bouchons and at the markets, local specialities invite you to discover a generous and convivial cuisine. Among the must-try dishes, the salade lyonnaise – made with green salad, bacon lardons, egg and croutons – makes for a simple yet tasty starter. ‘Cervelle de Canut’, made with fromage blanc, herbs and shallots, adds a touch of freshness, whilst the famous ‘rosette de Lyon’ is one of the iconic charcuterie specialities to sample during a visit to the capital of Gaul.
The wine-growing region also plays a significant role in the department’s identity. To the south, the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône flourish on the hillsides overlooking the river, whilst to the north, the rolling landscapes of the Beaujolais are shaped by vineyards and wine-growing villages. Local markets and producers also offer the chance to discover a wide range of regional specialities and put together some gourmet meals during your holiday. It’s a delightful way to round off your exploration of the Rhône, combining heritage, craftsmanship and culinary delights.image
Where can you swim in the Rhône?
When there’s a heatwave in the Rhône, people look for places to swim! For a change from your campsite’s swimming pool, this department offers lovely alternatives to the seaside, with lakes, large supervised lakes and beaches with facilities along the riverbanks, from the Rhône to the Saône. Discover the best swimming spots in the Rhône.image