Holiday rentals Rhône

Three iconic places to discover in the Rhône

The Rhône boasts a wealth of heritage and stunning landscapes that are the pride of the region. From the majestic Place Bellecour in the heart of Lyon to the picturesque alleyways of Vieux-Lyon and the châteaux overlooking the Beaujolais vineyards, every visit tells a story. Your holiday in a holiday let in the Rhône will allow you to wander at your leisure, without the constraints of a set itinerary.

1. Place Bellecour

Right on your doorstep in your Lyon holiday rental, Place Bellecour awaits you as the beating heart of the city. This vast pedestrian esplanade is one of the largest in Europe, offering a rare and soothing urban retreat. The equestrian statue of Louis XIV, which has stood there for centuries, is its iconic landmark, visible from a great distance. Children run freely here, whilst adults pause to admire the colourful façades that frame the square. It is the ideal starting point for exploring Lyon’s peninsula and getting to know the area.

2. Vieux-Lyon

Just a stone’s throw from Place Bellecour, Vieux-Lyon transports you several centuries back in time. This Renaissance quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates with its narrow cobbled streets where light filters through the ochre and pink façades. The traboules – Lyon’s characteristic covered passageways – invite curiosity and quiet exploration. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll come across mansions with intricately carved gateways, artisan shops and small restaurants tucked away in hidden corners. The 15th and 16th centuries live on here in every stone.

3. Château de Corcelles-en-Beaujolais

In the north of the department, the Château de Corcelles-en-Beaujolais stands like a medieval sentinel over the vineyards. This 15th-century fortress, with its sturdy walls and defensive architecture, overlooks the vineyards that stretch out in a green and gold checkerboard pattern depending on the season. Inside, the Renaissance well and historic cellars bear witness to the long-standing bond between stone and wine in Beaujolais. From your holiday rentals in the Rhône, a day trip offers the chance to experience the regional character by visiting this castle steeped in history.

These three destinations embody the Rhône in all its diversity: the urban and humanistic charm of Lyon, the authentic Renaissance character of Vieux-Lyon, and the wine-growing countryside with its châteaux. A holiday in a holiday rental in the region gives you the freedom to explore them at your own pace, returning each evening to relax in your accommodation.

The ideal season for booking a holiday let in the Rhône

Each season transforms the Rhône department and offers a new reason to stay there for a few weeks. The Rhône Valley, the Dombes and the foothills of the Massif Central reveal themselves differently depending on the time of year.

Spring gently awakens the countryside. Temperatures rise gradually, and the fruit trees are covered in white and pink blossoms. The vineyard paths become a pleasure to explore by bike or on foot. This is the time of year when local markets are brimming with fresh vegetables and nature invites you to get out and about without fear of the cold.

Summer is the time when holiday rentals become a haven. Cities such as Lyon experience the heat, but a holiday rental in the countryside enjoys the cool breezes. The nights remain mild, the terraces fill up, and the lakes of the Dombes beckon you to take a dip. Families enjoy the long days and the freedom to go for a swim, have a picnic in the open air, and stroll through the villages at a leisurely pace.

Autumn paints the department in warm hues. The vineyards of the southern Rhône turn golden before the grape harvest. The air becomes lighter; the crowds of July and August have disappeared. This is the season when holiday rentals allow you to explore the wine routes without the crowds, discover museums at your own pace, and sample the first grapes without having to queue.

Winter transforms the department into a peaceful retreat. Temperatures generally remain mild in the valley, whilst the grey skies lend themselves to more contemplative stays. Holiday rentals then offer the comfort of home from which to explore Romanesque churches, the châteaux of the Forez, or simply to savour the local cuisine by the fireside.

A holiday let in the Rhône is perfect for every season. It allows you to arrive whenever you like, stay as long as you wish, and leave at your own pace, without the constraints of a hotel schedule.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in the Rhône

A holiday in a holiday rental in the Rhône region is the perfect opportunity to get out and about and discover the region’s natural and cultural treasures. From iconic rivers to vineyard-dotted landscapes and culinary traditions, every day offers a new chance to explore.

1. A cruise on the Saône and the Rhône in Lyon

The two rivers that flow through Lyon tell the city’s story and offer a unique perspective on its neighbourhoods from the water. A river cruise allows you to admire the Renaissance façades of Vieux Lyon, the modern riverbanks and the bridges connecting the two banks. It’s a contemplative break away from the traffic, where you can discover the cityscape at your own pace.

Address: Lyon, 69000.

2. Hiking in the Beaujolais mountains

The hills of the Beaujolais can be explored on foot along paths that wind their way through vineyards and copses. The panoramic views over the cultivated valleys change with the seasons, and stone-built villages dot the routes. A half-day walk, suitable for all, allows you to breathe in the mountain air and understand how the terrain shapes local wine-growing.

Address: Beaujolais Mountains, Rhône.

3. Beaujolais wine tasting in Villefranche-sur-Saône

Villefranche-sur-Saône is the beating heart of the Beaujolais wine region. The tastings offered in the cellars and estates allow you to sample the region’s wines, from the lightest to the most complex. It’s also an opportunity to chat with the winegrowers and learn about the winemaking methods that have made the region’s reputation.

Address: Villefranche-sur-Saône, 69400.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in the Rhône

When choosing a holiday rental in the Rhône, the comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its location. Between the hot summers of the Rhône Valley and the harsher winters, travellers look for facilities that allow them to enjoy a carefree stay, whether with their family or as a couple. A functional kitchen, a shaded garden or well-designed air conditioning make all the difference between a simple holiday cottage and a true holiday retreat.

• Air conditioning or ventilation: summer temperatures in the Rhône can be intense. This facility ensures restful nights, especially in July and August.
• Fully equipped kitchen: cooking on site allows you to discover local produce and prepare meals with your family, at no extra cost.
• Outdoor space (garden or terrace): a sheltered spot where you can enjoy breakfast or dinner al fresco, essential for making the most of the Mediterranean climate of southern Rhône-Alpes.
• Private or free parking: in urban or tourist areas, having a secure parking space saves a lot of hassle.
• Washing machine: essential for stays of a week or more with children.
• Efficient heating: the winter months require a reliable heating system to keep you warm during getaways from November to March.
• Wi-Fi: staying connected isn’t a luxury, even on holiday, for some travellers who work remotely or want to share their photos in real time.
• Swimming pool or access to water-based activities: families with children particularly appreciate this facility for cooling off on hot days.
• Barbecue or plancha: ideal for cooking grilled food and enjoying the garden in a friendly atmosphere.

Finding a holiday rental with facilities that suit your type of holiday, the number of people and your budget is already half the battle when it comes to a successful holiday. In the Rhône, this search becomes easier when you know how to distinguish between essential services and secondary amenities.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in the Rhône?

In the Rhône, holiday rental rates vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a two-room flat, you can generally expect to pay between 40 and 70 euros per night. Family-sized properties, with three to four rooms, cost between 80 and 150 euros per night. Large houses or high-end properties, particularly those with a swimming pool or access to premium facilities, often exceed 150 euros and can reach 300 euros or more depending on the amenities.

Several factors influence these rates. Proximity to Lyon, the Rhône Valley or major tourist areas drives prices up. Conversely, more remote villages or rural towns offer more affordable stays. The length of stay also plays a part: sliding-scale rates for weekly or monthly stays offer substantial savings compared to individual nights. Off-peak periods, outside school holidays and the summer, feature significantly reduced prices.

Seasonality has a significant impact on rates. Prices peak in July and August, as well as during school holidays. Autumn, spring and winter offer more favourable rates. To find the best value for money, compare several options, read previous travellers’ reviews carefully and consider booking in advance, particularly if you’re planning a summer holiday or a long weekend.