Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges walks

Starting from Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges, this route runs along the ridges surrounding this small village in the Montagnes du Matin. The first ridge is open. The second part, on theGR®7, is in the forest. Located halfway along the route, the Lac de Saint-Cyr, which is more of a pond, is ideal for a break in the shade. The return journey offers beautiful unobstructed views of the plain and the Monts du Forez.

A very beautiful hike starting from the car park at the bar in Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges. You will travel through the Saint-Cyr and Violay countryside, passing by the Échanssieux dam and then Violay, returning via Les Crêtes (GR®7) where you will enjoy two magnificent landscapes: on your right, the Monts du Lyonnais (and, on a clear day, the Alps and Mont Blanc); on your left, the Monts du Forez, Auvergne and Cantal.

This circular route, which starts in Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand, follows an old railway line through countryside and forest, finally crossing the vertiginous Pont Marteau bridge, which is 320 m long and 50 m high. This route follows the signs for "Sur les traces du tacot" (In the footsteps of the old train) and, in the forest, the yellow and red markings ofthe GRP® "Terre de tisseurs en forêt" (Land of weavers in the forest).

A magnificent hike around the countryside of Machézal and Amplepuis. The views of the Roanne and Haut-Beaujolais regions are breathtaking.

I recommend this hike when nature is waking up in mid-April, to enjoy the green meadows and bright yellow dandelions. There are unobstructed views over much of the route. The ridge offers beautiful views of the Loire and Rhône departments. Picnics by the pond are very enjoyable and peaceful. The return trail near the river (Turdine) is very wild and quiet.

This circuit with pleasant trails allows us to admire views of Amplepuis and its surroundings, the Château de Rochefort and splendid views of the Monts du Lyonnais, Tarare and its surroundings. Not to be missed. Following work to install wind turbines, the French Hiking Federation has significantly modified the route at point (8) to divert theGR®7. I have redrawn the route as indicated by the FFR, so please follow this modification to complete the circuit.

This circular route of almost 5 km allows you to discover the heights of Saint-Marcel-l'Éclairé and enjoy the view over the entire valley. The paths at the edge of the forest are very pleasant.

Violay is a town with over 1,200 inhabitants and many shops! In the first part of the hike, you will pass by the Matagrin Tower (which you can visit). You will then follow theGR®7to Violay, before returning by another route. Most of the route is through the woods.

A sheltered walk with a few views of the Monts du Lyonnais and a chance to discover the Matagrin Tower at the top of the highest peak in the Monts du Lyonnais. An ideal walk in hot weather as it is at altitude and mostly in the 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.

This is a large loop offering several views of the Lyon area and, on a clear day, even Mont Blanc and the Alps. You will also discover the Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées (Oingt, Le Bois d'Oingt, Moirée, etc.) and part of the Tarare Mountains. No major difficulties to expect, the route passes along forest tracks, trails and a small section of tarmac (D629, very little traffic).

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 that starts in Jas and takes us through forests and countryside to the small village of Salt-en-Donzy.

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.

A beautiful circular route with panoramic views of the Monts du Forez. No particular technical difficulty. You can start from any of the three villages. The route is described from St-Clément les Places.

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.