Larajasse walks

This pleasant, rural circular walk, in the little-visited hills of the western Monts du Lyonnais, winds its way through the valleys of the Coise and its tributaries. It starts in the charming village of Aubépin and leads to the imposing Château de Lafay, crossing the village of Larajasse and then wandering through fields and forests to isolated farms and peaceful little hamlets: Vaudragon, La Valletière, Chazette, Les Granges, Le Terron, La Grange Bruyère, Gouttenoire, Moulin Vaudray, La Chèvre, La Lardière, La Rivoire, Les Grandes Bruyères and Croix Galant, before returning to Aubépin after this breath of fresh air.

Starting from Châtelus, head towards the Couzon, which you will follow as far as the Moulin du Pas. From there, the route climbs up to the Pin Picard and heads towards the Bruneton, from where you will return to Châtelus via Soleymieux and La Rivoire.

A route through the Monts du Lyonnais starting from Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, inviting you to discover châteaux and dams, taking roads, nature trails and wooded paths offering views of the Monts du Lyonnais and Forez, and ending with a visit to the collegiate church that dominates the town.

An easy and very varied walk (village, paths, woods, fields) with beautiful panoramic views and amenities.

This route takes you to Samson’s Menhir and the Chapel of La Salette. It is a very pleasant walk as it follows the rivers Coise and Couzon for a while, as well as the Orzon stream, and offers beautiful views of the Monts du Lyonnais.

Route starting from Marcenod, a small rural village of 700 inhabitants at an altitude of around 700 m. Very lovely views of the Monts du Forez.

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.

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

A great day’s walk in the deep countryside of the Monts du Lyonnais.

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

This hike takes place in the southern part of the Monts du Lyonnais. It is not very busy, although it follows theGR®®7along the ridges between Sainte-Catherine and Valfleury. A pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary used to take place in this village. Remnants bear witness to this era, which is gradually fading away: Stations of the Cross, statues, and reconstructed grottos. The return route takes you through the Durèze valley before climbing up through small hamlets, including Lachal with its imposing 18th-century neoclassical château, then crosses the Bois des Feuilles to return to Sainte-Catherine.

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.

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.

A family walk with a steady climb to the summit of the Monts du Lyonnais and beautiful scenery all along the way. Very little tarmac, forest paths and, of course, the impressive view from the Signal de Saint-André footbridge.

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.

A route starting from the Gimond dam to Aveize, via L'Argentière. This route crosses the Monts du Lyonnais with a short section in the woods, near the Aveize discovery trail.

The route goes around the Gimond dam in a peaceful setting, surrounded by fishermen, then after a detour to the church of Grézieu-le-Marché, it ends the circular route at the Bois de la Dame.

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.

An easy route starting from the Signal de Saint-André car park, leading to Saint-Martin-en-Haut. The finish is in a park suitable for a picnic, but it is less than 300m from the centre of Saint-Martin with its many shops. Follow theGRP® des Monts du Lyonnais signposts from the Signal de Saint-André.

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.

This pleasant circular walk in the Brévenne valley takes you through woods and meadows in a little-visited and rather secret area offering beautiful views of the Massif Central and the Monts du Lyonnais. From the hilltop village of Aveize, the route descends to the bottom of the valley and, after meandering along the opposite slope, passes through the charming little village of Meys before crossing the Brévenne and climbing back up to Grézieu-le-Marché and Aveize.

The route passes through different areas in the countryside around Saint-Christo-en-Jarez (wetlands, forest and meadows). Along the way, themed information boards provide details about the local wildlife. On a clear day, two-thirds of the way along the route, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the Alps.

A circuit primarily on small paved and sunny roads.

This walk, far from the tarmac, alternates between open paths and wooded trails. The section by the orientation table offers a view of the surrounding peaks.

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.

A short, easy walk with a few forest paths that will be a welcome respite in hot weather. The small roads taken, outside the village, have little traffic.

This circular route starting from Duerne takes you along a few quiet country lanes and numerous forest paths and tracks (around 70%). Beautiful unobstructed views of Montromant, Sainte-Foy-l'Argentière and the Monts du Lyonnais.

A little-used walk on the western slope of the Monts du Lyonnais, more rugged than wooded, where the landscape is open and offers beautiful views throughout the route. From Duerne, the route winds across a plateau, then descends gradually into the Orzon valley before climbing up to Pomeys and crossing a ridge. It descends at a steady gradient into the La Gimond valley and its lake, from where it climbs up to Aveize, then plunges into the Orjolle valley before returning to Duerne.

This circular route alternates between easy and more challenging paths, a few forest trails and quiet minor roads.

This beautiful circular route from Duerne takes you along well-marked paths and tracks, often shaded, to discover the varied landscapes of this little-known part of the Monts du Lyonnais. A small stele by the side of the road commemorates the sacrifice of the American pilots who crashed there in 1944. At the end of the route, before heading back up towards Duerne, you can discover the astonishing remains of the Roman Aqueduct on the Brévenne.

Combining medieval tourism in Rochefort with a walk in the countryside and forest, allow a good two hours for this pleasant short hike in any season, which partly follows the route of the Way of St James. An hour and a half if you don't climb up to the Crêt. There are lots of ups and downs, sometimes a little steep but never for too long. Feasible by mountain bike with assistance but not recommended for pushchairs (steps and stones).

A beautiful circular walk through the varied and undulating landscapes of this part of the Monts du Lyonnais, taking you through the pretty, shady valley of the Bâtie stream and along the Rontalon botanical trail. The route follows an old railroad track from the early twentieth century, before climbing up through a Mediterranean style forest and past some market gardens. End by visiting the medieval village of Rochefort where you can visit the remains of the keep and the chapel.

A circular walk from Chazelles-sur-Lyon and the Hat Museum to the Gimond dam, which is the reservoir for Chazelles-sur-Lyon's drinking water supply. Along the way, you will find several viewpoints over the region: Mont du Lyonnais, Pilat, etc. You will cross the Gimond stream, which is always dry, several times via small bridges.

A nature walk in the Monts du Lyonnais, through pastures and small hamlets.

A beautiful walk with views of Pilat and Saint-Etienne. Reviews indicate that a GPS is very useful for following this hike.

A short walk starting from the village of Fontanès, offering a beautiful view at the highest point of the Sept Pins. The passage through the woods is very pleasant.

Beautiful route along the ridges around the village of Fontanès. Free parking in the castle grounds.

Starting from L'Argentière (in the commune of Aveize), this short 2- to 3-hour circular will delight the whole family with its varied landscapes and the last third of the route, which follows a fun botanical trail. The places mentioned "in quotation marks" in the description are marked with corresponding signs on the ground put in place by the Rhône department.

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).

A very varied hike in the Loire, alternating between open landscapes with meadows, valleys, deciduous forests and numerous apple and cherry orchards. The walk also allows you to discover a curious underground aqueduct. In good weather, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. This hike can be enjoyed in all seasons, but it must be magnificent in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom.

This circuit starts in Valfleury, a charming village nestled at the bottom of a valley, and mainly follows ridges offering numerous views towards Saint-Chamond, Saint-Étienne, Pilat and, further afield, Forez and Auvergne. Don't miss a visit to Valfleury church.

A lovely walk in the countryside with stunning views.

Starting from Montromant (Mont Romain), a beautiful hilly route through woods and forest will take you to the remains of the underground section of the Roman Brévenne aqueduct. Beautiful views of the Monts du Forez, the Monts de Tarare and, from the Croix des Brosses, the Alps and the Pilat Massif.

Walk on the heights of the Col du Pilon, reaching Fontanés via the footpaths and returning via the small roads, with little elevation gain.

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 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.

A walk that takes you around Cellieu via the geographical centre of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, whilst discovering magnificent landscapes, and even Mont Blanc on a very clear day. Please note: there is a significant elevation gain, making this route unsuitable for pushchairs.

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 circular route above Thurins, the raspberry capital, with its many market gardeners, will take you from orchards to shady forests. This route combines well-shaded forest paths, orchards and local farms. There are a few steep climbs and descents, but none are particularly difficult.

Around the Vallon du Garon, between Yzeron and Thurins, a beautiful circular route allows you to alternate between forest trails and fruit orchards, while enjoying the Thurins Dam for a refreshing break (under the trees, as swimming is prohibited) or a picnic.

Starting from the Plateau d'Yzeron car park, this short hike forms a circular route on the hills above Yzeron.

A walk and exploration of the Bois de Lienne forest.

Half-day hike with very varied landscapes. Variations are possible to shorten the route.

Varied itinerary: Forest on the climb toward the Crêt de Py Froid then at the start of the descent. The landscape opens out on the descent, becoming more rural. A little walking on the road.

This route starts at Lac du Ronzey and descends to the dam on the Garon. It takes you along a trail dedicated to local hydrology linked to rural life in the early 20th century.

This circuit of around ten kilometres will take you to the heights of Yzeron, along fairly unfrequented and sometimes unmarked paths and trails. Enjoy peace and greenery in the forests and meadows.

Walk in the Monts du Lyonnais with superb views of the Brévenne and Rhône valleys and the Alps in the distance.

Starting from the pleasant shores of Lac de Ronzey, this hike takes you to its highest point, Crêt du Py Froid, passing by a dolmen and the Châteauvieux chapel. Finally, your steps will lead you to the dam on the Garon. Magnificent panoramic views of the Mont du Lyonnais and the city of Lyon will accompany you throughout your journey.

Yzeron is one of the villages in the Monts du Lyonnais; see Lord Joseph de Mont-d’Or, who established the famous prebend. The landscape is beautifully undulating, alternating between paths and trails through wooded areas. This walk, starting from the hikers’ car park, takes you to the Py Froid bouldering site, much loved by climbers, as well as the Romanesque chapel of Châteauvieux and a small waterfall (if it has rained). You cross from one side of the valley to the other several times, with ever-changing scenery, ranging from coniferous forests on the northern slopes to the densely wooded southern slopes. This hike can become absolutely magical, reminiscent of the Round Table of the 69, where the Druids, the Knights of the Round Table, the Lady of the Lake or Merlin could very well all be from Lyon. In any case, it is certain that La Dame, not of the lake, but of Châteauvieux, would rest well in this famous chapel.

Loop trail starting from Yzeron, through varied landscapes. The trail passes around the small dam lake at the foot of Yzeron and then, at the end of the hike, along the Lac d'Yzeron, whose new facilities were inaugurated on 19/07/14.

This is a pleasant hike from Yzeron through the charming wooded hills of the Monts du Lyonnais, offering beautiful views of the Rhône Valley and the Alps along the way. From Yzeron, the route runs alongside Lake Ronzey and reaches the Col de la Croix de Pars, then the small Saint-Clair chapel before passing Les Jumeaux to reach the Col de Malval, from where it descends to Le Barthélemy. It climbs to the Croix de Garde and, after La Milonière, follows the route of the Roman aqueduct of Yzeron to Les Esselards, then climbs back up to the Crêt de la Madone before returning to Yzeron.

Route passing by the imposing statue of the Madonna overlooking Yzeron, the ruins of the Saint-Clair Chapel, the Col de la Croix de Pars, the bucolic Rossand valley, the peaceful and charming little village of Montromant, the Brosses plateau, the dam on the Garon and its reservoir, popular with fishermen.

A beautiful circular walk starting from the village of Yzeron, alternating between forest paths and clear views of Lyon and the Alps. In good weather, there is an exceptional view of the Alps: you can easily recognise Mont Blanc, the Belledonne massif, the Chartreuse, the Vercors and even (for those in the know) the Meije! Part of the route follows the old (buried) aqueduct of Yzeron, which supplied Lyon with water in Gallo-Roman times (there are very informative signs along the route).

This beautiful circular walk takes place in the wooded hills north of Yzeron. From the village of Yzeron, the fully signposted route passes by Lac du Ronzey and, after crossing a few valleys, reaches Croix de Pars, then the ruins of the old Chapelle Saint-Clair. After a long stretch through the woods, it reaches the Col de Malval, goes around the Crêt Chevreau and descends to the hamlet of Soupat. At the Crêt de Piraluron, it continues towards La Goutte Chérine, Les Esselards, Le Trossin and La Roche, from where it reaches the Crêt de la Madone before descending to Yzeron.

From Yzeron, this lovely, very hilly route climbs towards the imposing statue of the Madonna overlooking the village, then passes by the Saint-Clair Chapel, the peaceful village of Courzieu, the hamlets of Lafont and Les Vechères, ascends to the Courzieu wildlife park and the Château de Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid before descending to Cunieux. To complete the circular route, it crosses the Col de la Fausse, traverses the Yzeron valley via Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux and then the Châteauvieux Chapel, and via the Crêt de Py Froid returns to the starting point.

A very nice circuit around the Monts du Lyonnais to explore the climbing area at Py Froid.

A very pleasant hike in the Monts du Lyonnais. You will enjoy magnificent panoramic views throughout the route.

Family-friendly walk in the hills of Saint-Héand among the horses and cows.

A short walk around the rocks of Crêt du Py Froid. The path is a bit bumpy but remains very easy to follow. Other longer and less steep walks are possible. __Saturday 10 April 2011. Please note: the suggested parking area is on private property. Awaiting an update from the author__

Beautiful views of Lyon, Pilat, the Monts du Lyonnais and, with a bit of luck, as far as Mont Blanc. The chapel is sometimes open at weekends and is well worth a visit.

A pleasant walk from Haute-Rivoire to Saint-Martin-Lestra via the hamlet of A Foix on the way there and via theGR®89on the way back. The route is about 50% tarmac, but you’ll rarely come across any cars. If you look up, you’ll probably spot a buzzard or a kite. And if you’re attentive and quiet, you might see a hare or a rabbit at the edge of a wood, or, if you’re lucky, a roe deer or a wild boar. There is an interesting viewpoint at Calvaire (6).

A very pleasant walk in the woods, rewarded with a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley and the Ain Plain.

Discover the surroundings of the village of Yzeron, starting from the valley.