Lyon walks

For several years now, Lyon's Confluence district, in the wake of the construction of the museum, has been undergoing a major transformation. Here, it is invited to discover its new face, where modernity meets history, in the exceptional setting of the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Starting from the Fort de Lyon Saint-Just, 500 metres from the Saint Just funicular railway, this walk is half in the countryside and half in the city. It passes through several parks and the pretty little Razes valley, followed by a nature trail along the Thiện Minh Pagoda. There is a beautiful view of Lyon and the Alps from the Esplanade Lichfield in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.

Stroll through the Tony Garnier open-air museum. The beautiful buildings of the Cité des États-Unis serve as a backdrop for the architect's plans for his ideal city of Lyon. Other street arts, colorful and symbolist, extrapolate this concept to other countries.

Woods and a river in the city! It's hard to find a wooded area that's both close to Lyon and large enough for several hours of walking.The paved sections are very limited, and you walk mainly in a steep-sided valley, along the water's edge, namely the Yzeron stream, and under the trees the whole time. This makes it ideal during hot weather.The route is mostly flat, apart from the loop on Findez hill.For those who are allergic to asphalt and don't want to go too far, this valley nestled between Craponne and Francheville is a good option.

An easy loop starting from Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or to reach the heights of the Monts d'Or towards Mont Thou. The return route passes via Mont Cindre. There are some lovely views and several drystone shelters to discover along the way.

An easy hike to discover the drystone shelters of Mont-d'Or. The cabornes are huts built of dry stone, which were used as shelters and for storing tools by farmers. They were also sometimes used as dwellings.

A pleasant walk through the streets, along the Étang du Boulard and the countryside near Chaponost. Starting near the aqueduct, you can discover these superb Gallo-Roman remains.

Parking: 4 spaces for cars a few metres from the start of the path.It's rare to find a quiet walk that barely touches tarmac in the Monts d'Or. This one does just that. You get to spend two hours in the forest near Lyon without any physical challenge. Ideal for families.

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.

Gentle climb up the Limonest corniche, which offers beautiful views of Fourvière. Chemin de Narcel in the woods, towards Mont Verdun. Then another beautiful view on the descent towards Limonest. Pass near the Château de la Barollière.

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

In addition to being a nice hike, this circuit is interesting because throughout the trail signs provide educational information on the fauna and flora, tree species etc. It also helps hikers discover the local agricultural heritage that is everywhere so close to Lyon.

A varied hike (wide path, trail, partly in the woods, partly in the middle of fields), fairly short but with some elevation gain.

Warm up in the Bois des Plasses in the municipalities of Dommartin and Dardilly.

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.

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.