RV Rental Lyon, ARA

If you're looking for a dose of fresh air right in the city, park your motorhome rental in Lyon at Parc de Gerland. This lush green space down by the River Rhône comes complete with botanical gardens, sports fields, and multi-use paths. Lyon's largest park at just shy of 300 acres, Parc de la Tête d’Or has welcomed nature lovers since the mid-19th century. Stop and smell the roses at the formal gardens, meet some new critters at the zoo, or launch out onto the lake and paddle the day away. Football, rugby, cricket, and volleyball players are in for a treat at Parc de Parilly, which features a field or court for just about any sport you might like to enjoy.

When it comes to national parks, you won't find any within Lyon itself. However, Grand Parc Miribel Jonage is only 30 minutes east of the city center and is a lovely place for outdoor enthusiasts. The white sandy beaches that surround Eaux Bleues are the perfect place to take the kids for a day of swimming and soaking up the sun. If it’s hiking trails you want, you'll discover an extensive network of beautiful trails that wrap around the lake and wind through wooded areas. Suitable for all ages, these trails are good for hiking, biking, or walking the dog. Golfing, ziplining, sailing, fishing, and wildlife watching are a few of the many other activities on offer at this vast park.

If you’re up for an hour’s drive south, you can visit the Pilat Regional Nature Park. This 16,000-acre park is chock full of hiking trails that will take you through some breathtakingly scenic mountains, into woodlands, and to the crest of many a hilltop for a spectacular view of eastern France. If you’re up for it, try hiking the crêt de la Perdrix, a challenging route that leads to a 4,700-foot-high peak.

Renting an RV in Lyon is one of the best ways to discover what the city and surrounding areas have to offer. There aren’t too many campgrounds where you can park your motorhome rental in Lyon, but luckily, you have Camping de Lyon. This campground is just north of the city center and features more than 160 sites to accommodate your RV rental. Pets and children are welcome at this family-friendly campground. The campground comes equipped with electric hookups, Wi-Fi access, and a camp store. As for entertainment, guests can enjoy the swimming pool, volleyball, and ping pong. Hikers will also find plenty of trails a short distance from the campground.

Just south of the city center, you’ll find Camping des Barolles. It's within easy driving distance of the city center, but it's far enough away to enjoy seclusion and the peaceful outdoors. A laundromat and Wi-Fi are available on-site. Camping Des Barolles also provides electrical hookups and water as well as sewage disposal.

Those looking to explore in a campervan rental in Lyon are sure to find Vieux Lyon fascinating. Also known as “Old Lyon,” Vieux Lyon is the Renaissance-style quarter of Lyon and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come here to walk the cobblestone streets and discover the history of Lyon. Have a nice dinner on a terrace in the warm French sunshine, or maybe stop by a museum or art gallery. Vieux Lyon is a great place to see old-style France like never before.

If you want to take your luxury motorhome rental through eastern France, you’ll also want to check out the Musée Cinéma et Miniature. This museum is a unique combination of one talented artist’s love for cinematic special effects and miniature sculptures. Dan Ohlmann created an entire museum for your enjoyment that consists of entire miniaturized scenes built by hand, as well as recreations of cinematic memorabilia. You get two museums for the price of one. Musée Cinéma et Miniature is located in Old Lyon, right on the River Saône.

France is known for its architectural beauty. Adding to this reputation is La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. This cathedral was built in the mid-1800s, making it more modern than some of France's most iconic structures. Attend the regular church services or wander through the cathedral on your own. Take a walk up the staircase to the roof and for a panoramic view of Lyon. The bell tower and the spectacular mosaics and architecture inside the church are just a couple of the highlights of your tour.

Along the major roads, you'll find plenty of gas stations where you can top off your tank and get snacks for the road. Take your pick of restaurants, most of which are along the north end of the Rhone River: French, seafood, fine dining, you name it. If you’re looking to continue your trip, the next closest city is Saint-Étienne to the west.