Just leave Lyon and head east to discover a completely different side of Ain. At Lhuis, the Lyonnese buildings gradually give way to the rolling hills of Bugey, quiet country roads, and vineyard plots. And yet, the village remains just a short drive away for a day trip.
Here, you won't find hordes of tourists or streets transformed into Instagram backdrops at every corner. Lhuis instead plays the card of a peaceful village, with that timeless charm you come looking for when you want to get some fresh air without planning an entire weekend getaway. The village is part of Bugey, a territory renowned for its rolling landscapes, waterways, forests and vineyards. Ain regularly highlights this region for its itineraries combining nature and heritage.
Old stones to discover while strolling
The best way to discover Lhuis is probably to take your time and explore the village on foot. Ancient streets, stone houses, little passages and heritage buildings create a setting that deserves more than just a quick drive-by. Local heritage can be discovered even in theanimations offered on site.
guided audio tour of Lhuis, offered free in 2026, allows you to explore the village while discovering its history along a scenic route. The walk takes you through the village center and the church before leading into more natural surroundings. That's precisely what makes Lhuis interesting: the village isn't an open-air museum frozen in time, but a gateway to an entire territory waiting to be explored.
A getaway among the vineyards and Bugey landscapes
Lhuis is also a wonderful destination for discovering the Bugey wine region. Several producers are located in the surrounding area, allowing you to extend your visit with a tasting or a meeting with local winemakers. Among the addresses in the village, Domaine Trichon Organic Wines offers wines from an organic productionue. A perfect excuse to turn a simple nature outing into a little wine-tasting adventure — provided, of course, you plan your return journey with moderation.
And for those who want to really extend the experience, La Lhuiseraie - Guestrooms and Cottage - Table d'hôtes - Swimming Pool - Event Privatization allows you to sleep right on site. The perfect way to turn this one-hour escape from Lyon into a proper weekend in Bugey.
Millieu Lake to extend your walk
Another natural curiosity nearby: Millieu Lake, located in the Lhuis commune. This small glacial lake is part of the area's remarkable natural spaces. The neighboring Vernay marsh also offers an interesting environment for observing wetland landscapes and local biodiversity.
So this is far from just a quaint village to photograph and then leave. Lhuis makes the perfect starting point for a full day of exploration between heritage sites, vineyards, and nature.