La Croix de Saint-Clair from Izieu

A hike from the picturesque village of Izieu, steeped in history, to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Rhône and its valley.

Details

28238829
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.54 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 233 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 236 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 550 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 327 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in Izieu, either in the car park on the left of the road, just before the village sign, or near the church.

(S/E) Walk up the main street with the church on your left. At the fork, turn right onto Rue du Palais and walk down Rue du Murier to admire the village's typical houses. At the end of the street, turn left onto Rue du Passage de la Roche and, after 100 metres, you will come to a junction.

(1) Take the small tarmac road on the right heading west and follow it for about 1 km. Continue along the path at the end of the road into a clearing.

(2) Turn left at the foot of the hill and climb the shaded path that leads to a meadow. At the end of the meadow, turn right to reach the base of the Croix de Saint-Clair. Enjoy the magnificent view over the Rhône valley.

(3) Descend by the same path to the fork.

(2) Take the path on the left that descends. After a right-hand bend, do not turn left towards Izieu but continue down the gentle slope. You will come to a wide path.

(4) Follow it to the left. There are several viewpoints over the valley. Continue on theGR® Tour du Pays de Lhuis et d'Izieu (tarmac) to the museum.

(5) Take the D19d road on the left for about 500 m and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 363 m - Car park at the entrance to Izieu.
  2. 1 : km 1.04 - alt. 387 m - Rue du Passage de la Roche x Route
  3. 2 : km 2.39 - alt. 520 m - Hill - Access to the cross
  4. 3 : km 2.64 - alt. 549 m - La Croix de St-Clair
  5. 4 : km 3.55 - alt. 454 m - Chemin de Lambra
  6. 5 : km 4.94 - alt. 335 m - Maison d'Izieu
  7. S/E : km 5.54 - alt. 363 m - Car park at the entrance to Izieu.

Notes

Trainers or walking shoes recommended. The Croix de Saint-Clair viewpoint is not protected. Keep hold of your children!

Worth a visit

  • Visit the village of Izieu.
  • Visit the Maison d'Izieu (remember to book in advance), where one of the darkest chapters of the Second World War unfolded: 44 Jewish children were arrested and deported by the Gestapo in 1944.
  • See the Glandieu waterfall.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 9 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 3932226

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in August 2024.
Pleasant hike with beautiful views at Croix Saint Clair.

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ANDRE Daniel
ANDRE Daniel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

There are still a few autumn colours to be seen, highlighted by the bright sunshine on this 7th of November 2025, all along the route of this peaceful and very pleasant hike.
The view from the Croix de St Clair is comparable to that from higher vantage points.

One thing that is always saddening is the rubbish left here and there by inconsiderate people who have no sense of civility.
Daniel

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Eric5
Eric5

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant short walk, with the option of visiting the Maison d'Izieu museum (admission fee applies). There was a passageway through a cow pen. Lovely view at the cross.

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ddlyonnais
ddlyonnais

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk in rainy weather as much of it is on roads.
Magnificent panorama

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User 27240584

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Circuit with a steep climb at the start over several kilometres

Easy to follow

Interesting views at the cross

Time taken shorter than advertised

Nice route through the village and interesting stop at the Izieu house

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Martine B4.
Martine B4.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, easy hike with the option of a detour through the forest
beautiful viewpoint at La Croix overlooking the Rhône valley

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gillesberlioz
gillesberlioz

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant little stroll

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MarjorieSGN
MarjorieSGN

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little hike. As mentioned previously, the time estimate is overestimated; I completed the circular hike in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The start of the hike and most of the climb are on tarmac with little shade, which is something to bear in mind during hot weather.

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BOUBOURANDO
BOUBOURANDO

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The hiking time (2½ hours) is overestimated; this route can easily be completed in 1½ hours.

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