Chassagny walks

This is a pleasant walk around Chassagny and Montagny, passing the Château de Chassagny and the Château de La Vaure, as well as a pretty footbridge over the Mornantet.

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

A long walk with little elevation gain around Mornant, with the option to visit the old village.

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.

A long, bucolic walk on the plateau of Saint-Andéol-le-Château and Saint-Jean-de-Toulas, interspersed with valleys and streams. Long but easy with little elevation gain.

Hike in the valleys between Givors and Echalas, in unspoilt countryside just a stone's throw from a large town.

A walk between Givors and Echalas, mostly through woods and along wild valleys. Although close to the town, this walk remains very natural before reaching the plateau.

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 walk in the countryside for those who don't like hills. Wide views of the ridges with meadows, moors and horses on the Mornantais plateau.

The walk is often through woodland between Saint-Romain-en-Gier and Échalas, north of Pilat (Gier valley).

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 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).

Walk in the Mornant countryside after visiting the medieval centre.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Walk between the two villages of Bas-Pilat, crossing several streams and valleys that descend to the Gier.

Walk in the forest with three charming streams and beautiful views of the valley. A complete change of scenery for the day.

This hike, alternating between small roads and dirt tracks on the south-facing side of the Gier valley, largely avoids muddy patches and benefits from a south-facing aspect, making it more enjoyable in winter. From Dargoire, a charming little medieval village, the route heads west, crossing the Bezançon valley over the rustic stone bridge of La Roussilière and, after a detour to the waterfall, climbs up to the village of Saint-Joseph. It runs along the top of the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine zoological park, then passes in front of the small chapel of La Cula, before crossing the hamlet of Tarévieux. It descends to Chagnon, heads east to follow the Durèze and passes under its remarkable Roman bridge. It climbs back up to Genilac, crosses the Féloin valley, then descends to Les Peschures, from where it climbs to Grand leat. At La Renavelière, it climbs through woods in the Bezançon valley and, via La Roussilière, reaches Tartaras, then plunges down to Dargoire.

Shaded walk along the banks of streams in a Rhône ravine. A surprisingly peaceful natural area given its proximity to urban centres.

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

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

Did you know that there are traces of mining activity in Communay (south of Lyon)? To discover them, follow this easy path. This hike can be done in two stages: 1) around the Sauveur, Baytan, Guérin and Dufélix pits; 2°) around the Espérance shaft headframe (rebuilt by associations linked to the mine) and a small slag heap, now wooded.

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.

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.

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.

This circular hike in the Monts du Lyonnais between the Rhône and Loire rivers takes place in a little-visited and rather secret area around the Bezançon valleys and its tributaries, including the Grand Bezançon and Petit Bezançon, passing through a few isolated hamlets. It allows you to discover three arches, remnants of the Roman aqueduct of the Gier, and a high bridge pier of a railway line, intended to connect Rive-de-Gier to Mornant, whose construction was halted by the war of 1914. This route can be shortened to 23 km with an 800 m elevation gain by taking a shortcut (see practical information).

A beautiful, easy walk on either side of the Bozançon River, where this section of the valley is a succession of ancient terraces structured by low stone walls. A taste of Provence... Old description, see reviews if you are not using the app.

This varied circuit runs through the upper catchment area of the Grand and Petit Bozançon rivers, taking you along the banks of streams, up hillsides through orchards and, at times, offering unobstructed views of the Pilat mountain range.

Walk around the Bozançon valley (and even the Bozançon rivers) with remains of Roman aqueducts, water mills, old railway tracks and old gold mines. At Les Piles, you can continue up the Bozançon to the viaduct and return to Jurieux via the old railway line (an extra 2 hours).

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

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

This hike near Givors winds through the many wooded valleys and rural hills of the south-eastern Pilat region. It begins by passing through the Grand Malval valley and climbs up to the Croix de Crème, then the Croix du Trêve, to cross the Petit Malval valley. It climbs to the Croix de Longes after passing through the village of the same name, then crosses the successive valleys of the Ruty, the Mézerin, the Jannoray and the Mézerin once more to return to the village of Trèves.

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

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 short hike accessible to all with suitable footwear. Very pleasant in summer as it passes partly through woodland and partly in the open along the Bozançon. Our canine friends will find shade on 75% of the route, less than 1000 m of road (with little traffic), and 2 river water refill points.

A wild walk, often along the Bozançon, with the option to visit special sites (Roman aqueduct).

Take a walk through time, between the Roman aqueduct of the Gier and the unfinished railway line, interrupted by the First World War, which was supposed to link Mornant to Rive-de-Gier.

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 is a hike through the woods in the Pilat massif, best done in dry weather and avoided in strong winds as most of the route is in the woods with few paved roads.

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.

For those who like to combine nature, sport and heritage, this pretty route through woods, meadows and orchards allows you to discover some aspects of the heritage of the Monts du Lyonnais while enjoying, when the weather permits, beautiful views of the Alps, the Rhône valley and the Pilat Massif.

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

This hike is primarily along clear paths with views over le Pilat and Sainte-Catherine. An easy trek with some slight up and downhill slopes. Be careful, as non-stone tracks can get muddy in the rainy season.

Straddling the Loire and Rhône rivers, near Rive de Gier, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Maurice-sur-Dargoire, this is a very pleasant walk along the river.

A hike with a varied route, mostly through woodland, with a short stretch of tarmac road, a few fords to cross and, in some places, a path running alongside a small stream, the water level of which varies depending on the season. Best undertaken in dry weather. Views over the Rhône Valley, the Vercors and the Alps.

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful day hike in the Pilat Massif (Loire) and around the Couzon Dam. Starting from Longes, there are many hikes of varying lengths from an altitude of 450m to 1400m (at Cret de la Perdrix) or 1235m (at Cret de l'Oeillon).

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.

Around the Vallon du Garon, between Yzeron and Thurins, a beautiful circular route allows you to alternate between forest trails and fruit orchards, while enjoying the Thurins Dam for a refreshing break (under the trees, as swimming is prohibited) or a picnic.

A short walk around the rocks of Crêt du Py Froid. The path is a bit bumpy but remains very easy to follow. Other longer and less steep walks are possible. __Saturday 10 April 2011. Please note: the suggested parking area is on private property. Awaiting an update from the author__

Beautiful views of Lyon, Pilat, the Monts du Lyonnais and, with a bit of luck, as far as Mont Blanc. The chapel is sometimes open at weekends and is well worth a visit.