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The Rhône & the Ardèche: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
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The 5-day version for September: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.
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5
days
270 km
distance
7.3 h
driving
29
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- ~12.3 hours of daylight in September — the plan keeps days inside a realistic window.
- Harvest in Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, chestnut season in the Ardèche across the river, and Lyon's bouchons back at full autumn form.
Day 1 Lyon
- Transit
- 0h33
- Finish
- ~15:50
- Temperature
- 10.8°C–22.9°C
- Rainy days
- ~9
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:00
Admire the intricate Gothic architecture and soaring arches of this historic cathedral.
50 min · Lyon · Free, appropriate dress required
open: M-F 08:15-12:00, 13:45-19:30, Sa Su 08:15-12:00, 13:45-19:00; services (no visits) M-F 09:00 and 19:00, Sa 09:00, Su 08:30 and 10:30 (high mass)
10:00
Gaze upon the massive white marble basilica, resembling an elephant with uplifted feet.
50 min · Lyon · Free admission
open: 10:00-17:00. Masses: M-Sa 07:15, 09:30, 11:00, 17:00; Su 07:30, 09:30, 11:00, 17:00
11:00
Visit Renaissance palaces housing Lyon's history and the famous Guignol puppet collection.
50 min · Lyon · 1 museum: €6 including audioguide, 2 museums: €8, 2 museums + temporary exhibition: €10. Under 26 and disabled: free
open: W-Su 11:00-18:30 except public holidays
12:00
13:00
14:00
14:50
Nardone glaciernardone.com map ↗
Enjoy unique ice cream flavors on a sunny terrace.
60 min · Lyon
open: Summer: daily 09:00-01:00; winter: W-Su 10:00-19:00, closed Dec 31-Mar 10
Overnight here
e.g. Hôtel Vaubecour · Camping des Barolles
Day 2 Around Lyon
- Transit
- 0h41
- Finish
- ~16:50
- Temperature
- 10.8°C–22.9°C
- Rainy days
- ~9
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:00
10:30
Visit a deconstructionist-style building with science and mythology exhibitions.
50 min · Lyon
11:35
12:35
13:35
15:00
15:50
La Vieille Canaille sites.google.com map ↗
Savor French dishes paired with an extensive wine list.
60 min · Lyon
open: Open from Tuesday to Saturday
Overnight here
e.g. Hôtel Vaubecour · Camping des Barolles
Day 3 Vienne
- Transit
- 1h37
- Finish
- ~16:35
- Temperature
- 10.1°C–21.7°C
- Rainy days
- ~9
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:40
Temple d'Auguste et de Livie read more
Admire the well-preserved Roman architecture up close.
50 min · Vienne
10:45
Jazz à Vienne jazzavienne.com read more
Enjoy world-class jazz performances at an annual festival.
90 min · Vienne
open: July
12:30
13:35
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice search
Explore a Gothic cathedral completed in the early 16th century.
50 min · Vienne
14:40
Abbaye Saint-Pierre search
Visit the ancient archaeological museum housed in a 5th-century abbey.
50 min · Vienne
15:45
Saint-André-le-Bas de Vienne search
Wander through the cloister of a 6th-century abbey church.
50 min · Vienne
Overnight here
Day 4 Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
- Transit
- 2h44
- Finish
- ~14:25
- Temperature
- 11.0°C–22.9°C
- Rainy days
- ~11
- Daylight
- 12.3h
11:25
12:30
Explore a striking replica of prehistoric cave art.
50 min · Vallon-Pont-d'Arc · Adults €17, youths (10-17) €8.50. Entrance fee includes guided tour
13:35
Castle of Vallon Pont d'Arc read more
Explore the ruins of a historic castle perched above the stunning Ardèche landscape.
50 min · Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Overnight here
e.g. Domaine de l'Astic · Camping la Rouvière
Day 5 Orange
- Transit
- 1h44
- Finish
- ~17:30
- Temperature
- 13.0°C–25.2°C
- Rainy days
- ~9
- Daylight
- 12.3h
14:00
🔍 Check before you book
Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.