Ranchal walks

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

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

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 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.

Hike near a beautiful lake that is very popular in summer (with a beach, water sports, horse riding centre, tree climbing, etc.) and in the Mollières woods.

A circular loop around Lac des Sapins, taking about an hour and presenting no difficulties, allowing you to admire the lake from a perfectly maintained path.

A short, easy and peaceful walk in the forest starting from Col de Crie.

A hike on the highest summit of the Rhône Department.

A beautiful, fairly wild loop starting from the charming village of Saint-Cyr-le-Chatoux, on a pass between Villefranche-sur-Saône and the Azergues valley. The trails are mainly in the forest with plenty of shade. A complete change of scenery. Beautiful unobstructed views from the moors at the top of the Bois des Allemands.

A lovely, easy walk through the woods above Chamelet.

A beautiful walk in the Cantinière Departmental Forest.

A scenic walk between the mountain passes of Col du Châtoux and Col du Joncin.

From Col du chatoux (or col du Chêne), this hike goes through woods along the ridge line offering wonderful views: -over the Saône and eastern Beaujolais valleys - over Azergues Valley to the west.