Walk around the Grand Large Reservoir

Take the time to enjoy the scenery and nature during your walk around the Grand Large! This peaceful setting is ideal for a contemplative break. Each season reveals different colours and atmospheres, making each walk a new discovery. Whether you are alone, with family or friends, the Grand Large offers a perfect escape into the heart of nature, conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Details

64213707
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.51 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 8 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 8 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 189 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 180 m

Photos

Description of the walk

To begin your adventure, you can park in the car park near the Maison Grand Large restaurant. This starting point is ideal for a bike ride or a jog along the Grand Large.

(S/E) From the car park, facing the lake, take the cycle path on the left that runs alongside the Grand Large. This path offers a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for taking your time and observing the surrounding nature. You can see swans and meet fishermen on the lookout for their favourite spot.

(1) Arrive at the Décines Yachting Club by following the towpath. This club enlivens the area with numerous water sports such as sailing and canoeing, which you can admire as you go along. Then continue along the towpath to the Nelson Mandela Footbridge.

(2) Cross this structure and turn right to continue your walk along the cycle path beside the canal.

(3) Enjoy the photographic views along the towpath. At different times of the day, the changing light offers perfect opportunities to capture some superb shots. Take the time to appreciate these unique landscapes. Continue straight ahead along the banks of the Grand Large to reach the Pont d'Herbens bridge.

(4) As you approach the end of the route, you will find a park where children can play. This spot is also perfect for a picnic and other fun activities. Cross the bridge, then turn right after about a hundred metres to return to the riverbank. Continuing on, you will arrive at the Cercle de Voile de Lyon, a place dedicated to water sports enthusiasts.

(5) Turn right to return to the riverbank, then turn left.

(6) Keep to the right. On the way back, you will take the towpath again. This area around the Grand Large offers a wide range of sports and water activities, as well as various bars and restaurants with superb views where you can relax after and during your walk. Continue straight ahead at the various intersections to return to the car park with pleasant memories (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 181 m - Chemin de Contre-Halage car park
  2. 1 : km 0.62 - alt. 182 m - Yachting Club Décines - Chemin de Contre-Halage
  3. 2 : km 1.78 - alt. 184 m - Nelson Mandela Footbridge
  4. 3 : km 2.18 - alt. 181 m - Chemin de Halage
  5. 4 : km 5.6 - alt. 186 m - Herbens Bridge - Pont d'Herbens
  6. 5 : km 7.1 - alt. 181 m - Lyon Sailing Club
  7. 6 : km 7.69 - alt. 186 m - Chemin de contre-halage
  8. S/E : km 8.51 - alt. 181 m - Chemin de Contre-Halage car park

Worth a visit

Grand Large playground: Enjoy a playground that will delight your children! What's more, you can admire the Grand Large, making it the perfect place to spend some quality time with your family.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
Camster
Camster
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Easy walk, fairly busy (pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, 1 horse) with a straight stretch without any greenery on the north bank that can seem long. I missed the 5 and found myself in the residential streets before finding my way back to the lake shore.

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User 26682335

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Cool!

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liliane.clarens
liliane.clarens

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk along the water's edge surrounded by beautiful vegetation where you can spot birds and dragonflies and hear frogs croaking in a beautiful setting.
There are walkers, of course, but also many cyclists between the two bridges.
Thank you to the author for this new discovery.

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Sud 8
Sud 8
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hiking in a setting that combines the history of the canal, the creation of the blue ring by numerous fishermen,
birds in a well-protected area, and nature in the city.
Thanks to the author.

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sabrina35
sabrina35

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant walk, but bring a hat and a bottle of water as half of the route is in the sun. Perfect description.

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Jacques L
Jacques L

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk along the lake, bustling with birds and fishermen at this time of year.
Picnic tables near the Herbens bridge.

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