Meyzieu

Day Trips

Wander through the cobblestone streets around Place de la République and admire the pastel facades that line the square. Pop into a local boulangerie to sample warm viennoiseries and a freshly brewed café au lait. Continue on to visit Saint-Jean-Baptiste church with its modest yet charming façade.

Head to the recently renovated Maison Forte, a historical manor turned cultural center showcasing regional art exhibitions. Relax in the adjacent Jardin des Terres Froides with its fragrant flower beds and shady benches. Stop by a small café for a fruity sorbet or gelato to recharge.

Reserve a table at a riverside brasserie facing the Rhône to enjoy fresh fish from the region. Sample a crisp Côtes du Rhône white wine while watching the sun dip behind tranquil waters. Finish the evening with a leisurely stroll along the Quai du Roussillon lit by softly glowing lanterns.

Catch an early tram to Parc de Miribel-Jonage and breathe in the fresh forest air along leafy trails. Rent a paddleboard at the Lac des Eaux Bleues and glide across the calm, reflective water. Keep an eye out for herons and common kingfishers skimming the surface.

Enjoy a picnic by the riverbank with charcuterie, local cheese and fresh baguette from Meyzieu’s market. Cycle the park’s dedicated bike lanes to explore hidden groves and secret viewpoints over the Rhône. Cool off with an ice cream from the park’s eco-kiosk perched on stilts above the marsh.

Return to town for dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing organic produce from the Dombes region. Sip a glass of local pétillant naturel alongside seasonal vegetable dishes. Top off the night with a walk under starlight toward the park entrance.

Start at the Rhône’s edge for a guided kayaking tour beneath the old mills of Meyzieu. Feel the current guide you past wildflower-lined banks and pebbled shallows. Pause for an upstream coffee break on a floating terrace.

Book an introductory stand-up paddle session with a local instructor on the calm canal spurs. Learn balance and technique while admiring the mirrored reflections of willows along the water. Warm up afterward with a light lunch at a shaded terrace overlooking your launch point.

Sample regional dishes at a bistro near the Marina de Meyzieu with panoramic views of moored boats. Order a Lyonnaise salad dressed in nutty walnut oil and topped with lardons. Stroll along the water’s edge as the lights of the yachts begin to twinkle.

Take the tram to Lyon and begin in Vieux-Lyon, marveling at Renaissance architecture along rue du Boeuf. Pop into a traditional bouchon for a cafe noisette and freshly baked brioche. Climb the traboules to uncover hidden courtyards and stone staircases.

Visit Saint-Jean Cathedral and then ride the funicular to Fourvière hill for panoramic views over Lyon. Explore the Gallo-Roman amphitheater and imagine ancient performances under the blue sky. Return via hilltop gardens to admire the Basilica’s ornate mosaics.

Dine in a classic Lyonnaise bouchon sampling quenelles and gratin dauphinois. Pair your meal with a glass of Beaujolais Villages from a nearby vineyard. End the night with a riverside promenade back to the tram stop.

Collect rental e-bikes and head north toward the first Beaujolais cru villages. Pedal through rolling vine-clad hills and lean against stone terraces for impromptu photo stops. Drop into a family domaine for a private tasting of gamay wines.

Continue your loop along shaded roads to explore the medieval village of Oingt, perched on its rocky outcrop. Wander narrow lanes lined with ochre stone walls and artisan shops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of goat cheese tartine paired with a chilled rosé.

Return to Meyzieu at sunset and unwind with a plate of local charcuterie at the town’s contemporary wine bar. Sample small-batch regional wines while discussing highlights with the sommelier. Close out the evening under festive string lights on the terrace.

Head to Meyzieu’s Saturday market to browse stalls brimming with cheese, honey, seasonal produce and charcuterie. Chat with producers about their artisanal methods and select ingredients for the day. Return to the workshop kitchen to prepare for the cooking class.

Join a local chef for an immersive cooking workshop focusing on Lyonnaise specialties like poulet aux morilles and gratin dauphinois. Learn to balance flavors and master classic French techniques. Sit down together to savor your creations alongside a flute of regional sparkling wine.

Enjoy free time to revisit any market finds or explore hidden gems in town. Stop by an ice-cream parlor for a decadent artisanal flavor. Conclude the day with a slow walk along illuminated streets back to your accommodation.

Visit a family-run pottery studio to see demonstrations of wheel-throwing and kiln-firing techniques. Try your hand at shaping a bowl or vase under the guidance of a master potter. Let your piece dry and discuss glazing options.

Tour a traditional olive oil mill just outside town and sample fresh-pressed oils with crusty bread. Learn about groves, pressing cycles and flavor profiles unique to the Rhône Valley. Enjoy a light picnic under ancient olive trees.

Attend a live pétanque match at the local boulodrome, cheering alongside residents gathered with pastis in hand. Join a friendly game or simply soak up the convivial atmosphere. Cap off the night with a late-night café gourmand at a cozy café.

Catch an early coach to Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” and stroll along its crystal-clear canals. Admire pastel façades and the reflection of mountains in the water. Visit Palais de l’Isle, the medieval jewel of the old town.

Rent a rowboat or pedal boat on Lake Annecy to enjoy the alpine scenery from the water. Glide past lidos and pine-fringed shores beneath the towering summits. Refuel with a tartiflette or local charcuterie platter at a lakeside restaurant.

Return to Meyzieu and freshen up before dinner at a gourmet pizzeria offering wood-oven specialties. Share a creative tarte flambée and finish with a warm apple tart. Take an after-dinner stroll along the canal to reflect on your Alpine adventure.

Head back to Parc de Miribel-Jonage for a guided forest canopy adventure with zip lines and rope bridges. Feel the rush of traversing obstacles high above the ground amid towering oaks. Celebrate your bravery with a cold drink at the base camp café.

Try an electric mountain bike tour through off-road trails crisscrossing marshlands and woodland. Your guide will share insights into local flora, fauna and conservation projects. Pause for a scenic lunch at a raised hide overlooking bird nests.

Change into casual attire and enjoy a riverside barbecue evening organized by an eco-association. Sample grilled Meunière fish, seasonal vegetables and crusty bread baked on site. Dance to live acoustic music under strings of solar-powered lights.

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast on your terrace or balcony with fresh pastries and local jams. Read a novel or journal about your favorite experiences from the past days. Treat yourself to a gentle yoga session in a nearby garden for ultimate relaxation.

Book a wellness treatment at a spa in Meyzieu, choosing from massages, facials or aromatherapy rituals. Unwind in the sauna and steam room before dipping into a heated plunge pool. Sip herbal tea in the relaxation lounge.

Dress up for a memorable farewell dinner at an upscale riverside restaurant serving inventive French cuisine. Toast your journey with a glass of Champagne and a tasting menu highlighting local ingredients. Conclude with a slow walk under lantern-lit bridges, savoring the final night’s serenity.