Échalas walks

A long walk through the countryside of the lower Pilat region, with little elevation gain but stream crossings (fords) which may be difficult depending on the season and water level.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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).

Starting from the village of Longes, this hike will take you to the Roches de Marlin site. You will then pass through the former Chartreuse de Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Lyon region, the Monts du Lyonnais, the Gier Valley and the Rhône Valley. In good weather, you can even see the Alps.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Walk in the Mornant countryside after visiting the medieval centre.

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

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.

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.

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'.

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

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

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

A very pleasant route starting from the Couzon dam, a little steep in places, alternating between nature and history. Once you reach Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, it continues with a circular route passing by the Croix de Marlin. The paths are sometimes very stony, so this is not a family-friendly route.

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 hike in the hills above Chuyer, mostly through woodland, best undertaken in dry weather and to be avoided in strong winds. This hike passes through the Col de Grenouze and the Col du Pavezin, with the option, depending on the weather, to shorten it at the (4) to link directly to the (10).

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

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 hike with a very varied route. Discover the Lônes with nature observatories in the protected area of Île du Beurre. The banks of the Rhône (with the Port des Roches de Condrieu opposite) and a very pleasant arrival in Condrieu (restored residences). Visit the old town of Condrieu, climb up to the village of Semons and enjoy the view over the market garden plain of Ampuis. Descent into the vineyards of the Côtes Rôties to discover the intertwining terraces and low walls.

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

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

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.

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 route, which takes you sometimes across fields and sometimes through woodland, will lead you from cross to cross and from hamlet to hamlet in the heart of the Pilat Natural Park. You will occasionally be treated to beautiful views of the Rhône Valley, whilst at other times you may catch sight of lovely panoramas of the Monts du Lyonnais and the Giers Valley.

This walk begins in one of the most culturally significant spots in the Pilat region, the pretty, tourist-friendly medieval village of Saint-Croix-en-Jarez and its 13th-century Chartreuse monastery. It follows the Couzon valley, then runs alongside the river and the left bank of its reservoir before taking the ridge path via the Croix du Cerisier, du Mazet and de Montvieux. The undulating, wooded route continues to the Chirat Rochat, the highest point of the walk, then descends to the hamlet of L’Eau-qui-bruit and returns to the start via the Crêt de Montivert.

A short hike to discover the vineyards of Ampuis, with superb views of the terraced vineyards and the Rhône valley.

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 famous Côte-Rôtie vineyards, laid out in terraces supported by low stone walls, will enchant you at the start and end of this hike. The rest of the hike takes place in a rural and wooded setting, along good paths and a few sections of quiet roads. Sumptuous views of the Rhône Valley, the Pilat Massif and the entire Alpine range (weather permitting). On the descent back, the Château d'Ampuis will stand before you.

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

An easy climb to the Col de Pavezin via the pleasant paved Roman road, then through the forest. Return via a scenic path and then along the Couzon stream.

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.

The section between ::4:: and ::5:: is impassable due to forestry work (07/2026).A forest walk from one pass to the other via Mont Ministre, offering alternating views of the Pilat massif and the Rhône valley. Along the way, there are several notable sites: the Grotte des Fées and La Vieille Chapelle.There are places to eat at both passes, or you can stop for a picnic at the Col de Grenouze.Take care on the descent along the forest track towards the Vieille Chapelle: it is a narrow, fairly steep path which can be slippery in wet weather.

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?

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

Discover the fantastic vineyards on the slopes of Ampuis. With beautiful forests in the hinterland, then a return to the Rhône river with magnificent views of the Pilat massif, the Alps and the Rhône valley.

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.

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.

A pleasant, easy walk starting from Chuyer cemetery. Panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Vercors. Lovely views of Mont Pilat. Very rural paths.

Discover some of the crests and passes, often marked with a cross, on this part of the eastern slope of the Pilat Massif. This large circular route passes through Crêt de Quatregrains, Crêt de Montivert, Croix de Monvieux, Croix du Mazet, Croix du Cerisier, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, and Crêt de Baronnette.Route change between (3) and (4). See the notices at the bottom of this page.

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.

The hike combines the Odouard and Jean-Jacques Rousseau trails, starting from Chuyer. The first part, to the south-east, on the Odouard trail, offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley. At the Col de Grenouze, the small loop takes you up to Mont Monnet: orientation table, beautiful view in good weather over the valley, the Vercors and the Alps (Mont Blanc). Forest paths then follow the Jean-Jacques Rousseau trail to the Col de Pavezin, and return via the Odouard trail.

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 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 family-friendly, easy and informative walk, punctuated by beautiful panoramic views of the village of Riverie, the Alpine range, the Pilat and the Bozançon Valley. Return via the nature trail and the medieval village walkway in Riverie.

A short walk of just over an hour to pass through the vineyards and enjoy the view over the branch of the Rhône.

An easy walk in the countryside on the heights around Condrieu. This hike offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley and the Pilat mountains.

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.

Starting from the river port at Les Roches-de-Condrieu, the path will take you from the lake up to the heights overlooking the Rhône valley. At certain points along the route, a bird’s-eye view of the river is sure to catch your eye. In Chonas-l’Amballan, you’ll pass by the foot of a Renaissance-style castle.

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.

Easy route: Saint-Clair-les-Roches, the village of Saint-Prim, Pré Margot, Les Roches de Condrieu.

An easy route to discover the Crêt de Baronnette and the Celtic site of the Château de Bélize, in the Pilat Regional Nature Park. A half-day walk, perfect before or after lunch.

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.

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

Car park at the foot of the trail. A short, easy circular loop with low walking shoes, a rucksack and often my daughter on my shoulders.

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.