For a Half Day

Pérouges: The medieval city of Pérouges, surrounded by green fields, is situated in the Dombes region, some 34km (22 miles) from Lyon and accessible from exit 7 of the A42. Once inside the city's ramparts, the visitor is transported back to the Middle Ages with a fortress church, picturesque houses and shops. Other features include the Porte d'en Bas and the Porte d'en Haut (the lower and the upper gate), which lead onto rue des Rondes and the Ostellerie (Hostelry), at the end of rue des Princes on place du Tilleul. The latter is one of the most beautiful residences in Pérouges, dating from the 13th century and listed as a historic monument. Additional information is available from the tourist office in Pérouges (tel: (04) 7446 7084; website: www.perouges.org).

Les Grottes de la Balme (Grottos of Balme): The Grottes de la Balme (tel: (04) 7490 6376; website: www.grotteslabalme.com) are one of the most beautiful natural wonders of France, situated about 45km (28 miles) from Lyon, between Crémieu and Lagnieu. There is a lake, a waterfall and many other natural features to explore. Entrance to the caves includes a guided tour. The caves are open 1000-1200 and 1400-1800, with limited opening in November and February and weekends. They're closed between the 15 December and the 1 February every year (opened during Christmas Holidays, except on 25 December).  Visitors can reach the caves by following the signs to Crémieu, after exiting the A43 at Saint Quentin Fallavier.

For a Whole Day

Chemin de Fer du Vivarais (Vivarais Railway): The Vivarais Railway is located in a superb part of the Doux Valley. By road, it is accessible via the A7, exiting at Tain. By train, the closest stations are Tain-Tournon or Valence, from where a bus goes to Tournon. The railway, built between 1886 and 1905, goes from Tournon to Lamastre and is powered by an authentic engine dating from the beginning of the last century. The whole trip lasts 2 hours and passes through magnificent countryside. Trips are available from April to November. The railway is managed by Chemin de Fer Touristique et de Montagne (tel: (04) 7508 2030; website: www.trains-fr.org/unecto/cfvivarais or www.ardeche-train.com).

Beaujolais area: A day excursion in the Beaujolais area takes the visitor on a charming road through vineyards and can incorporate the Hameau en Beaujolais (Hamlet in Beaujolais), situated 30km (19 miles) from Lyon, in the heart of the Beaujolais area. The Hamlet (tel: (03) 8535 2222; website: www.plaisirsenbeaujolais.com or www.hameauenbeaujolais.com) is a living museum of vineyards and wine production, with guided tours lasting two hours. The price includes a free Beaujolais or Mâconnais wine-tasting session. Open daily 0900-1800, the Hamlet is accessible from Lyon via the A6, exiting at Belleville or by train from Lyon to Romanèche-Thorins.