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Frans walks
La Vieille Halle in Frans
From the restored market hall to the recently refurbished lake, via a remarkable church, this route combines the old and the new.
Fléchères via the towpath from Beauregard
Set off on a nature and culture walk between the Saône and the châteaux.
Route from the Château de Fléchères to Messimy-sur-Saône
This hike will take you to the Grange du Diable (on the Rhône side) and past the Château de Fléchères.
From Reyrieux to Trévoux between the Saône and the old railway line
A flat route, suitable for all, often used for Sunday walks. Due to the passages over the railway line, pushchairs are not recommended. For geocaching enthusiasts, I have marked the caches located along the route.
If Pommiers were told to me
How about a short walk to see Pommiers from a different perspective? A geo-discovery walk that highlights the rich historical heritage around Pommiers. This route, which was the subject of a geo-event in 2021, is definitely worth a detour.
La Pierre Brune walk
This walk combines nature and heritage. In the centre of the village of Rancé, discover the oldest and most important witness to the history of the commune, the Romanesque church, which has been renovated several times. You will discover the wash house, a testament to the 19th-century hygiene movement, as well as the Pierre Brune, a block of granite, the local "big rock".
Cadoles and geo-heritage in Pommiers
This route allows you to discover the geology and heritage of the south-western part of the village.
Ancient paths, wooded areas, cadoles (vineyard huts) built by our ancestors, but you will also discover a little-known part of the local industry of the past: clay extraction for tiles and bricks, lime kilns, hemp retting, and of course viticulture, all set against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes.
This route is the subject of the Pommiers 2022 geo-event, not to be missed.
Route des Minimes au Paradis in Montmerle-sur-Saône
From the Minimes site to the Croix du Paradis in Guéreins, walk along the heights of the Val de Saône with views of the Monts du Beaujolais before returning along the towpath by the river.
Circuit le Sallerin / le Sovarin de la commune de Blacé
Surplombant la vallée de la Saône, le sentier traverse les vignes du Beaujolais et passe par le bas du vallon de Rochefolle pour rejoindre l'acrobranche de Blacé, en traversant le ruisseau le Sallerin / le Sovarin et traverse une forêt de feuillus et de résineux. Une pause à la Chapelle de Saint-Bonnet révélera la beauté du panorama sur le Val de Saône et le Beaujolais.
Route de la Madone in the commune of Blacé
In the commune of Blacé, discover this 5 km trail, the Madone, built to protect the harvests, and enjoy the orientation table offering a panoramic view of the Monts du Lyonnais on the border with Burgundy and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.
Les Béragnons route in the commune of Blacé
A 10 km circular that winds through the vineyards of Blacé and along the old Voie du Tacot road, passing through the village of Saint-Julien and near the Claude Bernard Museum.
Les Têtiéres route in the commune of Blacé
Overlooking the Saône valley, the trail crosses the Beaujolais vineyards and climbs the Col du Failly through a forest of deciduous and coniferous trees. A break at the Chapelle de Saint-Bonnet chapel will reveal the beauty of the panorama over the Saône Valley and the Beaujolais region.
Le grand circuit de Blacé
Randonnez sur ce sentier de 25 km et partez à la découverte du patrimoine blacéen, sa viticulture, ses panoramas, ses vieilles demeures. Ce circuit est une synthèse des trois autres circuits de la commune de Blacé et reprend en partie ces derniers (la Madone 5 km, les Béragnons 10 km et les Têtières 16 km).
A long, solitary escape west of Cogny
This day hike is intended for experienced walkers. Its appeal lies in the long kilometres of solitude, where hikers can find themselves while awakening their senses by listening to the various sounds of nature and enjoying the magnificent landscapes where the ridge line oscillates from "very high" to "walker's height".
This hike is difficult due to its length and elevation gain. In total, slopes greater than 7% stretch over 11 kilometres. In addition, orientation is complicated fromthe 11th tothe 13th kilometre as there are many crossroads. The psychological impact should not be overlooked, as you will almost always take the uphill paths at the crossroads. For this very difficult hike, be sure to take all the necessary precautions.
Route from Bois de Vavres to Montceaux
This hike takes you through the woods around the village of Montceaux. Along the way, discover the ponds, the ruins of an oil mill and the private castle of La Bâtie.
Salles - Arbuissonnas
This is a pleasant, easy walk through the vineyards, the Caudalies Rouges.
Étang Chardonnet circuit in Sainte-Olive
A pleasant walk typical of the Dombes. Mainly on tarmac but with very little traffic; you are on secondary roads. Along the route there is a high concentration of ponds, which are full of water in 2020. The view of the ponds is unobstructed and you will encounter many different birds. The walk is punctuated by a variety of landscapes: ponds, fields, copses and even a view of the Beaujolais region.
Loop around Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or
This walk, after giving you a beautiful view of the Château de Curis, will take you close to three mountains: Mont Narcel, Mont Verdun and Mont Py before returning to Saint-Germain. You will discover several wash houses and small chapels along the way.
Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or loop via Mont Py
This hike will take you to the Croix Rampeau (viewpoint over the Alps and the Saône plain), the Tour Risler (Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or), the ruins of a hermitage, the remains of a tannery and several old wash houses. Depending on the season, you will see daffodils, orchids, wild asparagus (edible), martagon lilies or fields of colchicum.
From Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or to the Hermitage
This short, easy loop starting from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or will take you to the ruins of a retting pit and a hermitage. In September, you can see colchicum flowers and, if you feel like it, extend the circuit to the Croix Rampaux: a viewpoint over the Saône plain and the Alps.
Eight-shaped route in the Monts d'Or
A pleasant hike with a few steep climbs, good for your heart rate, best done in dry weather as some sections are muddy and slippery in wet weather.
In the Land of Golden Stones
A hike that follows paths and little-used roads through the Pierres Dorées region in the Beaujolais area near Lyon. Between vineyards and meadows, this route takes you to charming villages, castles, wash houses, mission crosses and more. An ideal walk in spring, autumn (when the vineyards are ablaze with colour) and winter.
From Chasselay to the Batterie des Carrières
This circular starting from Chasselay will take you to the Batterie des Carrières (a fortification dating from 1874) through vineyards and forests. You will see the perfectly restored Poleymieux lime kiln, surrounded by numerous panels describing how it worked. On the way back, depending on the season, you may see various orchids and martagon lilies.
On the paths and trails of the Monts d'Or massif
This hike follows paths already covered in other hikes, but is nonetheless interesting. Best done in dry weather, as there are a few steep sections.
Circular Mont Verdun
This hike is best done in dry weather, with trees providing shade from the sun.
Viewpoints from Crêt de Charnat and Saint-Bonnet Chapel
A peaceful route starting from Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin via Crêt de Charnat, Crêt Neron, Col de Saint-Bonnet and Chapelle Saint-Bonnet. Beautiful views of the Saône valley and the Alps.
A circular in the Monts d'Or massif starting from Chasselay
This hike is best done in dry weather. In wet weather, the trails will be very muddy, with a few sections that will raise your heart rate but nothing insurmountable. The hike begins on a quiet paved road for about 700 metres. Please respect the area and do not leave any rubbish behind.
Les Monts d'Or, Mont Verdun, Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
This circular route will take you along part of the geological trail, past the lime kiln and the quarries, as well as numerous drystone shelters, which served as shelters for farmers and, in some cases, as dwellings after the last war while their occupants waited to find permanent accommodation.
Please note that in wet weather, some sections may be muddy and slippery.
Monts d'Or geological footpath
This is an easy route, best undertaken with good walking shoes. However, be careful in wet weather as the clay soil can be slippery and muddy in places. Along the route, there are information panels explaining the formation of the Monts d'Or massif.
Madone Circular Route
This circular route will take you to the statue of the Madonna, installed in 2009 to replace another Madonna that was stolen. Along the way, you will see the Saint-Antoine hermitage, the tomb of the hermit Benoît Rousset, and a drying shed. You may encounter horses and mountain bikes. Be careful in rainy weather as the paths can be slippery and muddy.
Loop between Ville-sur-Jarnioux and Jarnioux
From Ville-sur-Jarnioux, take the Voie du Tacot to Jarnioux and return via small paths. This is an easy walk with beautiful views of both villages.
The Vernange Pond
An easy walk leading to the Vernange Sensitive Natural Area with its observatory. Don't forget your binoculars.
Walk in the forest on the heights of Neuville
Most of the walk is in the forest. The paths are pleasant, with quite a few small stones on the ground. In rainy weather or after heavy rain, the path may be muddy or even impassable in places (not sure, to be checked). The end of the walk is not in the shade, so it can get hot in the sun.
Moderator's warning: a section of the route is now closed. Please wait for a detour to be put in place.
Banks of the Saône and return via Genay
Easy circular partly along the Saône, crossing the small marina of Genay and running alongside a small stream.
Loop around Mont Thou and the drystone shelters
This hike in the Monts d'Or mountains, starting from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or, will allow you to enjoy the panoramic view of Mont Thou and Mont Verdun and discover the drystone shelters that are part of the region's heritage. It follows the inner route of the Monts d'Or with a variant to shorten the circuit.
Les Pierres Dorées via Ville-sur-Jarnioux and Saint-Clair
This loop takes the Chemin du Tacot and returns via a pretty ridge sheltered by old box trees.
Loop starting from Charnay
Charnay, a village in the Pierres Dorées region, is located in the Beaujolais area, 20 km from Lyon and 12 km from Villefranche-sur-Saône. Perched at an altitude of 450 m, the village is surrounded by the communes of Alix, Belmont, Saint-Jean des Vignes, Morancé and Marcy. A short hike along paths and little-used roads
Three mountains and a cross at the start of Curis-au-Mont-d'Or
This loop, starting from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or, will take you to Mont Thou with its magnificent view of the region, then to Mont Verdun and Mont Py, and finally to Croix Rampeau before descending back to Curis.
During this hike, you will see two old wash houses and, depending on the season, orchids, martagon lilies, wild asparagus and many other flowers
Route country on the Saône plateau in Montanay
A lovely route through fields on the Val de Saône plateau on the outskirts of the village of Montanay. Good country lanes, limited elevation gain, but with one or two fairly steep and earthy sections (passing through valleys) that can be slippery in wet weather.
Between woods and fields in Montanay
A short route suitable for lockdown with moderate elevation. The first part is through the woods of Montanay and the second
Loop of Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne via Sainte-Marie
Climb up to the plateau of the Sainte-Marie farm, starting from the centre of the village of Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne and passing through the Trou du Loup. The hike returns to the starting point through the vineyards.
Drystone shelters in Poleymieux
This loop starting from Poleymieux will take you to discover the drystone shelters, traditional huts built from dry stones in the Monts d'Or.
The route passes through the forests on the northern slopes of the Monts d'Or and beautiful meadows.
You will follow part of the geological discovery trail with its excellent information panels.
The paths are easy for the most part, but the forest trails can be steep and tricky in wet weather.
Discovering Mont Brouilly
Discover the vineyards of Brouilly and Côte De Brouilly and enjoy a splendid view of the Ain plain and, on a clear day, catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc. You will also pass close to some of the châteaux that are the pride of our region.
The Cimes circuit in Odenas
This hike follows the Rouge d'Odenas trail. Through the vineyards, it leads to Mont Brouilly and its chapel overlooking the Saône valley, offering a beautiful panorama of the Beaujolais mountains, the Bresse, the Dombes and the Monts d'Or. The second climb leads to the Beaujolais moors and offers beautiful views of the green Beaujolais region and, on clear days, the Alps.
From the lower Beaujolais to the upper ridges
Walk among the vineyards of the lower Beaujolais, the forests and the ridges above.
Paths and trails marked in yellow with signs.
Geology, traditions and defence secrets in the Monts d'Or
This short loop of around ten kilometres from Poleymieux church will take you on a journey through time.
Go back 200 million years with the Monts d'Or geological trail.
Then travel to the 19th century with the surprising drystone shelters, the Carrière battery, the magnificent lime kiln at Polyemieux and finally the Ampère Museum.
And finally, return to the 21st century with the Air Base 942 site and its secret installations.
Route between Bagnols and Alix
A lovely, easy route with a section in the woods, stream crossings and a passage near the Villefranche-Tarare aerodrome, which can be quite busy at weekends and therefore generate some noise. A pleasant view of the Beaujolais mountains and the golden stone villages.
Around Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
An extended tour of a pretty village in a beautiful location in the Monts d'Or.
Circular on the Balad'Azergues
I chose the golden stone village centre of Civrieux d'Azergues as the starting and finishing point, which is often overlooked...
A pleasant, relatively shaded walk with no apparent difficulties, suitable for bicycles, children and our four-legged friends.
However,be careful on the road section (200 m) and the Azergues, which is still a river.
Circular starting from Bagnols
Route starting from Bagnols towards Oingt, then Theizé for a return to Bagnols.
Chemin de Machy
Between Lissieu and Chasselay, the Chemin de Machy walk is a quick round trip that allows you to discover Machy Castle and the surrounding countryside. The walk alternates between wooded and sunny areas.
From Bois des Pommes to Étang Dimanche
An easy family walk that starts at Mionnay Station, crosses the Bois des Pommes and leads to Étang Dimanche.
From the vineyards of Beaujolais to the woods of Alix, around Bagnols
This circuit is a microcosm of everything that makes the Pierres Dorées region of the Beaujolais so rich and charming: some of the most beautiful villages (Bagnols, Moiré), churches and chapels, crosses and castles, wash houses and splendid panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, vineyards and forests.
Mont Thou from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
A rustic route on rocky paths starting from the village of Poleymieux, one of the most beautiful villages in France, which joins theGR® du Mont Thou, offering a nearly 360° view of the entire region: in particular, views of the Alps and Mont Blanc, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Beaujolais.
Pass by an old wash house and picturesque rocks before finishing the climb up the ridge of Mont Thou to the summit.
The balconies of Perréon
This hike will take you to the heights of the Beaujolais region, where you can admire the vineyards, the Saône valley and, in the distance, the Alps, weather permitting. It alternates between vineyards and forests, following the GR®76 for a while. The signposting is varied, so it is not described here.
On the heights of Fleurieu-sur-Saône
A beautiful route, fairly challenging in the first third with alternating ascents and descents. Beautifully diverse landscapes. Magnificent panoramic view at the start of the route.
Castles, vineyards and golden stones
A lovely loop with few hills, taking you through vineyards and forests.
You will discover the golden stone village of Glay and pass by Courbeville Castle.
You will also discover the village of Chessy with its castle and 12th-15th century church.
Tour of La Chicotière
This short walk is a great way to discover this outlying neighbourhood of Dommartin and Marcilly-d'Azergues. You will pass through fields in a very peaceful area. Enjoy the view of the lower Beaujolais region and discover the little Chemin des Chouettes.
Circular around Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or
This circular starting from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or will take you to the remains of the Monts d'Or Aqueduct, a charming little wash house and a few other ruins. The first and last thirds of the route follow marked trails, while the central part follows small unmarked paths.
From Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or to St Romain-au-Mont-d'Or via Mont Thoux
A Short yet tough hike through the Monts d'Or. Very nice in good weather and on dry ground.
Along the Azergues
A round trip walk along the Azergues River from Lozanne. This is a beautiful walk for lovers of flora and fauna. Don't hesitate to go down to the river banks when possible.
Chessy loop at the Glay quarries
This walk will take you from Chessy station to the old quarries of Glay. The route passes through the picturesque hamlet of Glay with its golden stone houses
The Bois des Côtes forest from Fontaines-Saint-Martin
This route crosses the natural and agricultural site of the Vallon des Échets and the wetland area of the Ruisseau des Vosges. Once you arrive at the Madone site, at an altitude of 266 metres, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Or, the Saône valley, the cliffs of Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, the Monts du Beaujolais and the Fourvière hill.
The Fayolles spring
A beautiful walk in a peaceful and bucolic landscape with the source of Beaujolais wine: an original idea for this circuit.
Walk around Glay
Visit the old golden stone quarry in Glay and immerse yourself in the vineyards.
Place aux Filles - Sainte-Marie
This is a lovely walk through woods and vineyards with some beautiful views. What's more, if you do this walk at the right time of day and in the right season, you may encounter a number of wild animals.
Three castles and Sainte-Marie tour
The three châteaux in Quincié-en-Beaujolais are well worth a visit. What's more, you'll pass through a highly varied landscape of vineyards, forests and meadows.
The three châteaux trail is very well signposted and offers 4 variants of varying lengths.
Circular Bully and Pierres Dorées starting from the Agamy Wine Cellar
Departure from the Agamy Cooperative Winery for a walk along the trails of five communes: Bully, Sarcey, Le Breuil, Chessy and Saint-Germain-sur-Arbresle. We are in the Pierres Dorées region of Beaujolais, with its hamlets such as Apinost and its wash house, the village with its school, castle, town hall and church. Continue to the hamlet of Montagny, the Crêt de Montgiron with its vineyards and, finally, the magnificent hamlet of Glay with its beautiful golden stones from the nearby quarries (which can be visited).