Refine your search for walks in Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or
Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or walks
Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or loop via Mont Py
Visorando Member
6.04 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,125 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This hike will take you to the Croix Rampeau (viewpoint over the Alps and the Saône plain), the Tour Risler (Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or), the ruins of a hermitage, the remains of a tannery and several old wash houses. Depending on the season, you will see daffodils, orchids, wild asparagus (edible), martagon lilies or fields of colchicum.
Loop around Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or
9.33 mi
+1,575 ft
-1,585 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This walk, after giving you a beautiful view of the Château de Curis, will take you close to three mountains: Mont Narcel, Mont Verdun and Mont Py before returning to Saint-Germain. You will discover several wash houses and small chapels along the way.
From Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or to the Hermitage
3.55 mi
+719 ft
-709 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This short, easy loop starting from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or will take you to the ruins of a retting pit and a hermitage. In September, you can see colchicum flowers and, if you feel like it, extend the circuit to the Croix Rampaux: a viewpoint over the Saône plain and the Alps.
A long circular walk in the Monts d'Or starting from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or
9.72 mi
+1,562 ft
-1,545 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This hike will take you to a Madonna statue lost in the woods, then to a lime kiln and an old military structure. After skirting Mont Verdun, it will lead you near Mont Py, then to a hermitage and a charcoal kiln. After a visit to a wash house and the climb to the Croix Rampeau, the return journey will take you through a small tunnel and past another wash house and a discreet passageway beneath a house in St-Germain.
The GPX track on the app or a GPS is required.
Loop around Mont Thou and the drystone shelters
9.27 mi
+1,795 ft
-1,801 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This hike in the Monts d'Or mountains, starting from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or, will allow you to enjoy the panoramic view of Mont Thou and Mont Verdun and discover the drystone shelters that are part of the region's heritage. It follows the inner route of the Monts d'Or with a variant to shorten the circuit.
Three mountains and a cross at the start of Curis-au-Mont-d'Or
8.33 mi
+1,827 ft
-1,798 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This loop, starting from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or, will take you to Mont Thou with its magnificent view of the region, then to Mont Verdun and Mont Py, and finally to Croix Rampeau before descending back to Curis.
During this hike, you will see two old wash houses and, depending on the season, orchids, martagon lilies, wild asparagus and many other flowers
Drystone shelters in Poleymieux
6.06 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,286 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This loop starting from Poleymieux will take you to discover the drystone shelters, traditional huts built from dry stones in the Monts d'Or.
The route passes through the forests on the northern slopes of the Monts d'Or and beautiful meadows.
You will follow part of the geological discovery trail with its excellent information panels.
The paths are easy for the most part, but the forest trails can be steep and tricky in wet weather.
Geology, traditions and defence secrets in the Monts d'Or
5.88 mi
+1,178 ft
-1,181 ft
3h 45
Easy
Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
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.
Banks of the Saône and return via Genay
5.29 mi
+112 ft
-112 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Neuville-sur-Saône (Rhône)
Easy circular partly along the Saône, crossing the small marina of Genay and running alongside a small stream.
Madone Circular Route
5.12 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,050 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This circular route will take you to the statue of the Madonna, installed in 2009 to replace another Madonna that was stolen. Along the way, you will see the Saint-Antoine hermitage, the tomb of the hermit Benoît Rousset, and a drying shed. You may encounter horses and mountain bikes. Be careful in rainy weather as the paths can be slippery and muddy.
Monts d’Or trails via Mont Verdun and Mont Py
8.65 mi
+1,706 ft
-1,706 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This walk is best undertaken in dry weather, wearing sturdy shoes, trousers, a long-sleeved T-shirt and walking poles. There are narrow sections with some brambles. Use of the Visorando app is recommended.
Monts d'Or geological footpath
5.65 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,086 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This is an easy route, best undertaken with good walking shoes. However, be careful in wet weather as the clay soil can be slippery and muddy in places. Along the route, there are information panels explaining the formation of the Monts d'Or massif.
In the woodland around Chasselay
4.83 mi
+981 ft
-974 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A hike through the woodland that mainly follows unmarked paths; GPS and the Visorando hiking app are recommended, and the route should be undertaken in dry weather. There are a few very steep sections; walking poles are recommended. The hike takes approximately 3½ hours. Get your walking boots on.
Circular route through the Monts d’Or via Mont Py and Col du Mont Verdun
7.42 mi
+1,529 ft
-1,522 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A walk in the Monts d’Or starting and finishing in Chasselay, with a few steep sections that can be slippery in wet weather. A few drystone shelters (limestone quarries) and the lime kiln. You’ll pass close to military installations where photography is prohibited.
Les Monts d'Or, Mont Verdun, Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
9.46 mi
+1,634 ft
-1,644 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This circular route will take you along part of the geological trail, past the lime kiln and the quarries, as well as numerous drystone shelters, which served as shelters for farmers and, in some cases, as dwellings after the last war while their occupants waited to find permanent accommodation.
Please note that in wet weather, some sections may be muddy and slippery.
A circular in the Monts d'Or massif starting from Chasselay
3.26 mi
+784 ft
-784 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike is best done in dry weather. In wet weather, the trails will be very muddy, with a few sections that will raise your heart rate but nothing insurmountable. The hike begins on a quiet paved road for about 700 metres. Please respect the area and do not leave any rubbish behind.
La Madone, alternative route
5.10 mi
+1,060 ft
-1,053 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike follows part of the Madone hike, with a variation at the start and finish. Please note that there are some very steep sections, so walking poles are strongly recommended to avoid slipping in wet weather.
Around Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
4.23 mi
+820 ft
-817 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
An extended tour of a pretty village in a beautiful location in the Monts d'Or.
Walk around Chasselay
7.24 mi
+1,585 ft
-1,558 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A hike in the Monts d'Or massif that takes you along both well-known and lesser-known paths; best undertaken in dry weather, as some sections can be very muddy and slippery when wet. Take care when crossing the 4x4 training ground. At weekends, if vehicles are present, ask permission to cross
On the paths and trails of the Monts d'Or massif
6.56 mi
+1,227 ft
-1,198 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike follows paths already covered in other hikes, but is nonetheless interesting. Best done in dry weather, as there are a few steep sections.
Circular Mont Verdun
5.65 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,148 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike is best done in dry weather, with trees providing shade from the sun.
In the Mont d'Or, Mont Verdun and Mont Thou
10.20 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,306 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A walk that will take you through a variety of different landscapes and offer some lovely views. A route best undertaken in dry weather.
Eight-shaped route in the Monts d'Or
8.41 mi
+1,545 ft
-1,522 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A pleasant hike with a few steep climbs, good for your heart rate, best done in dry weather as some sections are muddy and slippery in wet weather.
From Chasselay to the Batterie des Carrières
6.62 mi
+1,263 ft
-1,250 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This circular starting from Chasselay will take you to the Batterie des Carrières (a fortification dating from 1874) through vineyards and forests. You will see the perfectly restored Poleymieux lime kiln, surrounded by numerous panels describing how it worked. On the way back, depending on the season, you may see various orchids and martagon lilies.
Mont Thou from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
3.08 mi
+781 ft
-797 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
A rustic route on rocky paths starting from the village of Poleymieux, one of the most beautiful villages in France, which joins theGR® du Mont Thou, offering a nearly 360° view of the entire region: in particular, views of the Alps and Mont Blanc, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Beaujolais.
Pass by an old wash house and picturesque rocks before finishing the climb up the ridge of Mont Thou to the summit.
Walk in the forest on the heights of Neuville
3.13 mi
+427 ft
-404 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Neuville-sur-Saône (Rhône)
Most of the walk is in the forest. The paths are pleasant, with quite a few small stones on the ground. In rainy weather or after heavy rain, the path may be muddy or even impassable in places (not sure, to be checked). The end of the walk is not in the shade, so it can get hot in the sun.
Moderator's warning: a section of the route is now closed. Please wait for a detour to be put in place.
Circular walk around Mont Thou
1.22 mi
+371 ft
-371 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
A circular route featuring sections through woodland and meadows, with a magnificent view of Lyon.
From Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or to St Romain-au-Mont-d'Or via Mont Thoux
5.78 mi
+1,398 ft
-1,398 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
A Short yet tough hike through the Monts d'Or. Very nice in good weather and on dry ground.
Between the Saône and the Plateau, starting from Massieux
Tourist office8.25 mi
+499 ft
-502 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Massieux (Ain)
From the Dombes plateau to the banks of the Saône, make the most of this walk to enjoy a refreshing cultural break at the Maison Eclusière in Parcieux.
Circular around Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or
3.22 mi
+909 ft
-879 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This circular starting from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or will take you to the remains of the Monts d'Or Aqueduct, a charming little wash house and a few other ruins. The first and last thirds of the route follow marked trails, while the central part follows small unmarked paths.
On the heights of Fleurieu-sur-Saône
5.52 mi
+751 ft
-751 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Fleurieu-sur-Saône (Rhône)
A beautiful route, fairly challenging in the first third with alternating ascents and descents. Beautifully diverse landscapes. Magnificent panoramic view at the start of the route.
Chemin de Machy
1.81 mi
+174 ft
-174 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
Between Lissieu and Chasselay, the Chemin de Machy walk is a quick round trip that allows you to discover Machy Castle and the surrounding countryside. The walk alternates between wooded and sunny areas.
Route country on the Saône plateau in Montanay
3.67 mi
+108 ft
-118 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Montanay (Rhône)
A lovely route through fields on the Val de Saône plateau on the outskirts of the village of Montanay. Good country lanes, limited elevation gain, but with one or two fairly steep and earthy sections (passing through valleys) that can be slippery in wet weather.
Between woods and fields in Montanay
3.26 mi
+236 ft
-236 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Montanay (Rhône)
A short route suitable for lockdown with moderate elevation. The first part is through the woods of Montanay and the second
Mont Thou and drystone shelters
3.31 mi
+705 ft
-709 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
A short walk that takes you to the most beautiful viewpoint of the Mont d'Or massif and allows you to discover some 'drystone shelters', stone shepherds' huts. Great for families!
Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or - Mont Thou loop
4.51 mi
+1,394 ft
-1,398 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
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.
Between Mont Cindre and Mont Thou
5.76 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,332 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
A slightly challenging hike with a significant climb right from the start, but the difficulty is quickly forgotten as the walk is very pleasant, offering a variety of landscapes, panoramic views and scenic trails.
Mont Thou from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or
4.71 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,309 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
A circular route starting from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or, climbing up to Mont Thou with numerous viewpoints along the way. This is a circular route consisting mainly of footpaths with a few sections on roads.
Saint-Romain loop via Poleymieux and Curis-au-Mont-d'Or
9.29 mi
+2,549 ft
-2,582 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This double loop of around fifteen kilometres with a significant elevation gain will take you through some beautiful panoramas and places in the Monts d'Or.
Starting from the pretty village of Saint-Romain, it will take you to the summit of Mont Thou with its magnificent panorama, then to the village of Poleymieux with its church and some beautiful drystone shelters.
You will cross the grounds of Château de Curis and then walk through the woods to return to your starting point, passing by the enigmatic Demeure du Chaos.
Loop in the Monts d'Or starting from Saint-Romain
13.50 mi
+2,569 ft
-2,549 ft
8h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This loop follows the Grand Tour and Tour intérieur des Monts d'Or trails. We start at the Saint-Romain cemetery and head towards Mont Cindre via the Sentier des Rapaces trail. Towards Limonest, we walk alongside Château de la Barollière before climbing up to Mont Verdun. It's worth making a detour to visit the Glande lime kiln.
This route offers beautiful panoramic views around Mont Cindre and Mont Verdun, towards Poleymieux and the heights of Saint-Romain.
In the Saône Valley, starting from Fontaines-Saint-Martin
11.59 mi
+889 ft
-889 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Fontaines-Saint-Martin (Rhône)
A route very close to Lyon that offers a chance to get out into the countryside with an easy walk through fields, woods and along the banks of the Saône. This route passes through sensitive natural areas (the Torrières valley, the Prolières wetland) where the Metropolis has recently developed interpretive trails. Well worth (re)discovering...
Tour of the three wash houses in Limonest
2.67 mi
+413 ft
-420 ft
1h 35
Moderate
Departure from Limonest (Rhône)
A tour of Limonest that allows you to discover its many wash houses, secret paths and other treasures.
Mont Verdun and Château de la Barollière
4.60 mi
+761 ft
-768 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Limonest (Rhône)
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.
The Bois des Côtes forest from Fontaines-Saint-Martin
3.21 mi
+338 ft
-351 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Fontaines-Saint-Martin (Rhône)
This route crosses the natural and agricultural site of the Vallon des Échets and the wetland area of the Ruisseau des Vosges. Once you arrive at the Madone site, at an altitude of 266 metres, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Or, the Saône valley, the cliffs of Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, the Monts du Beaujolais and the Fourvière hill.
