Chaponost walks

I will take you on a route between Chaponost and Brignais to see some ancient remains of the Gier Aqueduct, built almost 2,000 years ago. The main difficulty of the route is its relative length.

A varied hike (wide path, trail, partly in the woods, partly in the middle of fields), fairly short but with some elevation gain.

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.

City and countryside hike linking a 19th-century fort to Roman aqueducts.

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!

A picturesque and varied route, taking in the orchards of the Hautes Barolles conservation area in Saint-Genis-Laval, the Garon Valley in Brignais and the lovely views from the hills above Chaponost. In this peri-urban area, half the route follows local roads and the other half follows footpaths or farm tracks. This route does not present any significant difficulties, apart from its length.

Woods and river in the city! It's difficult to find an area entirely covered in trees that is both close to Lyon and large enough for several hours of walking.The paved sections are very limited; you mainly walk in a steep-sided valley, along the water's edge, namely the Yzeron stream, and under the constant canopy of trees. This makes it ideal during hot weather.The route is mostly flat, except for the loop on Findez hill.For those who dislike tarmac and don't want to go too far, this valley nestled between Craponne and Francheville is a good choice.

An urban walk avoiding roads as much as possible, passing through woodland, along a river and back into woodland. Parking available at the start. Accessible by bus from Oullins. A chance to enjoy some greenery near Lyon and see the Roman siphon bridge at Beaunant. Suitable for children.

In addition to being a nice hike, this circuit is interesting because throughout the trail signs provide educational information on the fauna and flora, tree species etc. It also helps hikers discover the local agricultural heritage that is everywhere so close to Lyon.

A countryside hike on the outskirts of the city. An easy, almost flat route, ideal for family outings. It allows you to discover the Ratier, Méginand and Ribes streams. It offers some pretty views of the Monts du Lyonnais. It also features a "Jeux de regards" activity along the Ribes.

A short walk through the woods, away from traffic, along the Ruisseau des Razes, on the Chemin des Sources.

A circular route that takes you to the Saint-Genis-Laval observatory via the Sacuny plateau and around Fort de Côte-Lorette.

Sainte-Foy is a commune with rugged terrain. To see this for yourself, simply walk up and down the many staircases. So I've put together a short route with six staircases to climb. What could be better? To be done at a leisurely pace or as a trail run.

This circuit crosses the meadows and woods of the first foothills of the Monts du Lyonnais. It leads to the Piragoy viewpoint, which offers a view of Messimy and the villages and crops of the Piémont des Monts du Lyonnais, and on a clear day, a beautiful panorama of the Alps and the Pilat Massif.

Short walk on the edge of the Monts du Lyonnais with a slight climb at the start. This route can be shortened by a good third (and thus avoid a return trip on the same path) by parking at the Hameau de la Basse Bruyère (1)

Starting from Messimy, on the outskirts of Lyon, this circular route takes you to the small Yzeron waterfall, passing through the hilltop village of Chateauvieux, the Py-Froid viewpoint and the dolmen in the Faix woods. Author’s note: This description was written some time ago. Please check reviews and makeuse of the Visorando app

An easy circular starting from the Grézieu-La-Varenne cemetery, offering views of the valleys, the Monts du Lyonnais and, on a clear day, Lyon and the Alps. Best done in dry weather, as after rain, some sections of the path are waterlogged.

A pleasant half-day walk along paths and through woods with beautiful views of the region.

This is a very pleasant country walk where you can admire the magnificent Priory of Taluyers and stroll past some beautiful villas in Orlienas.

You will discover an educational pond along the Méginand stream, walk in the shade of the tall trees lining the Ribes stream, and discover amazing rock formations weathered by time at the bottom of the Ratier valley.

This day-long itinerary, featuring an optional but almost obligatory lunch break in a good Lyon restaurant, allows you to explore Lyon from below but, above all, from above, via its two hills, Fourvière and La Croix Rousse. A circular route of 17.8 km or less (15 km) if starting from Saint-Georges. Numerous tourist attractions and notable sites in Lyon line this route, offering a feast for the eyes!

A half-day walk with very little elevation gain on the plateau west of Irigny between the Forts de Champvillard and Montcorin, passing through Charly and Vourles.

This circular route offers maximum greenery and minimum tarmac in an almost 100% urban environment, right in the heart of Lyon. The three green sections are the parks of the 5th arrondissement town hall and La Passerelle, the Champvert Greenway and, finally, an unexpected path along the motorway, above the entrance to the Fourvière tunnel. The asphalt-free section accounts for around 80% of the total, which is rather nice in the middle of the city!

Route to be followed using GPS, semi-urban route, not practical with explanations. Starting from the Fort de Lyon Saint-Just, 500 metres from the Saint Just funicular, this is a half-nature, half-city walk. It passes through several parks and the pretty little Razes valley, followed by a nature trail along the Thiện Minh Pagoda. There is a beautiful view of Lyon and the Alps from the Esplanade Lichfield in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.

A large circular route, very close to Lyon, through fields and forests and across the vast grounds of the Château de Saint-Bonnet. The Visorando app can be useful on certain sections that have been modified from the original route.

This hike alternates between forests, meadows and beautiful views of the Rhône valley and the Alps, mainly on paths and small roads. There are no technical difficulties, just a few steep slopes.

‘Discovering Vaugneray’ presents ‘La Boucle du Val Noir’, a 29 km circular route that circles the outer perimeter of the commune of Vaugneray, though it can be shortened to suit your fitness level, preferences or the time you have available. You’ll pass through colourful, wooded and undulating countryside; at times wild, at times romantic. You’ll walk along a section of the Roman road, skirt the hidden Val de l’Yzeron aqueduct (of which only a few remains are left), and discover sites inhabited since prehistoric times, more recent settlements and picturesque hamlets. To make your walk even more enjoyable, information boards on various topics are dotted along the route, providing details on agriculture, the hamlets, the people, the flora, the crosses, fishing and hunting.

The route takes place in a green setting. It passes through small hamlets nestled in valley hollows, crosses mountain passes and goes through woods. The route starts in Vaugneray, passes through the Col de la Luère, descends to Saint-Pierre-la-Palud, a former pyrite mining town. At Sain-Bel, it climbs back up to Sourcieux-les-Mines to cross the Col de la Croix du Ban and return to Vaugneray.

This pleasant hike winds through the woods of the northern Monts du Lyonnais. From Vaugneray, the route climbs to La Maletière, then descends the Vallon du Mercier, rises through the woods to reach the Col de la Luère, where it winds pleasantly along the ridge line, passing through the Col de Croix du Ban and then the Col de Fontrijole before descending to Malatray. It reaches Château du Poirier, crosses the Vallon du Poirier, then the Vallon de Larny, which it climbs to reach a place called La Plaine. It descends to Valency, crosses the Ruisseau du Verdy, and after Pollionnay, the Ruisseau du Mercier. It passes through Grezieux-la Varenne, then descends into the Vallon de la Chaudanne before climbing back up to Vaugneray.

Less than 10 km from Lyon, this is an easy walk, allowing you to: - admire beautiful late 19th-century residences (country houses, known as ‘maisons des champs’, belonging to Lyon silk merchants’ families, often surrounded by gardens or English-style parks) - the wooded valleys of the Serres and Planches streams, an area designated as a site of outstanding scenic beauty.

Take a journey through time, from Romanesque architecture to Neo-Byzantine style, via Gothic, of course, and discover the churches of Lyon's 2nd and 5th arrondissements. The itinerary also takes in many other treasures of Lyon's heritage.

This city walk takes you on a tour of Lyon from the heights of the right bank of the Saône: Fourvière, then Saint-Jean (Old Lyon).It’s also an unpretentious route that takes you past the main sights on this historic hill.

For several years now, Lyon's Confluence district, in the wake of the construction of the museum, has been undergoing a major transformation. Here, it is invited to discover its new face, where modernity meets history, in the exceptional setting of the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

A stroll through the small village of Taluyers. Between paths through fields and vineyards and a detour to the Combe Gibert pond, come and discover one of the many villages of the COPAMO.

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

A tour of the village accessible to all, allowing you to appreciate the streams, hillsides and valleys of Sainte-Consorce and beautiful views of the Alps and Mont Blanc, Lyon, Mont Pilat and the Coteaux du Lyonnais. Tour suggested by the municipality of Sainte-Consorce

Discover the southern part of Sainte-Consorce and the Mercier and Ratier streams.

The Coteaux du Lyonnais: from meadows and streams to the forest on the ridges. An opportunity to discover Sainte-Consorce from the ridges in its natural setting with beautiful views of the Alps and Mont Blanc, Lyon, Pilat, etc. Circuit proposed by the municipality of Sainte-Consorce.

The charm of the Coteaux du Lyonnais from the Ratier stream to the highest point of Sainte-Consorce: Pipora. A moderate elevation gain allows you to enjoy streams, hillsides, meadows and some beautiful views of Lyon, the Alps and Mont Blanc. Circuit proposed by the municipality of Sainte-Consorce.

Short hike in the Coteaux du Lyonnais to discover hamlets, streams and panoramic views of Saint-Consorce, just a stone's throw from Lyon.

The northern plateau of the Lyonnais hills offers beautiful views, but its hillsides and unpredictable streams are not without charm!

Are you familiar with the Plateau de Méginand, a sensitive and preserved natural area stretching across five municipalities in western Lyon? This agricultural plateau is home to mixed farming and livestock breeding, as well as little-known fauna and flora. We invite you to discover the area bordered by the Ribes stream and its information terminals.

Starting from the Basilica of Fourvière (or Place Bellecour), the route allows you to enjoy the most beautiful views of the city. You will pass by many of Lyon's must-see churches, monuments and theatres. You will climb up to Croix-Rousse through almost all of the traboules (covered passageways) on the hill. A truly peaceful route with virtually no cars.

A hike of around 20km, starting and ending at the church in Sainte-Consorce. A varied route through woods, meadows and suburban areas.

A circular loop of around two hours on the southern slopes of the Monts du Lyonnais with fairly varied scenery. A bit of a workout on the climb, and the paths are too uneven for a pushchair

An exotic hike near Lyon in the foothills of the Monts du Lyonnais. A little elevation gain but not too much, meadows, woods, panoramic views (weather permitting!) and lots of horses. In short, an ideal walk to stretch your legs in all seasons.

This walk will take you through the agricultural plateau and then along the banks of the old Rhône. The restored Jaricot and Ciselande floodplains are home to beavers.

Less than 10 km from Lyon, this easy family hike will allow you to discover the wooded valleys of Charbonnières-les-Bains, Dardilly and La Tour-de-Salvagny.

A day's hike along pleasant wooded paths around Saint-Laurent d'Agny with a break in front of the superb chapel dedicated to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers.

An easy walk through Lyon via the Saint-Jean district, up to Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière, the Saint-Georges district and, finally, near the traboules, these narrow passages between the houses of the Saint-Jean district (see the websites for guided tours). A visit to the Roman amphitheatres is included, as well as a stop at the Jardin des Curiosités, a little green gem with one of the most beautiful views of Lyon. Departure from Place Bellecour.

This route allows you to walk along the banks of the Saône on the way there and the Rhône on the way back. Along the way, we will enjoy the sights of the peninsula (the writers' wall, the Lyonnais wall, Place des Terreaux, the town hall, the opera house). Halfway through, we will walk around the Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Located in the Monts du Lyonnais, this circular route runs mainly through the woods of the Yzeron and Garon valleys. From Thurins, the trail climbs the hill separating the two valleys and descends to Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux. It climbs back up to the source of the Garon via Châteauvieux and Yzeron, then through the woods to Thurins. Along the route, take some time to visit the dolmen and chapel in Châteauvieux.

Ce circuit permet de découvrir le centre lyonnais ainsi que les quartiers de Fourvière, Vieux-Lyon et Croix-Rousse, avec une descente de Croix-Rousse par quelques traboules.

This long but lovely walk takes you through the hills and valleys of the Monts du Lyonnais, passing through woods and meadows. It goes via Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux, the Col de la Croix de Malval, the woods of Courzieux, the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Clair, the imposing statue of the Madonna, Yzeron, the Bois de la Vourne and the Croix des Barons.

This lovely hike takes you through the valleys of the Garon and Artilla rivers. From Thurins, the circular route passes through the hamlet of Jaricot and La Grand-Croix before descending to Les Bruyères. It crosses the hamlet of Julin, then crosses the Garon before climbing up the opposite slope. On the ridge, at the Croix des Barons, it swings over to La Burlière, crosses the Artilla and, via the Bois du Bacha, reaches the hamlet of La Grande Côte and then the village of Thurins.

This circular path, which winds between the slopes of the wide Garon Valley, offers beautiful views whilst having the advantage of being relatively dry even after rainy spells. From Thurins, the path briefly crosses the north-facing slope before returning to the opposite side and climbing towards Quinsonnas. Staying close to the ridge, it reaches Yzeron, from where it skirts the top of the valley and returns to the north-facing slope. Passing by the Garon dam, it returns to the south-facing slope, then winds its way up to the top of this slope before descending to Thurins.

Thurins, the "raspberry capital", is the starting point for this hike to discover the countryside, forests and viewpoints of the Monts du Lyonnais.

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.

‘Discovering Vaugneray’ presents: ‘The Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux Circular Route’, an 8.6 km route that circles the outer perimeter of the village. It is signposted in an anti-clockwise direction and allows you to return to the village centre via two of these turning points. This means you can tailor your walk to your fitness level, preferences or the time you have available.

A long walk through the forest and across fields on either side of the Yzeron valley. Quite a few small climbs and descents, some of which are a little steep (at least one climb is too difficult for mountain bikers) Moderator's rating The section between (8) and (9) is no longer accessible. See reviews (22/03/2022) for an alternative

This path is very pleasant in the Autumn, with a magnificent view of the monts d'Or, Lyon and the Rhone valley. This route can be extended in the direction of Yzeron or Thurin. .

From the centre of Millery towards the Charly community gardens, the roads are tarmac-surfaced, but you’ll be able to admire the typical houses of Old Lyon, the gardens, the old porches and hidden courtyards, followed by the rural orchards, the nearby pond, other community gardens, the shaded uphill path of Chemin de la Taille Meule and the old streets. Finally, explore the historic centre around the church. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, why not try to find the three doors?

A refreshing hike between Pollionnay, La Croix du Ban, Col de la Luère and the Château de Saint-Bonnet le Froid. Much of this route is through woodland.

A lovely circular route starting from Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux, in the commune of Vaugneray, which climbs to the Col de Malval via Clavigny. Takes 3 hours on foot, 2 hours running, or by mountain bike.

Starting from the Saint-Vincent Chapel in the commune of Saint-Laurent-d'Agny, this hike allows you to discover the landscapes of the Monts du Lyonnais foothills, market gardens, orchards, meadows and woods. On a clear day, it also offers beautiful views of the Jura and the Alps.

A scenic route through the forest with no difficulty, 95% of which is on paths.

A hike featuring various sections through woodland, with unobstructed views of the Lyon metropolitan area, and some sections along a small tarmac road (with little traffic).

Family walk leading to the Ferme du Loup via various observation points overlooking the surrounding nature: river, pond, meadow...

A beautiful country walk, mostly in the open. You will discover the local vineyards, walk alongside orchards and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhône valley and the countryside. You will also see horses and pass through part of the wine-growing village of Millery. The route is very well marked (yellow stripes).

The aim of the route is to stroll through a few streets in the city of Lyon, between the north of the Presqu'île (Place des Terreaux) and the plateau of the Colline de la Croix-Rousse, while enjoying beautiful views (on the Rhône and Saône sides) at times.

Stroll through the Tony Garnier open-air museum. The beautiful buildings of the Cité des États-Unis serve as a backdrop for the architect's plans for his ideal city of Lyon. Other street arts, colorful and symbolist, extrapolate this concept to other countries.

The Bois de Serre loop in Dardilly is an easy, shaded hike. The trail runs alongside a stream and winds through cool, pleasant woodland.

A lovely walk in the sunshine – perfect outside the summer months! Superb views in three directions. Numerous paths, but also small tarmac roads with very little traffic. A lovely 3-hour walk in the Monts du Lyonnais (estimated time for regular walkers).

A pleasant forest route with alternating ascents and descents and some beautiful views of the Monts d'Or.

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.

A short walk to soak up the gentle tranquillity of the Monts du Lyonnais, just 15 km as the crow flies from Place Bellecour (Lyon). This route is also very close to the neighbouring towns of Tassin, Craponne, Saint-Genis-les-Ollières and Charbonnières-les-Bains.You’ll discover the calm of the forest with its remarkable trees, the tranquillity of small streams and breathtaking views of Lyon. As an added bonus, depending on the conditions, you may even catch a glimpse of the Alps and Mont Blanc.

This is an easy walk, best done in the cool of the evening in summer as it is a very sunny area.

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.

Starting from Rontalon, this circular route takes you up a series of gentle climbs to the Signal de Saint-André and its orientation tables. The return journey follows the Rhône/Loire watershed, taking an old railway line and following the Rontalon botanical trail. This route is a variation of the "Between Saint-André-la-Côte and Rontalon" route.

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!

From Rontalon, this beautiful and pleasant walk, situated in the heart of the Monts du Lyonnais, climbs towards La Croix Forest and Saint-André-la-Côte before descending to the remarkable medieval village of Riverie and its magnificent panorama, then on to Saint-Didier-sous-Riverie and the Missilieu bridge. After fording the La Fondagny stream, it climbs back up to La Fillonnière and Vendessieux before setting off on the long traverse through a beautiful deciduous forest and valleys dotted with the hamlets of L’Adret, La Ferrandière, La Julanière and Les Hautes Garennes, finally returning to its starting point.

This beautiful route offers views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc, and the Cantal. There are orientation tables near Saint-André-la-Côte You can shorten the hike by going directly to the Signal Saint-André without passing through Saint-André-la-Côte.

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.

100% trail route.From (2) to (7), a route with absolutely no traffic; a GPS is recommended, although in this steep-sided valley there is a slight discrepancy with the actual route.Due to fallen trees, the park area is tricky, and you’ll need to use GPS and common sense to make your way through.Although this is not a mountain hike, do not attempt this route if you only hike on well-marked paths, as this is an area with no marked trails. I have removed a small, wild section of the hike that had become almost impassable.

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

Starting from the heights of Cuire, this route first takes us past a viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views, then along the pleasant Balcon de Saint-Clair. After a steep descent, we cross the Rhône and stroll past modern sculptures. Crossing the Parc de la Tête d'Or is an opportunity to admire a renowned rose garden and visit the Île du Souvenir (when accessible). Finally, we climb steep stairs to return to the starting point.

Hike through the heart of Lyon to discover the city.

A pleasant walk, without too much elevation gain or paved roads, south of Lyon with varied landscapes and beautiful views of the region.

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 classic and accessible route through the Monts du Lyonnais, mainly through woodland, with occasional views of the Lyon conurbation and the Alps in good weather. Views also extend to the Monts du Lyonnais and the Val de Saône.Also popular with mountain bikers, the route takes you over three passes, starting either from Fontrijole (where there is a small car park for the recommended start point) or from La Luère (better known to locals), via the Col de la Croix du Ban. Route improved between points (3) and (4) following comments regarding private property. 

This walk connects Grigny to the hillsides of Millery via the banks of the Rhône. The route passes through wooded areas and unspoilt natural landscapes. You’ll discover the educational pond, the pumping station fed by the waters of the Rhône, the floodplains and several small natural beaches along the riverbank. Views of the Rhône valley accompany much of the walk.

An urban, family-friendly walk starting from the charming Île Barbe and heading towards the centre of Lyon.You walk along the Saône in peace and quiet on a footpath. You’ll enjoy the amenities and the few works of art dotted along the route.

Discover Ternay, a Cluniac site located 15 km south of Lyon. You will discover the 23-hectare Grand Clos Park, the Cluniac priory and the Château de La Porte (16th century), only the exterior of which can be visited.

This route starting from Chaussan will take you to the Signal Saint-André viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhône valley and the Monts du Lyonnais, not to mention a superb view (in good weather) of the Alps.This is a fairly easy route, suitable for families, but can be muddy when it rains. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in the woods.

A simple, often shaded circular trail, allowing you to discover the wine-growing landscape of the village of Chaussan and its woods. The trail can be muddy during rainy periods.

Get some fresh air and exercise with this 100% rural hike, which offers beautiful panoramic views over much of the route. It allows you to appreciate the dynamism of local agricultural activity (fruit, vegetables, livestock, etc.) and admire a large tree house.

Walk in the Mornant countryside after visiting the medieval centre.

Easy country walk with a beautiful view of the Alps if visibility is good. Best enjoyed outside of summer as there is little shade.

Hike to discover the balmes (caves) of the Saône, cross the valleys and hills of the rich properties of the Mont-d'Or communes and return via Ile Barbe before climbing back up to the Jean Moulin Museum.

This circular route will delight you with its rural landscapes, horses and lake. In spring, the fruit trees are in bloom.

A semi-urban walk between the Rhône quay and the plateau, to see another side of Caluire-et-Cuire and Rillieux-la-Pape.