Ranchal walks

An easy walk, mostly on gentle paths. A few climbs, but nothing too strenuous. The route passes through woodland but also offers sweeping views of the region’s countryside.

Starting from Ranchal on the border of the Loire department, this is a beautiful route in the upper Azergues valley.

A short hike with no significant elevation gain or difficulty. Varied landscapes of the Beaujolais Vert, often in the woods but also in open areas with views of the surrounding countryside. Note: a large part of the route, from Mont Pinay to Les Petites Fayes, is on tarmac, but these are small roads with very little traffic.

A hike of less than 3 hours, without any major difficulties. Around Mont Pinay, the ascent and descent are a little steeper. Mostly in the woods, with more open passages and views of the surrounding landscapes of the Beaujolais Vert. This is a longer version of the "Circular in the Foupeysson forest, at the foot of Mont Pinay" route. Note: part of the route, from the hamlet of Les Rousselles to Mont Pinay and Les Petites Fayes, is on tarmac, but these are small roads with very little traffic.

During this hike, you will pass: - Above a 4,153-metre-long railway tunnel and near a 96-metre-deep ventilation shaft. - The Col des Écharmeaux, which has been a transit point for goods between the Saône and Loire valleys since the 14th century. Napoleon is said to have passed through here on his return from Elba. - At La Roche d'Ajoux (970 m), the highest point in the upper Azergues valley.

An easy walk alternating between woodland and open spaces, paths, tracks and roads. Numerous vantage points offering views of the surrounding landscape, stretching as far as the Monts de la Madeleine and the Monts du Forez. Please note that part of the route, from (3) to (5), follows a main road, though it is not very busy. Between (1) and (5), the route is in open country: bring water and a hat in hot weather. The rest of the route is mainly under the cover of the forest.

An easy walk leading to one of the highest points in the Rhône with a beautiful unobstructed view.

Starting from Saint-Vincent-de-Reins station, follow in the footsteps of Marie-Louise, the locomotive that used to run between Amplepuis and Saint-Vincent via Cublize and Magny. Then climb up to the heights of Magny to return to Saint-Vincent via La Madone.

10km route around Saint-Bonnet-le-Troncy, through the woods.

A short, easy walk in the woods around Saint-Bonnet-le-Troncy.

A peaceful route through forests, fields and pastures.

Northern part of the Cublize Azure Route; take thePR®®7ato complete the circular route. A peaceful walk through the woods, far from the hustle and bustle of Lac des Sapins. View of Magny Castle, which belonged to Vauban's brother, and, on a clear day, the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

A peaceful walk through the forest and meadows around Meaux-la-Montagne.

This loop starts in the village of Meaux-la-Montagne and follows roads and paths that take you to the peaks of La Nuizière via the Col de la Cambuse, the Croix du Villard and the Croix de la Nuizière, through fields and pine forests.

A walk around the Pyramid, in the forest of the same name, with a magnificent view of the Saône valley at the highest point of the route.

Circuit around Mont Saint-Rigaud (1,009 m), the highest point in the Rhône department. At the summit, there is a beautiful view from the belvedere, followed by a walk through the forest. The path follows the old railway line and crosses the Châtelard viaduct.

This short loop will take you to the heights of La Nuizière, passing isolated farms (Bert, Le Chollet, Giraud) and crosses (Nuizière, Aliziers and Bert), between dirt tracks and small country roads.

This circular route opposite Grandris will take you from meadow to meadow and through woodland, offering numerous panoramic views of the village and its surroundings. It is possible to combine this circular route with another, as the section from (7) to (11) is shared by both.

This loop will take you over hill and dale around Grandris. Don't miss: The memorial to the woodcutters who lost their lives in the storm of 1999 near the hospital and, a little further on, when you reach the calvary, you can admire the whole valley and the village before setting off on a series of picturesque little paths.