Things To Do
in Oullins
Oullins is a welcoming suburb just southwest of Lyon, blending village charm with easy access to the city’s culture and cuisine. The town centers around a lively market, green spaces, and a compact historic core that invites strolls and café breaks. Public transport links connect Oullins quickly to Lyon, Beaujolais, and Pilat Park, making day trips simple.
Whether you’re wandering market streets, cycling along river paths, or sampling Lyonnais specialties, Oullins serves as a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the vibrant Oullins market, where local vendors showcase fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. Interact with friendly locals as you wander through the stalls, sampling delicious baked goods and regional delicacies. Capture the morning light with some photos of the colorful market setup before enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café.
After the market, take a leisurely stroll along the Rhône River, enjoying the picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere. Consider visiting the nearby Parc de la Mairie, where you can relax in the gardens or enjoy a picnic. Engage in some light shopping at local boutiques and artisan shops, finding unique souvenirs to remember your visit.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional bistro for dinner and savor regional specialties like coq au vin or duck confit. After dinner, consider catching a performance at a local theater or enjoy a quiet evening walk through Oullins with its charming lights. Conclude your day with a digestif at a nearby café while soaking in the local ambiance.
Travel to the iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, perched on a hill with panoramic views of Lyon. Explore the stunning interior adorned with intricate mosaics and stained glass, taking time to appreciate the serene atmosphere. Don't forget to capture the breathtaking cityscape from the terrace outside the basilica.
Afterwards, make your way to the ancient Roman amphitheater nearby, where you can stroll among the ruins and learn about their history. Enjoy lunch at a café nestled in the historic district, relishing Lyonnaise cuisine with a view of the amphitheater. Spend time wandering the charming streets of Vieux Lyon, exploring shops and hidden gems.
For dinner, select a restaurant in Vieux Lyon that specializes in traditional Lyonnaise dishes, such as quenelles or salade lyonnaise. After your meal, take a leisurely walk by the Rhône River, where you can admire the illuminated city skyline against the night sky. End your evening with a relaxing drink at a local bar, enjoying the vibrant yet cozy atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
| 🚌Local transit fare | $2-4 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to Lyon’s culture and cuisine
- Relaxed town vibe with strong local markets
- Strong day-trip options (Pilait Park, Beaujolais, Beaujolais wine routes)
- Good public transport connections to Lyon and surrounding areas
- Limited nightlife within Oullins itself; best experiences often require a short trip to Lyon
- Smaller town scale may mean fewer dining choices late at night compared with Lyon
- Be mindful of peak-hour traffic around the Lyon metropolitan area
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où sont les toilettes ?" - Where are the toilets?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "Pouvez-vous recommander un bon restaurant ?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- "Je voudrais une table pour deux." - I’d like a table for two.
- "C’est délicieux." - It’s delicious.
- "Pouvez-vous m’aider ?" - Can you help me?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Oullins
Visit one of these nice places.
A green, shaded area with tree-lined paths, ideal for portrait shots and reflective nature photography.
A charming town square with classic storefronts and a sense of local life; great for candid street photography and architecture shots.
Historic church with an inviting façade and interior details suitable for architectural photography.
Scenic waterway views with bridges and reflections; especially photogenic at sunrise or blue hour.
A short excursion into Lyon’s historic districts offers dramatic cityscapes, cobblestone lanes, and Renaissance architecture.
Food in Oullins
Oullins Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pike quenelles served with Nantua sauce (a rich crayfish cream sauce) – a classic Lyonnais specialty.
Must-Try!
Herbed cheese dip often enjoyed with bread or crudités; a staple of Lyonnais charcuterie boards.
A robust sausage dish seasoned with onion and pepper; best enjoyed with potatoes or lentils at a bouchon.
Light, fried sweet pastries dusted with sugar; a beloved treat especially in the spring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, breads, cheeses, meats, and ready-to-eat bites from local producers.
Seasonal prepared foods and grab-and-go options, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet with ‘Bonjour’ (or ‘Bonsoir’) when entering shops. Use ‘s’il vous plaît’ and ‘merci’ in interactions.
Conversation is typically relaxed but not loud in eateries; avoid loud talking in quiet hours and respect meal customs.
Dress modestly for religious sites; be mindful of queues and do not block pathways in crowded markets.
Safety
Tipping in Oullins
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is often included (service compris) in the bill. If the service is good, rounding up or leaving a 5-10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cards (chip and contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still common in markets and smaller shops. ATMs are readily available in Oullins and Lyon.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming markets; comfortable for long walks and outdoor cafés. Carry a light jacket for cooler mornings.
Warm to hot days; occasional thunderstorms. Hydration is essential and riverfront areas provide natural relief.
Colorful foliage, harvest fairs, and wine events in Beaujolais; sweater-friendly weather with crisp air.
Cool to cold with potential rain; indoor attractions and cozy eateries are popular. Pack layers and a rain jacket.
Oullins at Night
Hiking in Oullins
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive away with forest trails, viewpoints, and easy-to-moderate hikes; ideal for a day trip from Oullins.
Wine country paths and scenic vineyard lanes; great for moderate hikes and photo stops.
Rolling hills and small villages within easy reach, offering forest trails and panoramic outlooks.
Airports
How to reach Oullins by plane.
Main international airport serving Lyon, located about 25-30 km from Oullins. Accessible by Lyon tram and regional trains, with a range of domestic and international flights.
Smaller regional airport about an hour’s drive from Oullins; useful for budget flights and domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residential neighborhoods with good schools, parks, and a family-friendly feel.
Proximity to Lyon attracts students and young workers seeking affordable living outside the city center.
Quiet streets and community services support a calm suburban lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across the Lyon region; local clubs offer opportunities for all ages.
A popular sport in the region with local teams and community leagues.
Excellent due to proximity to Beaujolais and Pilat; scenic routes and cycling clubs are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oullins.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many markets and bistros offer vegetarian options such as ratatouille, salads with Lyonnaise cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and cheese plates. When in doubt, ask for a vegetable-forward dish or a regional vegetable gratin.