World City Guide

Excursions

For a Half Day

Pérouges: The medieval city of Pérouges, surrounded by green fields, is situated in the Dombes region, approximately 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 upper and lower gates), 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) 7461 0114; e-mail: info@perouges.org; website: www.perouges.org).

Grottes de la Balme (Grottos of Balme): The Grottes de la Balme (tel: (04) 7490 6376; fax: (04) 7490 6703) 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, which includes a guided tour, costs ¬6. The caves are open 1000-1200 and 1400-1800, with limited opening in November and February and weekends. The caves are closed between 15 December and 1 February every year. 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 authentic machinery dating from the beginning of the century. The whole trip lasts two hours and passes through magnificent countryside. Trips are available from April to November. A return trip costs ¬17.50 and a single ¬16. The railway is managed by Chemin de Fer Touristique et de Montagne, 2 quai Jean Moulin (tel: (04) 7828 8334; fax: (04) 7200 9767; website: http://mastrou.free.fr).

Beaujolais area: A day excursion in the Beaujolais area takes the visitor on a picturesque 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; e-mail: info@hameau-du-vin.tm.fr; website: www.hameauenbeaujolais.com) is a living museum of vineyards and wine production, with guided tours lasting two hours and costing ¬11.50. The price includes a free Beaujolais or Mâconnais wine-tasting session. Open daily 0900-1800 (closed 2 January-18 January), the Hamlet is accessible from Lyon via the A6, exiting at Belleville or by train from Lyon to Romanèche-Thorins.