Circular route around Limonest

Car park at the La Tuillerie industrial estate (plenty of spaces, rarely busy on Sundays).

(S/E) Take the Chemin des Tuileries, which is situated between the Saint Maclou and Lapeyre shops, heading east. Cross the D42 with care and continue along the road until you descend again to cross over the Ruisseau de Rochecardon.

(1) Shortly afterwards, take the Chemin de Beluze on the left, then turn left onto the grassy path towards Les Balmones and carry on straight ahead through the greenery.

(2) Take the path on the right to follow the stream (still heading towards Les Balmones).

(3) Due to a problem on the old path, you must now take a very steep and slippery section, even in dry weather. The path then leads onto the Chemin du Vallon. Continue along this path, turning right until you reach the Route de Saint-Didier. Turn right and take a cul-de-sac which is just ahead on the left.

(4) Turn onto the Chemin de la Châtaignière, which continues as a footpath leading uphill to the hamlet of the same name. At the junction, turn right onto the Impasse de la Châtaignière, then turn left onto the Route de la Châtaignière. Continue along this road towards the Château de la Barollière.

(5) When you reach a sharp left-hand bend, carry on straight ahead towards the château and continue along the footpath until you reach the Route du Mont Verdon (please note: there is a gate at the end of the footpath which may be closed, in which case you will have to turn back). In that case, carry on along the Route de la Châtaignière. Turn left to head back down the D73 to the village (there are some lovely views of the village and the Lyon conurbation).

(6) Cross Avenue du Général Charles de Gaulle (D42) with care and carry on straight ahead along Chemin du Mathias, which winds its way between old buildings, small blocks of flats and housing estates for over two kilometres. Head back down through a housing estate, then climb back up via the Allée du Vallon du Ruisseau until you reach the Route de la Garde. Take this road, turning right, until you come to the Chemin du Petit Paris.

(7) Continue straight on along a farm track (Sentier des Tuileries) which runs alongside a field and offers a sweeping view of Lyon. Follow the track as it descends to the right between Decathlon and Gifi until you reach the Gifi car park on the left. Walk down through the car parks to return to the starting point (S/E).

Bring a pair of shoes with studs for a slightly slippery section.
The path offers little shade, so it’s best to set off in the morning on hot summer days; don’t forget a hat and sunglasses.

Château de la Barollière.
You can join the fitness trail partway along the walk.
Close to Mont Verdun.
There are three wash houses near the walk where you can cool off.