Rontalon walks

For those who like to combine nature, sport and heritage, this pretty route through woods, meadows and orchards allows you to discover some aspects of the heritage of the Monts du Lyonnais while enjoying, when the weather permits, beautiful views of the Alps, the Rhône valley and the Pilat Massif.

From Rontalon, this beautiful and pleasant walk, situated in the heart of the Monts du Lyonnais, climbs towards La Croix Forest and Saint-André-la-Côte before descending to the remarkable medieval village of Riverie and its magnificent panorama, then on to Saint-Didier-sous-Riverie and the Missilieu bridge. After fording the La Fondagny stream, it climbs back up to La Fillonnière and Vendessieux before setting off on the long traverse through a beautiful deciduous forest and valleys dotted with the hamlets of L’Adret, La Ferrandière, La Julanière and Les Hautes Garennes, finally returning to its starting point.

A beautiful loop through the forests and meadows surrounding the villages of Rontalon and Chaussan. The path sometimes runs along the edge of the valley, offering beautiful views of the Alps, weather permitting!

Starting from Rontalon, this circular route takes you up a series of gentle climbs to the Signal de Saint-André and its orientation tables. The return journey follows the Rhône/Loire watershed, taking an old railway line and following the Rontalon botanical trail. This route is a variation of the "Between Saint-André-la-Côte and Rontalon" route.

This beautiful route offers views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc, and the Cantal. There are orientation tables near Saint-André-la-Côte You can shorten the hike by going directly to the Signal Saint-André without passing through Saint-André-la-Côte.

Thurins, the "raspberry capital", is the starting point for this hike to discover the countryside, forests and viewpoints of the Monts du Lyonnais.

This circular path, which winds between the slopes of the wide Garon Valley, offers beautiful views whilst having the advantage of being relatively dry even after rainy spells. From Thurins, the path briefly crosses the north-facing slope before returning to the opposite side and climbing towards Quinsonnas. Staying close to the ridge, it reaches Yzeron, from where it skirts the top of the valley and returns to the north-facing slope. Passing by the Garon dam, it returns to the south-facing slope, then winds its way up to the top of this slope before descending to Thurins.

This lovely hike takes you through the valleys of the Garon and Artilla rivers. From Thurins, the circular route passes through the hamlet of Jaricot and La Grand-Croix before descending to Les Bruyères. It crosses the hamlet of Julin, then crosses the Garon before climbing up the opposite slope. On the ridge, at the Croix des Barons, it swings over to La Burlière, crosses the Artilla and, via the Bois du Bacha, reaches the hamlet of La Grande Côte and then the village of Thurins.

This long but lovely walk takes you through the hills and valleys of the Monts du Lyonnais, passing through woods and meadows. It goes via Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux, the Col de la Croix de Malval, the woods of Courzieux, the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Clair, the imposing statue of the Madonna, Yzeron, the Bois de la Vourne and the Croix des Barons.

Located in the Monts du Lyonnais, this circular route runs mainly through the woods of the Yzeron and Garon valleys. From Thurins, the trail climbs the hill separating the two valleys and descends to Saint-Laurent-de-Vaux. It climbs back up to the source of the Garon via Châteauvieux and Yzeron, then through the woods to Thurins. Along the route, take some time to visit the dolmen and chapel in Châteauvieux.

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.

This route starting from Chaussan will take you to the Signal Saint-André viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhône valley and the Monts du Lyonnais, not to mention a superb view (in good weather) of the Alps.This is a fairly easy route, suitable for families, but can be muddy when it rains. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in the woods.

A simple, often shaded circular trail, allowing you to discover the wine-growing landscape of the village of Chaussan and its woods. The trail can be muddy during rainy periods.

Get some fresh air and exercise with this 100% rural hike, which offers beautiful panoramic views over much of the route. It allows you to appreciate the dynamism of local agricultural activity (fruit, vegetables, livestock, etc.) and admire a large tree house.

A scenic route through the forest with no difficulty, 95% of which is on paths.

Starting from the Saint-Vincent Chapel in the commune of Saint-Laurent-d'Agny, this hike allows you to discover the landscapes of the Monts du Lyonnais foothills, market gardens, orchards, meadows and woods. On a clear day, it also offers beautiful views of the Jura and the Alps.

A pleasant half-day walk along paths and through woods with beautiful views of the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This circular route will delight you with its rural landscapes, horses and lake. In spring, the fruit trees are in bloom.

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__

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 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.

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.

Starting from Messimy, on the outskirts of Lyon, this circular route takes you to the small Yzeron waterfall, passing through the hilltop village of Chateauvieux, the Py-Froid viewpoint and the dolmen in the Faix woods. Author’s note: This description was written some time ago. Please check reviews and makeuse of the Visorando app

Short walk on the edge of the Monts du Lyonnais with a slight climb at the start. This route can be shortened by a good third (and thus avoid a return trip on the same path) by parking at the Hameau de la Basse Bruyère (1)

This circuit crosses the meadows and woods of the first foothills of the Monts du Lyonnais. It leads to the Piragoy viewpoint, which offers a view of Messimy and the villages and crops of the Piémont des Monts du Lyonnais, and on a clear day, a beautiful panorama of the Alps and the Pilat Massif.

Walk in the Mornant countryside after visiting the medieval centre.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.