One-Way RV Itinerary in Lyon - Routes and Stops 2026

Best Lyon RV Itinerary for one way rv rental — Overview

Embarking on a one-way RV rental adventure from Lyon offers unparalleled flexibility for exploring the diverse French landscape. This travel style is perfect for those who wish to experience a journey that unfolds organically, connecting with the culture, cuisine, and scenery at a leisurely pace. For a comprehensive exploration, we recommend a minimum duration of 7 days, with 10-14 days allowing for a deeper immersion into the regions. The ideal travel seasons to experience the beauty of the Rhône Valley and beyond are Spring (April-June) and early Autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Typical one-way journeys can range from 500 km to 1,500 km (300-900 miles), providing a fantastic canvas for discovery.

7-Day Classic Route in Lyon

A 7-day classic route starting from Lyon provides a taste of the region's highlights, covering approximately 500 km (310 miles). This itinerary offers a blend of historical sites, charming towns, and scenic beauty.

• Day 1: Lyon to Vienne (approx. 30 km / 18 miles) - Explore the ancient Roman Theatre and the Temple of Augustus and Livia. Overnight at Aire de Loisirs de l'île Barlet.
• Day 2: Vienne to Valence (approx. 70 km / 43 miles) - Discover Valence Old Town and enjoy a stroll through Parc Jouvet. Overnight at Camping Les Sables.
• Day 3: Valence to Avignon (approx. 120 km / 75 miles) - Immerse yourself in history at the Palais des Papes and cross the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet. Overnight at Camping du Pont d'Avignon.
• Day 4: Avignon to Arles (approx. 40 km / 25 miles) - Step back in time at the Roman Amphitheatre and follow in Van Gogh's footsteps. Overnight at Camping City Arles.
• Day 5: Arles to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Camargue) (approx. 40 km / 25 miles) - Experience the unique wildlife and beautiful beaches of the Camargue. Overnight at Camping La Brise.
• Day 6: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Marseille/Cassis (approx. 100 km / 62 miles) - Explore the stunning Calanques National Park and the vibrant Old Port. Overnight at Camping Les Cigales (Cassis).
• Day 7: Depart from Marseille - Enjoy final coastal views before dropping off your RV.

14-Day Extended Journey in Lyon

For a more comprehensive experience, this 14-day itinerary extends your journey, venturing further into Provence and towards the French Riviera and Alpine foothills, covering over 1,900 km (1,180 miles).

Part 1: Rhône Valley & Northern Provence

• Day 1: Lyon to Pérouges & Villars-les-Dombes (50 km) - Visit the medieval village of Pérouges and the Parc des Oiseaux.
• Day 2: Villars-les-Dombes to Vienne (70 km) - Explore the Roman ruins in Vienne.
• Day 3: Vienne to Tournon-sur-Rhône & Tain-l'Hermitage (70 km) - Enjoy wine tasting and visit the Castle of Tournon.
• Day 4: Tournon-sur-Rhône to Vaison-la-Romaine (90 km) - Discover the impressive Roman ruins and charming medieval town.
• Day 5: Vaison-la-Romaine to Avignon (60 km) - Immerse yourself in the history of the Palais des Papes.
• Day 6: Avignon to Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (40 km) - Experience the Carrières de Lumières and the Glanum archaeological site.
• Day 7: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Arles & Camargue (40 km) - Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and explore the Camargue's wildlife.

Part 2: French Riviera & Alpine Foothills

• Day 8: Camargue to Aix-en-Provence (90 km) - Wander along the Cours Mirabeau and visit Cézanne's studio.
• Day 9: Aix-en-Provence to Verdon Gorge (Lac de Sainte-Croix) (90 km) - Marvel at Europe's grand canyon and enjoy lake activities.
• Day 10: Verdon Gorge to Grasse & Cannes (90 km) - Explore the perfume capital and the glamour of Cannes.
• Day 11: Cannes to Nice (40 km) - Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and explore the Old Town.
• Day 12: Nice to Gorges du Cians / Valberg (90 km) - Take a scenic mountain drive to the charming Alpine village.
• Day 13: Gorges du Cians / Valberg to Digne-les-Bains (90 km) - Visit the thermal town and its geological reserve.
• Day 14: Digne-les-Bains to Gap (80 km) - Final destination in the capital of the Hautes-Alpes.

Recommended RVPlan Trip for Lyon

For travelers seeking a meticulously planned adventure, RV PLANET offers curated itineraries. The "Lyon Roundtrip - Alpine Bliss & Riviera Charms" is a 15-day, 1,915 km journey designed to showcase the region's diverse beauty. This popular route incorporates key attractions, scenic drives, and practical overnight stops, ensuring a seamless experience. It includes diverse activities such as visiting amusement parks, wildlife sanctuaries, historical sites, and indulging in local culinary experiences at traditional restaurants and markets.

Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Lyon

To truly savor your one-way RV rental in Lyon and its surroundings, Avi Bandana recommends a relaxed travel pace, averaging no more than 100-150 km (about 60-90 miles) per day. This allows ample time for spontaneous stops, enjoying local culture, and avoiding rushed journeys.

Example Drive-Time Estimates:

• Lyon to Annecy (approx. 150 km / 93 miles): Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Lyon to Valence (approx. 100 km / 62 miles): Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Lyon to the Beaujolais Wine Region (e.g., Villefranche-sur-Saône - approx. 40 km / 25 miles): Approximately 45 minutes.

These estimates do not account for potential traffic or necessary stops, so always factor in extra time for a comfortable journey.

Best RV Class for This Itinerary — Couple & Family Picks

Choosing the right RV is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Bandana Caravan offers a variety of motorhomes to suit different travel needs, from solo adventurers to large families.

For Couples: Class B - Camper Van

A Class B campervan, like the "rv rental denver example Category Van," is an excellent choice for couples. These vehicles typically average 5.8 meters in length, offering exceptional maneuverability for navigating narrow city streets and finding easier parking spots. They usually accommodate around 3 sleeping places for up to 2.7 adults and are quite fuel-efficient, consuming about 8-10 Liters/100 km. These compact yet well-equipped options often include essential amenities like a shower and toilet, making them ideal for independent travel.

For Families: Class C - Alcove

Families or groups will find a Class C motorhome, such as the "cruise america rv rental example Explorer," to be a perfect fit. These motorhomes, averaging 7.5 meters in length, provide ample living and sleeping space for larger groups, typically accommodating up to 5.8 sleeping places for about 4.4 adults, with a generous load capacity. They are well-equipped for longer trips and family adventures, often featuring multiple sleeping areas, a full bathroom, and a functional kitchen. Fuel consumption is typically around 10-12 Liters/100 km, offering a comfortable and practical home on wheels. For ideas you can prep on the road, watch our RV-friendly recipes playlist on YouTube.

Simplify Your Adventure with Rent & Plan: Bandana's Rent & Plan service simplifies your trip by combining RV rental with expert-crafted itineraries and planning tools, ensuring a stress-free and memorable experience.

Is France campervan friendly?

France is exceptionally welcoming to campervans and motorhomes, boasting an extensive network of 'aires de service' (service areas) and numerous campsites across the country. The diverse landscapes, from stunning coastlines to majestic mountains, are all accessible via well-maintained roads, making RV travel a joy. When planning your one-way RV rental in Lyon, it's essential to be aware of urban regulations, such as the Crit'Air Low Emission Zones (ZFE) present in many cities, including Lyon itself. Displaying the correct Crit'Air vignette is crucial to avoid fines when entering these zones.

What are the new rules for motorhomes in France?

Recent regulations for motorhomes in France primarily focus on environmental and parking aspects. The most significant is the mandatory Crit'Air vignette, required for all vehicles, including RVs, entering Low Emission Zones (ZFEs) in urban areas like Lyon. Failure to display the correct sticker can result in fines. Parking regulations are also being more strictly enforced, particularly in city centers and popular tourist spots; it's advisable to use designated parking areas. Additionally, motorhomes exceeding 3.5 tonnes have specific, lower speed limits. While wild camping is increasingly restricted in sensitive areas, official campsites and designated motorhome service points offer excellent alternatives.

Can you sleep in a campervan anywhere in France?

No, you cannot legally sleep in a campervan just anywhere in France. Wild camping and overnight parking are generally prohibited by local bylaws, especially in coastal areas, protected natural sites, and urban zones. However, France offers a fantastic network of official camping options, including thousands of municipal and private campsites. For instance, you might find excellent facilities at places like Camping de Lyon. Widerly available are "Aires de Service," which are designated motorhome areas providing essential services like water and waste disposal, often at a low cost or for free. The France Passion network is also a popular choice, offering free overnight stays at farms and vineyards for members.

How much does it cost to take a campervan to France?

The overall cost of an RV trip to France varies significantly based on several factors, including rental duration, the chosen RV class, fuel consumption, toll fees, and campsite expenses. Beyond the rental itself, daily expenses typically range from €80 to €200+. On the routes offered through RV PLANET routes, you can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting.

• RV Rental Cost: Daily rates for RV rentals can fluctuate from €80 to €200+, depending on the season, vehicle class, and any potential relocation fees for one-way rentals.
• Fuel (Gasoil/Essence): With an average fuel consumption of 10-11 Liters/100 km for many motorhomes, fuel costs can add up to several hundred Euros for a 1,000-2,000 km trip.
• Tolls (Péage): French motorways are largely toll roads; using online toll calculators can help estimate these costs, or you can opt for national roads to avoid tolls, though this will increase travel time.
• Camping & Parking Fees: 'Aires de service' typically cost between €5-€15 per night, while full-service campsites can range from €15-€60+ per night, varying by amenities and location.
• Food & Drink: Budgeting around €20-€30 per day for groceries, with dining out in cities like Lyon potentially costing €20-€50+ per person per meal.

For detailed budgeting and expense tracking along your journey, consider using the route planning tools available through RV PLANET routes.