Aveize walks

This pleasant circular walk in the Brévenne valley takes you through woods and meadows in a little-visited and rather secret area offering beautiful views of the Massif Central and the Monts du Lyonnais. From the hilltop village of Aveize, the route descends to the bottom of the valley and, after meandering along the opposite slope, passes through the charming little village of Meys before crossing the Brévenne and climbing back up to Grézieu-le-Marché and Aveize.

Starting from L'Argentière (in the commune of Aveize), this short 2- to 3-hour circular will delight the whole family with its varied landscapes and the last third of the route, which follows a fun botanical trail. The places mentioned "in quotation marks" in the description are marked with corresponding signs on the ground put in place by the Rhône department.

A route starting from the Gimond dam to Aveize, via L'Argentière. This route crosses the Monts du Lyonnais with a short section in the woods, near the Aveize discovery trail.

The route goes around the Gimond dam in a peaceful setting, surrounded by fishermen, then after a detour to the church of Grézieu-le-Marché, it ends the circular route at the Bois de la Dame.

This walk, far from the tarmac, alternates between open paths and wooded trails. The section by the orientation table offers a view of the surrounding peaks.

A little-used walk on the western slope of the Monts du Lyonnais, more rugged than wooded, where the landscape is open and offers beautiful views throughout the route. From Duerne, the route winds across a plateau, then descends gradually into the Orzon valley before climbing up to Pomeys and crossing a ridge. It descends at a steady gradient into the La Gimond valley and its lake, from where it climbs up to Aveize, then plunges into the Orjolle valley before returning to Duerne.

A short, easy walk with a few forest paths that will be a welcome respite in hot weather. The small roads taken, outside the village, have little traffic.

This circular route starting from Duerne takes you along a few quiet country lanes and numerous forest paths and tracks (around 70%). Beautiful unobstructed views of Montromant, Sainte-Foy-l'Argentière and the Monts du Lyonnais.

This circular route alternates between easy and more challenging paths, a few forest trails and quiet minor roads.

This route, which alternates between small tarmac roads, open tracks and forest paths, presents no particular difficulties and will take you from Duerne to Aveize and Saint-Martin-en-Haut.

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.

Starting from Montromant (Mont Romain), a beautiful hilly route through woods and forest will take you to the remains of the underground section of the Roman Brévenne aqueduct. Beautiful views of the Monts du Forez, the Monts de Tarare and, from the Croix des Brosses, the Alps and the Pilat Massif.

An easy and very varied walk (village, paths, woods, fields) with beautiful panoramic views and amenities.

A route through the Monts du Lyonnais starting from Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, inviting you to discover châteaux and dams, taking roads, nature trails and wooded paths offering views of the Monts du Lyonnais and Forez, and ending with a visit to the collegiate church that dominates the town.

This route takes you to Samson’s Menhir and the Chapel of La Salette. It is a very pleasant walk as it follows the rivers Coise and Couzon for a while, as well as the Orzon stream, and offers beautiful views of the Monts du Lyonnais.

A lovely, easy hike in the Monts du Lyonnais starting from Saint-Laurent-de-Chamousset. A family day out or a slightly more challenging half-day hike. As this walk does not appear in any guidebook, the markings on the ground may coincidentally correspond to a section of the route... but that is all. The description and route have been finalised taking into account the comments and observations of hikers.

A pleasant walk from Haute-Rivoire to Saint-Martin-Lestra via the hamlet of A Foix on the way there and via theGR®89on the way back. The route is about 50% tarmac, but you’ll rarely come across any cars. If you look up, you’ll probably spot a buzzard or a kite. And if you’re attentive and quiet, you might see a hare or a rabbit at the edge of a wood, or, if you’re lucky, a roe deer or a wild boar. There is an interesting viewpoint at Calvaire (6).

This hike allows you to discover some pleasant and cultural sites near Saint-Martin-en-Haut. The route begins by crossing the leisure park, then passes by the Signal Saint-André viewpoint. It descends into the Artilla valley and climbs back up to Crêt de la Poipe to reach the medieval hamlet of Rochefort, then the village of Duerne. Shortly before Montromant, it runs alongside the Brévenne aqueduct, crosses Duerne and returns to Saint-Martin-en-Haut.

Combining medieval tourism in Rochefort with a walk in the countryside and forest, allow a good two hours for this pleasant short hike in any season, which partly follows the route of the Way of St James. An hour and a half if you don't climb up to the Crêt. There are lots of ups and downs, sometimes a little steep but never for too long. Feasible by mountain bike with assistance but not recommended for pushchairs (steps and stones).

A circular walk from Chazelles-sur-Lyon and the Hat Museum to the Gimond dam, which is the reservoir for Chazelles-sur-Lyon's drinking water supply. Along the way, you will find several viewpoints over the region: Mont du Lyonnais, Pilat, etc. You will cross the Gimond stream, which is always dry, several times via small bridges.

This walk, suitable for keen walkers, is also accessible to children. It follows part of theGR®7before reaching the Pampailly silver mines. You’ll discover the Cour des Aîtres, the River Brévenne and the old, now disused railway line; then, after a stretch through the forest, you’ll cross the Le Cosne stream before reaching the site of the old Pampailly mines, which were in operation from the 15th century onwards.

The western circular route around Brussieu will take you to the summit of Mont Pancu (600 m). You will discover the slope overlooking the Cosne valley, a charming little river that you will cross twice, and in the second part of the walk, the slope overlooking the Brévenne valley. The route is mainly on paths with some sections in the forest. This is a walk for families with children who are not too young and are good walkers.

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.

Half-day hike with very varied landscapes. Variations are possible to shorten the route.

A walk and exploration of the Bois de Lienne forest.

Starting from the Plateau d'Yzeron car park, this short hike forms a circular route on the hills above Yzeron.

Starting from the hamlet of La Randonnière, this route will take you along the western slope of the commune of Courzieu, offering panoramic views stretching from the Brévenne valley to the Forez mountains. It’s also an opportunity to discover the Pomeyrieu Chapel along the way.

A family walk with a steady climb to the summit of the Monts du Lyonnais and beautiful scenery all along the way. Very little tarmac, forest paths and, of course, the impressive view from the Signal de Saint-André footbridge.

A trip from the hamlet of Rabut, in the commune of Saint-Martin-en-Haut, to the highest point of the Monts du Lyonnais, which is an excellent excuse to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains, Lyon and the Rhône plain. The area near the signal, designed for enjoying the views, is very well laid out and secure, and allows you to rediscover the environment thanks to the information panels.

Starting from the pleasant shores of Lac de Ronzey, this hike takes you to its highest point, Crêt du Py Froid, passing by a dolmen and the Châteauvieux chapel. Finally, your steps will lead you to the dam on the Garon. Magnificent panoramic views of the Mont du Lyonnais and the city of Lyon will accompany you throughout your journey.

Walk in the Monts du Lyonnais with superb views of the Brévenne and Rhône valleys and the Alps in the distance.

This route starts at Lac du Ronzey and descends to the dam on the Garon. It takes you along a trail dedicated to local hydrology linked to rural life in the early 20th century.

A beautiful circular route with panoramic views of the Monts du Forez. No particular technical difficulty. You can start from any of the three villages. The route is described from St-Clément les Places.

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 lovely walk with beautiful views of Chamousset Castle, the Monts du Lyonnais, the Ain valley and the Alps in fine weather. The route offers a pleasant mix of mule tracks and forest paths.

Yzeron is one of the villages in the Monts du Lyonnais; see Lord Joseph de Mont-d’Or, who established the famous prebend. The landscape is beautifully undulating, alternating between paths and trails through wooded areas. This walk, starting from the hikers’ car park, takes you to the Py Froid bouldering site, much loved by climbers, as well as the Romanesque chapel of Châteauvieux and a small waterfall (if it has rained). You cross from one side of the valley to the other several times, with ever-changing scenery, ranging from coniferous forests on the northern slopes to the densely wooded southern slopes. This hike can become absolutely magical, reminiscent of the Round Table of the 69, where the Druids, the Knights of the Round Table, the Lady of the Lake or Merlin could very well all be from Lyon. In any case, it is certain that La Dame, not of the lake, but of Châteauvieux, would rest well in this famous chapel.

A very nice circuit around the Monts du Lyonnais to explore the climbing area at Py Froid.

A very pleasant hike in the Monts du Lyonnais. You will enjoy magnificent panoramic views throughout the route.

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).

This beautiful circular walk takes place in the wooded hills north of Yzeron. From the village of Yzeron, the fully signposted route passes by Lac du Ronzey and, after crossing a few valleys, reaches Croix de Pars, then the ruins of the old Chapelle Saint-Clair. After a long stretch through the woods, it reaches the Col de Malval, goes around the Crêt Chevreau and descends to the hamlet of Soupat. At the Crêt de Piraluron, it continues towards La Goutte Chérine, Les Esselards, Le Trossin and La Roche, from where it reaches the Crêt de la Madone before descending to Yzeron.

From Yzeron, this lovely, very hilly route climbs towards the imposing statue of the Madonna overlooking the village, then passes by the Saint-Clair Chapel, the peaceful village of Courzieu, the hamlets of Lafont and Les Vechères, ascends to the Courzieu wildlife park and the Château de Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid before descending to Cunieux. To complete the circular route, it crosses the Col de la Fausse, traverses the Yzeron valley via Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux and then the Châteauvieux Chapel, and via the Crêt de Py Froid returns to the starting point.

Route passing by the imposing statue of the Madonna overlooking Yzeron, the ruins of the Saint-Clair Chapel, the Col de la Croix de Pars, the bucolic Rossand valley, the peaceful and charming little village of Montromant, the Brosses plateau, the dam on the Garon and its reservoir, popular with fishermen.

This is a pleasant hike from Yzeron through the charming wooded hills of the Monts du Lyonnais, offering beautiful views of the Rhône Valley and the Alps along the way. From Yzeron, the route runs alongside Lake Ronzey and reaches the Col de la Croix de Pars, then the small Saint-Clair chapel before passing Les Jumeaux to reach the Col de Malval, from where it descends to Le Barthélemy. It climbs to the Croix de Garde and, after La Milonière, follows the route of the Roman aqueduct of Yzeron to Les Esselards, then climbs back up to the Crêt de la Madone before returning to Yzeron.

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 hike will allow you to discover some beautiful landscapes between the Monts du Lyonnais and the Monts de Tarare on either side of the Brévenne valley. Much of this hike takes place on the ridges, offering some very interesting views. Numerous signposts along the route will help you find your way.

Meadows, orchards and woods follow one another on the hillsides where, from late spring to early summer, raspberries, strawberries, cherry blossoms and other red fruits flourish. The contrasting plots of land create a very varied and pleasant landscape, including wooded areas of oak, chestnut and hornbeam coppices. Exceptional panoramic views of the Tarare mountains (particularly from the "Lafont" orientation table), Lyon and the Ain plain. Virtually no tarmac. Pure bliss!

This route will take you through the village of Courzieu, first to the western side of the village, before heading towards the Col de la Croix de Pars. You will then descend back to the village, enjoying a bird's eye view.

The Fraise Blanche route is a good introduction to the topography of Courzieu. You will reach the Col de la Croix de Pars from the hamlet of Sottizon and, after a pleasant stretch along the ridges, you will descend back to the village via the hamlet of Lafont.

This pleasant, rural circular walk, in the little-visited hills of the western Monts du Lyonnais, winds its way through the valleys of the Coise and its tributaries. It starts in the charming village of Aubépin and leads to the imposing Château de Lafay, crossing the village of Larajasse and then wandering through fields and forests to isolated farms and peaceful little hamlets: Vaudragon, La Valletière, Chazette, Les Granges, Le Terron, La Grange Bruyère, Gouttenoire, Moulin Vaudray, La Chèvre, La Lardière, La Rivoire, Les Grandes Bruyères and Croix Galant, before returning to Aubépin after this breath of fresh air.

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.

Superb views along this route: Brevenne, Pilat, Lyon.

Starting from Châtelus, head towards the Couzon, which you will follow as far as the Moulin du Pas. From there, the route climbs up to the Pin Picard and heads towards the Bruneton, from where you will return to Châtelus via Soleymieux and La Rivoire.

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.

An easy route starting from the Signal de Saint-André car park, leading to Saint-Martin-en-Haut. The finish is in a park suitable for a picnic, but it is less than 300m from the centre of Saint-Martin with its many shops. Follow theGRP® des Monts du Lyonnais signposts from the Signal de Saint-André.

This circular starting from Sainte-Catherine, mainly on trails and little-used roads, allows you to explore the ridges and valleys of the Monts du Lyonnais and discover the Chapels of Saint-Apollinaire and Saint-Pierre. Beautiful views of the Rhône Valley, the Pilat Massif and the Alps on a clear day.

Long hike starting from Sainte-Catherine, which passes by the summit of the Monts du Lyonnais, the Crêt Malherbe at 946m.

A great day’s walk in the deep countryside of the Monts du Lyonnais.

At the start, the route winds its way through the valleys of the Monts du Lyonnais and crosses a few hamlets, leading us to the Signal de Saint-André. From the Signal, the view over the Rhône valley, the city of Lyon and the Alps is magnificent. The return journey follows the eastern ridge, with the Pilat massif in your sights and the Alps on your left. The medieval village of Riverie is well worth a visit.

This hike, which is not difficult on the paths, offers beautiful views of Pilat and the Alps.

This hike takes place in the southern part of the Monts du Lyonnais. It is not very busy, although it follows theGR®®7along the ridges between Sainte-Catherine and Valfleury. A pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary used to take place in this village. Remnants bear witness to this era, which is gradually fading away: Stations of the Cross, statues, and reconstructed grottos. The return route takes you through the Durèze valley before climbing up through small hamlets, including Lachal with its imposing 18th-century neoclassical château, then crosses the Bois des Feuilles to return to Sainte-Catherine.

Circular route around Bessenay alternating between orchards, streams and hillsides. In spring, the white blossoms of the cherry trees brighten the rolling meadows. The streams you cross add to the charm of this typical route through the Monts du Lyonnais.

A lovely walk with some beautiful views of the Gier valley. Our canine friends will find little shade, no paved roads, no river for water, but in season there is a tap at the Saint-Apollinaire chapel.

A family-friendly, easy and informative walk, punctuated by beautiful panoramic views of the village of Riverie, the Alpine range, the Pilat and the Bozançon Valley. Return via the nature trail and the medieval village walkway in Riverie.