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For me, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in this magnificent region of the Alps, with breathtaking views of the eastern glaciers of the Meije massif. It is a long walk through the mountain pastures, but with very gradual climbs. However, there is one section that may be tricky for those prone to vertigo. A great alternative to the hike to Lac d'Arsine, which starts from Monêtier-les-Bains.

Loop trail starting from Yzeron, through varied landscapes. The trail passes around the small dam lake at the foot of Yzeron and then, at the end of the hike, along the Lac d'Yzeron, whose new facilities were inaugurated on 19/07/14.

This beautiful circular route from Duerne takes you along well-marked paths and tracks, often shaded, to discover the varied landscapes of this little-known part of the Monts du Lyonnais. A small stele by the side of the road commemorates the sacrifice of the American pilots who crashed there in 1944. At the end of the route, before heading back up towards Duerne, you can discover the astonishing remains of the Roman Aqueduct on the Brévenne.

This circular walk starts from the village of Œutrange and takes you to the peaks of the Moselle hillside to the Notre-Dame du Chêne oratory.

A beautiful circular starting from the village of Contz-les-Bains to the summit of Stromberg, which overlooks the Moselle and faces Sierck and its medieval castle.

A lovely ten-kilometre loop starting from Grézieu-la-Varenne. Mainly in the forest, it takes you up the legendary Col de la Luère.

This fairly easy circuit from Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux will take you on a pleasant trail mainly in the forest. If the weather is clear, the view from the Plat Saint-Romain plateau offers a panoramic view of the Alps.

A lovely circular route through the forest between two of the main passes of the Monts du Lyonnais.A breath of fresh air and a gentle warm-up just a stone’s throw from the city of Lyon.

A beautiful, easy walk with little elevation gain, on balcony paths or through the forest. On a clear day, the view of the Alps is magnificent.

A beautiful circular walk through the varied and undulating landscapes of this part of the Monts du Lyonnais, taking you through the pretty, shady valley of the Bâtie stream and along the Rontalon botanical trail. The route follows an old railroad track from the early twentieth century, before climbing up through a Mediterranean style forest and past some market gardens. End by visiting the medieval village of Rochefort where you can visit the remains of the keep and the chapel.

A beautiful circular loop off the beaten track, in steep and wild valleys.

A pleasant walk through the streets, along the Étang du Boulard and the countryside near Chaponost. Starting near the aqueduct, you can discover these superb Gallo-Roman remains.

A beautiful circular walk starting from the village of Courzieu, ideal for an afternoon in the countryside! You will walk through the village's crops, cherry orchards and strawberry fields. Beautiful views of the Brévenne valley and the Beaujolais mountains in the distance.

A beautiful circular walk starting from the village of Yzeron, alternating between forest paths and clear views of Lyon and the Alps. In good weather, there is an exceptional view of the Alps: you can easily recognise Mont Blanc, the Belledonne massif, the Chartreuse, the Vercors and even (for those in the know) the Meije! Part of the route follows the old (buried) aqueduct of Yzeron, which supplied Lyon with water in Gallo-Roman times (there are very informative signs along the route).

A lovely circular route with little elevation gain that takes you through vineyards and forests.You’ll discover the village of Glay, built of golden stone, and pass by Courbeville Castle.You’ll also discover the village of Chessy with its castle and its 12th/15th-century church.

I had wanted to walk through this flat countryside with its multitude of ponds for a long time. I suggest this route, which starts at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey. It will take you past some beautiful ponds and local farms. Depending on the season, you will be accompanied by the songs of a multitude of birds. Frogs will jump out of the water as you pass by and curious cows will come to meet you.

This short loop of around ten kilometres from Poleymieux church will take you on a journey through time. Go back 200 million years with the Monts d'Or geological trail. Then travel to the 19th century with the surprising drystone shelters, the Carrière battery, the magnificent lime kiln at Polyemieux and finally the Ampère Museum. And finally, return to the 21st century with the Air Base 942 site and its secret installations.

This circuit of around ten kilometres will take you to the heights of Yzeron, along fairly unfrequented and sometimes unmarked paths and trails. Enjoy peace and greenery in the forests and meadows.

A short loop for an afternoon stroll from the Col de la Luère. A very pleasant route, entirely in the forest, on easy paths and trails.

This circular route above Thurins, the raspberry capital, with its many market gardeners, will take you from orchards to shady forests. This route combines well-shaded forest paths, orchards and local farms. There are a few steep climbs and descents, but none are particularly difficult.

This circular hike is not very long, but it does have some relatively wild and fairly steep sections. Largely through woodland, often on metamorphic rock paths, this route will take you to the surprisingly peaceful summit of hill 566, just a stone's throw from the town. Moderator's warning on 24/09/2020: Please note! It is no longer possible to park in the car park and around the castle at the start of the hike

This loop, starting from the old village of Ternand, winds its way through the vineyards of the Beaujolais region and the deep Brou forest. The circuit begins with a visit to the pretty medieval village of Ternand. The route follows small roads and easy paths and offers beautiful views of the surrounding Beaujolais mountains, from Létra to Oingt.

This loop starting from Poleymieux will take you to discover the drystone shelters, traditional huts built from dry stones in the Monts d'Or. The route passes through the forests on the northern slopes of the Monts d'Or and beautiful meadows. You will follow part of the geological discovery trail with its excellent information panels. The paths are easy for the most part, but the forest trails can be steep and tricky in wet weather.

This double loop of around fifteen kilometres with a significant elevation gain will take you through some beautiful panoramas and places in the Monts d'Or. Starting from the pretty village of Saint-Romain, it will take you to the summit of Mont Thou with its magnificent panorama, then to the village of Poleymieux with its church and some beautiful drystone shelters. You will cross the grounds of Château de Curis and then walk through the woods to return to your starting point, passing by the enigmatic Demeure du Chaos.

A beautiful, fairly wild loop starting from the charming village of Saint-Cyr-le-Chatoux, on a pass between Villefranche-sur-Saône and the Azergues valley. The trails are mainly in the forest with plenty of shade. A complete change of scenery. Beautiful unobstructed views from the moors at the top of the Bois des Allemands.

A beautiful hike from the Château des Allymes, mostly in the forest, on little-used paths. Passes by Mont Luisandre and the ruins of its14th-century castle. Beautiful view of Allymes Castle and the Ambérieu plain. Of course, you can visit Allymes Castle at the end of the hike.

A beautiful loop through the forests and meadows surrounding the villages of Rontalon and Chaussan. The path sometimes runs along the edge of the valley, offering beautiful views of the Alps, weather permitting!

This short circular route, starting from the medieval village of Simiane-la-Rotonde, will take you through pretty holm oak forests and along lavender fields. You will pass by old dry stone sheepfolds (or jas) and the ruins of three mills. At the end of the hike, you can visit the Rotonde and lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old village. As a bonus, you will have beautiful, unobstructed views of the Albion plateau, the Lure Mountain and even the Alps.

Starting from the pretty village of Saint-Jeures, this short, easy circular route will take you to the summit of the Suc du Mounier. Although less famous than its larger neighbour, the Lizieux, it nevertheless offers superb panoramic views.

This lovely circular route starting from the village of Courzieu will take you through the meadows surrounding the village, past cherry trees and strawberry farms, and then into the fairly wild forests overlooking the valley. You’ll pass through the pretty hamlets of Biternay and Lafont. The route takes in very few roads and often follows shaded footpaths.

Short loop starting from the Meygal Forest. After crossing the forest, a balcony path with beautiful views of the surrounding knolls leads you to the village of Queyrières, which is topped by a remarkable basalt dyke. After crossing the village of Monedeyres, you climb back up through pleasant undergrowth.

Starting from the Devesset car park, this easy loop, mostly through woodland, will take you through the forests of the Ardèche. Enjoy the peace and coolness before returning to the lake for a swim or a complete tour of the lake if you still want to walk!

A short, easy walk to explore the wooded area overlooking the villages of Panossas and Chozeau. The walk follows part of the GR®422, in the footsteps of Charles IX, which runs from Lyon to Valence. The route passes by Poizieu Castle, whose tower, covered in machicolations, dominates the landscape.

Larny Chapel is a good starting point for walks in this part of western Lyon. This walk takes you through the rolling meadows at the foot of the Monts du Lyonnais and then through the forests covering these hills. A varied route, mostly shaded and mostly on unpaved paths and tracks.

This route, which runs entirely through woodland, is pleasant in all seasons. Of moderate difficulty, it is the ideal route for a half-day hike. It is possible to start from the Col de la Croix du Ban, but parking spaces are limited.

This circular walk starting from the pretty village of Boussoulet and its stunning church is an easy walk. Passing through a beautiful forest, beneath the summit of La Tortue, you will arrive at another pretty village in the Haute-Loire, Montusclat. From this village, you can start a second circular route that will take you to the remarkable Way of the Cross and the Calvary of the Croix de l’Étoile. Return via a pleasant valley.

This is one of my favourite walks for a Sunday afternoon. Just a stone’s throw from Lyon, accessible by car or bus. Easy and shaded in summer. Picturesque with a superb route along the River Yzeron. A real little paradise on the city’s doorstep!