Dargoire walks

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.

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).

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.

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).

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).

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

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 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.

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.

Walk in the Mornant countryside after visiting the medieval centre.

On the heights of Saint-Martin-la-Plaine, a lovely walk through the fields. The last part takes you past a zoo where you can see a few animals (ostriches, wolves, goats).

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).

A very beautiful hike that allows you to discover some very interesting places, especially the beautiful village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, with magnificent views along the entire route.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful hike through orchards and forests in the hills above Rive de Gier. The very hilly area offers beautiful panoramic views. Chagnon and Saint-Romain-en-Jarez are interesting for those who love old buildings.

This is a beautiful hike that allows you to see different landscapes: lake, forest, path and, finally, the river bed as you pass over a pretty aqueduct. This hike is a shorter variation in the opposite direction to the hike I found on this website, called 'Around the Couzon Dam'.

Hike in the Pilat Massif with views of the Rhône Valley.

Discover Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez and its Chartreuse in the Pilat region, starting from the dam on the Couzon.

Walk to the Roches de Marlin and return along the Lac du Couzon. On the way, you can visit the former Chartreuse de Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez.

Walk in the Pilat, 6 km from Rive de Gier, around the beautiful Lake Barrage du Couzon.

Walk in the hills above Longes with magnificent panoramic views of the Alps, the Pilat massif and the Monts du Lyonnais. Car park with a beautiful table and two magnificent wooden deckchairs from which to admire the Rhône valley and the Alps.

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.

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 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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

This loop offers pleasant views of the plateau to the south-west of the Lyon conurbation. In good visibility, the Pre-Alps and Alps can be seen in the distance.

Starting from Saint-André-la-Côte, we head towards Saint-Martin-en-Haut via the Signal de Saint-André. Then we turn west towards Les Carelles and La Chapusière to reach La Roche de Matiole. We then descend towards Sainte-Catherine via Chavagnieux, Soleymieux and Chavassieux. After Montaland, we overlook the village of Sainte-Catherine to join theGR®7, which takes us back to Saint-André-la-Côte.

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

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 circular loop offering views of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Couzon Dam. Alternates between paths and very quiet roads. Best enjoyed in mid-season to make the most of the sunshine.

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.

A short walk to discover the former Chartreuse de Sainte-Croix-Jarez. No difficulty, just a chance to get some fresh air.

This is a short, easy circular. The walk starts at the former monastery of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez and climbs up to Pavezin, mostly along small tarmac roads, before descending via a pleasant grassy path. Both the ascent and the descent offer superb panoramic views.

This hike takes us to Les Roches de Marlin, which is somewhat overgrown with broom and other vegetation, and the beautiful flower-filled village of Longes. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful views of the Gier valley and the crosses at almost every crossroads.

A pleasant circular walk starting from Farnay. Fully marked in white and yellow as Farnay 3 route. Two other walks start from behind the town hall and are signposted. This is the longest, but it is possible to shorten it by 3 km.

Magnificent panoramic view of the Alps on a clear day. Partially shaded return route through the woods. Somewhat strenuous climb but no technical difficulty.

Hike in the heart of Pilat, with magnificent panoramic views alternating between the Rhône valley to start with, then the Gier valley and finally the Lyon region in the distance.

Walk around Mont Monnet on small roads and good paths with views of the Rhône valley.

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 short walk to do with children (but not with a pushchair!). The start is quite steep for little ones, but the rest is fairly easy.

Most of this hike takes place in beech forests. It is perfect on sunny or windy days. It overlooks the village of Pavezin.

With easy and quick access from the A7 motorway coming from Lyon, La Chapelle-Villars is an ideal starting point for exploring the Pilat Massif. This route takes you to Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez and offers a beautiful view of the Chartreuse from the heights of Sainte-Croix.

More than fourteen crosses to discover on this hike around Pavezin.

A very pleasant walk in the Pilat Massif. Some beautiful panoramic views of the Rhône valley, Crêt de l'Oeillon and Trois Dents.

In the footsteps of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Doctor Odouard, a circular eight between the Cols de Pavezin and Doizieu. The first part leads to the Croix de Montvieux via the ruins of the Château de Bélize and the Crêts des Quatregrains, with a beautiful view of the Pîlât mountains. The second part goes to the Collet de Doizieux via pleasant forest tracks and views of Pélusin and the Rhône valley. The return route passes through the Neufond woods with two beautiful screes and the Baronnette trails.

Hike through the forest from one pass to another via Mont Ministre, alternating between panoramic views of the Pilat massif and the Rhône valley. Along the way, there are a few remarkable sites: Grotte des Fées (Fairy Cave) and the Old Chapel. There are places to eat at both passes, or you can stop for a picnic at Col de Grenouze. Take care on the descent from the forest track to the Vieille Chapelle: it is a narrow, fairly steep path that can be slippery in wet weather.

An easy hike (reasonable distance and elevation gain) offering views of the northern slope of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, the hillsides of Jarez and the Monts du Lyonnais. Alternating meadows and groves, with a few sections on very quiet roads.

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.

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!

This hike around Crêt de Montieux offers beautiful views of Mont Pilat, the Couzon dam and the Col de Pavezin.

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).

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.

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 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.

Short circular or long circular above Saint-Chamond. A pleasant walk or bike ride for the whole family. This path is quite busy, especially on Sunday mornings when the weather is good. Be careful if there is snow, as there may be snowdrifts near the Col de Trente Sous.