Picnics and festive meals in the open air

The arrival of warmer weather offers us the delightful privilege of eating outdoors. But this year more than ever, let's preserve the richness of our natural spaces by favoring cold meals and forgetting about impromptu barbecues.

Whether casual or formal, checkered tablecloths grace the open air in the heart of summer. In the Rhône region, numerous spots lend themselves to picnics and festive gatherings under blue or starry skies. Several options are available for those who love rustic feasts that celebrate local produce.

CD69 – Julien Bourreau

Freedom formula

With panoramic views, by the water, in the forest, next to a playground… Freely choose from a selection of picnic areas offered by the tourist offices.

Looking to complement your lunch menu with seasonal produce, drinks or even a dessert? Then plan a stop at one of the farm shops or food stores located along your route.

Or, simply indulge in one of our four meticulously planned getaways.

1. On the ramparts. Riverie, the Small Town of Character® the mountains of the Lyonnais.

• The setting for your picnic : the village of riverie with its narrow streets, its historical remains, the rampart walk facing the Alps…
• Complete your picnic – Please check the opening hours and days beforehand : Uniferme in Beauvallon or, the Organic Market of the Clarines Farm Saturday mornings in Chabanière.
• Things to see and do locally or nearby : audio-guided tour of the village, the viewpoint of Signal in Saint-André-la-Côte.

2. On an island. Barlet Island in Saint-Romain-en-Gal near Vienne.

• The setting for your picnic on Barlet Island : the Rhône river, the shade of the poplars, the summery, open-air café atmosphere.
• Go to the island : from Vienne or Saint-Romain-en-Gal follow ViaRhônaOn foot or by bike, the greenway crosses the island. Arriving in Vienna by train from Lyon.
• Complete your picnic : on the famous Vienna market Saturdays.
• Things to see and do locally or nearby : Gallo-Roman Museum and Sites of Saint-Romain-en-Gal, a cycling getaway on the ViaRhôna (bike rental at the Tourism Pavilion), the stanautical Françoise Clavery-Bouysson in Saint-Romain-en-Gal.

3. A feast for the eyes. The Rochefort cross in Avenas in the Haut-Beaujolais.

• The setting for your picnic : the Rochefort cross viewpoint.
• Climb to the Rochefort cross : on foot from the town of Avenas. Follow the yellow markings of the Sentiers du Rhône from the post "Avenas Mairie" – Two options: out and back 5,8 km or loop of 6,4 km.

Download the trail map

• Complete your picnic Please check the opening hours and days beforehand. : to the Beaujolais Regional Products House in Beaujeu, or in the House of hiking and trail running at the Col de Crie – Monsols
• Things to see and do locally or nearby : church and arboretum of Avenas, playground at the Col de Crie, exhibitions and activities at the Maison du Terroir Beaujolais.

4. Silence, they're biting! Poule-les-Écharmeaux lake in the Beaujolais Vert region.

• The setting for your picnic at Poule pond : calm, nature, the water's edge and dragonflies.
• Reach the body of water : near the town, parking right next door. Public transport : train from Lyon to Lozanne station + TER bus stop “Poule-les-Écharmeaux Mairie”.
• Complete your picnic Please check the opening hours and days beforehand. Several addresses along the D385 in the Azergues valley: Lyonnais Lands in Châtillon-d'Azergues, The relay of flavors in Legny and Azergues Terroir in Lamure-sur-Azergues.
• Things to see and do locally or nearby : body of water open to fishing but swimming prohibited.

VIP Package

Experiences combining visits, unexpected encounters and local meals provided by your hosts, in unusual locations specially privatized for you.

• A picnic served in front of a castle or in the middle of the vineyard Beaujolais, to which is added a a special meeting with a passionate winemaker. Services available by reservation only : access the list of relevant domains.
• Eating facing the wolvesThis is the original idea conceived by the Courzieu Park. Your Your picnic will be delivered by wheelbarrow. ! This service is available by reservation only. Access the offer details.

festive formula

In this epicurean region, festivities, leisure, and cultural activities go hand in hand with culinary delights. Ask for the program to go dancing, sightseeing, singing… a summery and convivial atmosphere guaranteed.

• The gourmet break at Les Écharmeaux on August 1st and 2nd, 2026 : local products, entertainment and arts and crafts in the spotlight. See the program
• The Wine Rendezvous : brunches, concerts, hiking, aperitifs… in the heart of the vineyards of the Northern Rhône Valley. See the program
• Discovery events in the Monts du Lyonnais : pre-dinner drinks and snacks combined with the discovery of must-see heritage sites. See the program
• Summer Nights Rosés : cinema evenings, night market, concerts in the wine villages and beautiful properties of southern Beaujolais. See the program