The best destinations from Lyon for an unforgettable road trip

6 countries to explore by campervan, with 10-day itineraries and practical tips

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Travelling by van: total freedom, just a flight away

Fly there, hire a van when you arrive and explore at your own pace

What if your next adventure began at Lyon Airport? Just imagine: a flight to a fascinating country, a few hours’ flying time, then picking up your hire van straight at the airport of arrival. In less than half a day, you’ll already be on the road, ready to explore beaches, mountains, historic towns and hidden gems.

Travelling by campervan isn’t just for seasoned adventurers: it’s an incredibly flexible option that can be tailored to your preferences, your pace and your budget. Whether you enjoy spending the night in the great outdoors, stopping off for culinary delights or taking in cultural sights, your itinerary takes shape as you go along.

In this article, we suggest six countries – all accessible by direct flight or with a connecting flight from Lyon – that are perfect for a road trip lasting around 10 days. The itinerary is 100 per cent customisable depending on your arrival airport, the season and your personal preferences.

Why hire a van locally?

Time-saving: in just a few hours’ flight, you’ll arrive right in the heart of your destination, ready to start your adventure.
Savings on the journey: no long days spent driving from France, and no fuel costs or tolls over thousands of kilometres.
More time at your destination: you’ll make the most of your holiday by exploring the destination rather than travelling to get there.
Logistical convenience: airports often have well-equipped van hire agencies (kitchen kits, bedding, insurance).
Flexible itineraries: you can choose one airport for arrival and another for departure to create a straight-line route, without having to turn back.

Top tip: compare hire deals before you set off and check what’s included (unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, equipment). In peak season, book your van several months in advance.

Iceland – Majestic glaciers and lunar landscapes

Iceland is a land where nature seems to have been sculpted by the hand of the gods. Amidst glistening glaciers, still-active volcanoes and spectacular waterfalls, every bend in the road offers a breathtaking view. The black-sand beaches contrast with the turquoise waters of the glacial lagoons, whilst the rugged fjords and lava fields create a landscape unlike any other in the world.

Natural hot springs and bubbling geysers provide magical respites between hikes and explorations, offering the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Here, the ever-changing light transforms the landscape into a work of art at every moment, whether you’re watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky or the midnight sun caress the mountains.

Flights from Lyon: Reykjavik
Advantages of travelling by campervan in Iceland: complete freedom to stop at every waterfall, hot spring or secluded beach; sleeping as close as possible to the wilderness; itineraries that can be adapted to suit the season.

10-day itinerary:

Days 1–2: Reykjavík & the Reykjanes Peninsula
Day 3: The Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir)
Days 4–6: South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón)
Days 7–8: East Fjords
Day 9: Lake Mývatn region
Day 10: Return to Reykjavík via the interior

Portugal – Golden cliffs and colourful villages

Portugal captivates visitors with its endless coastline and whitewashed villages clinging to the hillsides. With its unspoilt beaches, golden cliffs and towns steeped in history, the country offers a varied and exotic holiday experience. Lisbon, with its cobbled streets and colourful azulejos, and Porto, with its quays overlooking the Douro, bear witness to the country’s cultural richness. The cuisine, ranging from seafood to local pastries, provides a delightful highlight at every stop along the way.

Hiring a van allows you to explore the Algarve’s hidden coves, stop off at vineyards or wander through the narrow streets of the small villages of the Alentejo, far from the tourist crowds. The mild climate and the friendliness of the locals make the road trip even more enjoyable.

Flights from Lyon: Lisbon, Porto, Faro
Advantages of travelling by campervan in Portugal: a pleasant climate, spectacular coastal roads, plenty of designated campervan sites, and the freedom to choose your own route.

10-day itinerary (from Lisbon):

Days 1–2: Lisbon
Days 3–4: Alentejo coast
Days 5–6: Algarve (Lagos, Sagres, Tavira)
Days 7–8: Évora and the inland Alentejo region
Days 9–10: Return to Lisbon via Setúbal

Canada – Endless lakes and majestic forests

Canada is a country of wide-open spaces and striking contrasts. With its shimmering lakes, dense forests and towering mountains, nature reigns supreme. Montréal and Québec City offer a pleasant urban contrast, with their European architecture and warm atmosphere, whilst the national parks provide a haven of tranquillity and pure beauty.

Hiring a van allows you to explore scenic routes at your own pace, stopping to watch the sunset by a lake or to go for a walk in the countryside, far from the crowds. The vastness of the country gives you a rare sense of freedom: every detour becomes a unique adventure, whether it’s taking in the view of Niagara Falls or enjoying the tranquillity of Quebec’s forests.

Flights from Lyon : Montréal (direct)
The benefits of travelling by van in Canada: vast landscapes, campsites in the heart of nature, and complete freedom to stop wherever you like.

10-day itinerary (Quebec & Ontario):

Days 1–2: Montreal
Days 3–4: La Mauricie National Park
Days 5–6: Quebec City & Montmorency Falls
Days 7–8: Ottawa
Days 9–10: Toronto & Niagara Falls

inspiration voyage van Espagne couple nature

Spain – Golden beaches and rugged mountains

Spain combines energy, sunshine and a variety of landscapes. From hilltop white villages to endless beaches and majestic mountains, each region tells a different story. Andalusia captivates visitors with its Moorish heritage, narrow streets and flower-filled patios, whilst the Mediterranean coast charms with its coves and picturesque harbours.

Hiring a van lets you explore the country at your own pace, stopping off at a local festival, sampling tapas in a village or watching the sunset from a secluded beach. Spain offers a unique blend of nature and culture, ideal for a road trip that you can tailor to your own preferences.

Vols depuis Lyon : Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Malaga, Valencia
Advantages of travelling by van in Spain: varied landscapes, mild weather, and the freedom to explore remote areas.

10-day itinerary (from Malaga):

Days 1–2: Málaga & the Costa del Sol
Days 3–4: Granada & the Sierra Nevada
Days 5–6: Córdoba & Seville
Days 7–8: Cádiz & the Atlantic coast
Days 9–10: Return journey via Ronda and the white villages

Croatia – Adriatic fjords and medieval treasures

Croatia offers a spectacle where the sea, mountains and ancient towns blend harmoniously. With its turquoise coves, pebble beaches and secluded islands, the Adriatic coast is an ideal playground for campervan travellers. Medieval towns such as Dubrovnik and Split tell tales of centuries of history through their cobbled streets and impressive fortifications. Inland, the national parks are teeming with waterfalls, forests and emerald lakes.

Hiring a van allows you to tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences, whether that means stopping by the water’s edge or taking a mountain track to reach breathtaking viewpoints. Croatia combines culture, nature and a relaxed way of life, making it perfect for an immersive road trip.

Flights from Lyon : Dubrovnik, Split
Advantages of travelling by van in Croatia: the freedom to explore both the coast and the countryside, easy access to national parks, and the chance to sleep in the great outdoors.

10-day itinerary (from Dubrovnik):

Day 1–2: Dubrovnik and its city walls
Day 3–4: Split and Diocletian’s Palace
Day 5: Krka National Park
Day 6: Plitvice National Park
Day 7–8: Zagreb
Day 9–10: Return journey along the coast (Zadar, Trogir)

New Zealand – Smouldering volcanoes and spectacular fjords

New Zealand is a true land of adventure, where nature unfolds in all its splendour. With its deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, golden beaches and active volcanoes, the journey becomes a real-life spectacle. Cities such as Auckland and Wellington offer a contrast between modernity and nature, whilst the national parks are ideal for hiking, kayaking and exploring by campervan.

Hiring a van locally allows you to make the most of every moment, whether it’s spending the night by a crystal-clear lake or waking up to breathtaking views of the mountains. It promises an immersive and unforgettable road trip.

Flights from Lyon : Auckland
Advantages of travelling by campervan in New Zealand: facilities tailored to nomadic travellers, complete freedom on the open road, spectacular scenery around every bend.

10-day itinerary (North Island):

Days 1–2: Auckland
Days 3–4: Coromandel & white sandy beaches
Days 5–6: Rotorua & volcanic lakes
Days 7–8: Tongariro National Park
Days 9–10: Wellington

Take flight towards new sources of inspiration

Italy, Armenia, Norway, or even the Netherlands… All these destinations are accessible via direct flights from Lyon and are perfect for a getaway. From the Italian dolce vita between Florence and Rome, to the hilltop monasteries of Armenia, from the majestic fjords of Norway to the volcanic landscapes of Madeira, not to mention the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, every trip offers something different.

These getaways offer a chance to get away from the capital cities, enjoy a more relaxed pace and extend the travel experience as you discover unique landscapes and cultures. And ultimately, each of our 140 destinations departing from Lyon is well worth exploring: it’s up to you to choose the one that sets your heart racing.