Lapeyrouse walks

The Grand Birieux Sensitive Natural Area

L'Espace Naturel Sensible du Grand Birieux

Departure from Ain

A hike from Saint Marcel to the Étang du Grand Birieux Nature Reserve and its observatory. Please note that the hike is mainly on tarmac with a 100m section on the D2 road.

The Vernange Pond

L'Étang de Vernange

Departure from Monthieux (Ain)

An easy walk leading to the Vernange Sensitive Natural Area with its observatory. Don't forget your binoculars.

The Bozonnières route in Bouligneux

Le circuit des Bozonnières à Bouligneux

Departure from Bouligneux (Ain)

An easy and enjoyable walk to discover the ponds of the Dombes and its birdlife.

Étang Chardonnet circuit in Sainte-Olive

Circuit de l'Étang Chardonnet à Sainte-Olive

Departure from Sainte-Olive (Ain)

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.

Route from Étang des Vavres to Saint-André-de-Corcy

Circuit de l'Étang des Vavres à Saint-André-de-Corcy

Departure from Saint-André-de-Corcy (Ain)

Through fields and woods, discover manor houses, equestrian centres and, amongst other sights, the Étang des Vavres with its ducks, swans and extensive reed beds. The Étang des Vavres is under cultivation in 2023.

La Pierre Brune walk

Departure from Rancé (Ain)

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".

The Plantay Tower

La Tour du Plantay

Departure from Le Plantay (Ain)

A hike that combines nature and heritage, with beautiful panoramic views, ponds and the Plantay Tower.

The Grand Rieux in Civrieux

Departure from Civrieux (Ain)

A pleasant route around the village of Civrieux.

Routes of the Savigneux and Ambérieux-en-Dombes ponds

Departure from Savigneux (Ain)

With this route, set off to discover the remains that bear witness to the past in the kingdom of the ponds.

From Bois des Pommes to Étang Dimanche

Du Bois des Pommes à l'Étang Dimanche

Departure from Mionnay (Ain)

An easy family walk that starts at Mionnay Station, crosses the Bois des Pommes and leads to Étang Dimanche.

Ponds and Notre Dame des Dombes Abbey

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Étangs et Abbaye de Notre Dame des Dombes

Departure from Le Plantay (Ain)

I had wanted to walk through this flat countryside with its multitude of ponds for a long time. I suggest this route, which starts at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey. It will take you past some beautiful ponds and local farms. Depending on the season, you will be accompanied by the songs of a multitude of birds. Frogs will jump out of the water as you pass by and curious cows will come to meet you.

Chanteins Chapel

Departure from Ain

Set off to discover a hidden treasure in a lush green setting!

Between the Saône and the Plateau, starting from Massieux

Departure from Massieux (Ain)

From the Dombes plateau to the banks of the Saône, make the most of this walk to enjoy a refreshing cultural break at the Maison Eclusière in Parcieux.

From Reyrieux to Trévoux between the Saône and the old railway line

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De Reyrieux à Trévoux entre Saône et ancienne voie ferrée

Departure from Reyrieux (Ain)

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.

Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne Arboretum

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Arboretum de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne

Departure from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)

Visit the Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne arboretum, which features many different species of trees. You can also explore a pond teeming with dragonflies of various colours in spring. A short and pleasant visit.

Route country on the Saône plateau in Montanay

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Circuit champêtre sur le plateau de Saône à Montanay

Departure from Montanay (Rhône)

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

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Entre bois et champs à Montanay

Departure from Montanay (Rhône)

A short route suitable for lockdown with moderate elevation. The first part is through the woods of Montanay and the second

Route de la Mâtre to Chaleins

Circuit de la Mâtre à Chaleins

Departure from Chaleins (Ain)

Explore the area around Chaleins and the banks of the Mâtre for a countryside walk.

Loop around Saint-Éloi

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Boucle autour de Saint-Éloi

Departure from Saint-Éloi (Ain)

This easy circuit around the commune of Saint-Éloi in the Ain department will give you a glimpse of the Dombes region. It also offers plenty of geocaching opportunities for enthusiasts.

Walk in the forest on the heights of Neuville

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Promenade en forêt sur les hauteurs de Neuville

Departure from Neuville-sur-Saône (Rhône)

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.

The castles of Vataneins and Tavernost

Departure from Francheleins (Ain)

This short walk will allow you to discover, from the road, the private châteaux of Tavernost and Vataneins.

Along the Cottey from Lac Neyton

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Le long du Cottey au départ du Lac Neyton

Departure from Dagneux (Ain)

Family walk above Montluel, along the Cotey stream, between woods and farmland.

Circular around Bressolles from Lac Neyton

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Boucle autour de Bressolles à partir du Lac Neyton

Departure from Dagneux (Ain)

Most of the walk is on paths through the woods or along farm tracks. There are a few short sections on country roads. For those who want to diversify their activities, there is the option of a day's fishing at Lac Neyton.

Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne - Relevant

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Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne - Relevant

Departure from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)

Take a stroll through the valleys and plateau from this splendid little town.

From the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne to the arboretum

De la cité médiévale de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne à l'arboretum

Departure from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)

Discover the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and its surroundings: passing through the medieval streets and the castle, you will discover the natural area of Prés Gaudet before exploring the Relevant valley, ending with a stroll through the arboretum.

The heights of Montluel

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Les hauteurs de Montluel

Departure from La Boisse (Ain)

A long walk starting from Montuel that will take you to the heights of the coast. In good weather, you can enjoy views of the Alps and the Bugey. If you feel so inclined, the Madonna will thank you for stopping by the Saint-Barthélemy Chapel on your way back.

Banks of the Saône and return via Genay

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Departure from Neuville-sur-Saône (Rhône)

Easy circular partly along the Saône, crossing the small marina of Genay and running alongside a small stream.

Circuit of the 11 lakes in the Dombes

Circuit des 11 étangs dans la Dombes

Departure from Saint-Nizier-le-Désert (Ain)

This walk takes you through typical Dombes landscapes such as ponds, fields and copses. There are many ponds to see, making this route particularly interesting. Remember to bring your binoculars.

On the heights of Fleurieu-sur-Saône

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Sur les hauteurs de Fleurieu-sur-Saône

Departure from Fleurieu-sur-Saône (Rhône)

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.

Loop around Mont Thou and the drystone shelters

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Departure from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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.

Loop around Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or

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Boucle autour de Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or

Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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

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Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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.

Three mountains and a cross at the start of Curis-au-Mont-d'Or

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Trois monts et une croix au départ de Curis-au-Mont-d'Or

Departure from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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

The Bois des Côtes forest from Fontaines-Saint-Martin

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Le Bois des Côtes au départ de Fontaines-Saint-Martin

Departure from Fontaines-Saint-Martin (Rhône)

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.

Léchères Pond

L'Étang des Léchères

Departure from Saint-Paul-de-Varax (Ain)

An easy route that takes you past the many ponds of the Dombes. Bring your binoculars.

Vieux Jonc route

Circuit du Vieux Jonc

Departure from Saint-Paul-de-Varax (Ain)

This walk takes you past the many ponds of the Dombes and crosses the Vieux Jonc twice.

From Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or to the Hermitage

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De Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or à l'Ermitage

Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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.

A long circular walk in the Monts d'Or starting from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or

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Grande boucle dans les Monts d'Or au départ de Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or

Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

This hike will take you to a Madonna statue lost in the woods, then to a lime kiln and an old military structure. After skirting Mont Verdun, it will lead you near Mont Py, then to a hermitage and a charcoal kiln. After a visit to a wash house and the climb to the Croix Rampeau, the return journey will take you through a small tunnel and past another wash house and a discreet passageway beneath a house in St-Germain. The GPX track on the app or a GPS is required.

In the Saône Valley, starting from Fontaines-Saint-Martin

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Dans le Val de Saône au départ de Fontaines-Saint-Martin

Departure from Fontaines-Saint-Martin (Rhône)

A route very close to Lyon that offers a chance to get out into the countryside with an easy walk through fields, woods and along the banks of the Saône. This route passes through sensitive natural areas (the Torrières valley, the Prolières wetland) where the Metropolis has recently developed interpretive trails. Well worth (re)discovering...

Circular Val de Saône in Sathonay

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Departure from Sathonay-Village (Rhône)

Walk starting from the church in Sathonay-Village. Slight incline, easy walk for families. You will be able to see animals at two points along the walk: horses, donkeys, chickens, geese and ostriches.

Walk around Montceaux

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Departure from Montceaux (Ain)

Starting from the leisure area (Montceaux stadium), this circular route takes you through meadows and woodland around the village of Montceaux. You can explore the Calonne, a stream that runs through the village, and the ruins of the oil mill.

Circular around Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or

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Boucle autour de Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or

Departure from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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.

Route from Bois de Vavres to Montceaux

Circuit du Bois de Vavres à Montceaux

Departure from Montceaux (Ain)

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.

Drystone shelters in Poleymieux

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Cabornes de Poleymieux

Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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.

From Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or to St Romain-au-Mont-d'Or via Mont Thoux

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De Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or à St Romain-au-Mont-d'Or par le Mont Thoux

Departure from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

A Short yet tough hike through the Monts d'Or. Very nice in good weather and on dry ground.

Between Fontaines-sur-Saône and Fontaines-Saint-Martin

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Entre Fontaines-sur-Saône et Fontaines-Saint-Martin

Departure from Fontaines-sur-Saône (Rhône)

A hike suitable for all, offering different viewpoints and remarkable landscapes, and an opportunity to discover nature and heritage.

Geology, traditions and defence secrets in the Monts d'Or

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Géologie, traditions et secret défense dans les Monts d'Or

Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

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.

Around Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or

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Autour de Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or

Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

An extended tour of a pretty village in a beautiful location in the Monts d'Or.

Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or - Mont Thou loop

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Boucle Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or - Mont Thou

Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

This is an easy, shaded walk where you can see many orchids in April and a few restored drystone shelters. Mont Thou offers beautiful views of the Saône valley and the Ain plain, and even further depending on the weather. Drystone shelters are dry stone structures found in the Monts d'Or.

Between Mont Cindre and Mont Thou

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Entre Mont Cindre et Mont Thou

Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

A slightly challenging hike with a significant climb right from the start, but the difficulty is quickly forgotten as the walk is very pleasant, offering a variety of landscapes, panoramic views and scenic trails.

Mont Thou from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or

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Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

A circular route starting from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or, climbing up to Mont Thou with numerous viewpoints along the way. This is a circular route consisting mainly of footpaths with a few sections on roads.

Saint-Romain loop via Poleymieux and Curis-au-Mont-d'Or

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Boucle de Saint-Romain en passant par Poleymieux et Curis-au-Mont-d'Or

Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

This double loop of around fifteen kilometres with a significant elevation gain will take you through some beautiful panoramas and places in the Monts d'Or. Starting from the pretty village of Saint-Romain, it will take you to the summit of Mont Thou with its magnificent panorama, then to the village of Poleymieux with its church and some beautiful drystone shelters. You will cross the grounds of Château de Curis and then walk through the woods to return to your starting point, passing by the enigmatic Demeure du Chaos.

Loop in the Monts d'Or starting from Saint-Romain

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Boucle dans les Monts d'Or au départ de Saint-Romain

Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

This loop follows the Grand Tour and Tour intérieur des Monts d'Or trails. We start at the Saint-Romain cemetery and head towards Mont Cindre via the Sentier des Rapaces trail. Towards Limonest, we walk alongside Château de la Barollière before climbing up to Mont Verdun. It's worth making a detour to visit the Glande lime kiln. This route offers beautiful panoramic views around Mont Cindre and Mont Verdun, towards Poleymieux and the heights of Saint-Romain.

Mont Thou and drystone shelters

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Mont Thou et Cabornes

Departure from Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)

A short walk that takes you to the most beautiful viewpoint of the Mont d'Or massif and allows you to discover some 'drystone shelters', stone shepherds' huts. Great for families!

More walks in Lapeyrouse

Select a point of interest below:

Chalaronne (rivière - affluent de la Saône)