Sainte-Catherine (Rhône) walks

A great day’s walk in the deep countryside of the Monts du Lyonnais.

Long hike starting from Sainte-Catherine, which passes by the summit of the Monts du Lyonnais, the Crêt Malherbe at 946m.

This circular starting from Sainte-Catherine, mainly on trails and little-used roads, allows you to explore the ridges and valleys of the Monts du Lyonnais and discover the Chapels of Saint-Apollinaire and Saint-Pierre. Beautiful views of the Rhône Valley, the Pilat Massif and the Alps on a clear day.

At the start, the route winds its way through the valleys of the Monts du Lyonnais and crosses a few hamlets, leading us to the Signal de Saint-André. From the Signal, the view over the Rhône valley, the city of Lyon and the Alps is magnificent. The return journey follows the eastern ridge, with the Pilat massif in your sights and the Alps on your left. The medieval village of Riverie is well worth a visit.

This hike, which is not difficult on the paths, offers beautiful views of Pilat and the Alps.

This hike takes place in the southern part of the Monts du Lyonnais. It is not very busy, although it follows theGR®®7along the ridges between Sainte-Catherine and Valfleury. A pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary used to take place in this village. Remnants bear witness to this era, which is gradually fading away: Stations of the Cross, statues, and reconstructed grottos. The return route takes you through the Durèze valley before climbing up through small hamlets, including Lachal with its imposing 18th-century neoclassical château, then crosses the Bois des Feuilles to return to Sainte-Catherine.

A lovely walk with some beautiful views of the Gier valley. Our canine friends will find little shade, no paved roads, no river for water, but in season there is a tap at the Saint-Apollinaire chapel.

A family-friendly, easy and informative walk, punctuated by beautiful panoramic views of the village of Riverie, the Alpine range, the Pilat and the Bozançon Valley. Return via the nature trail and the medieval village walkway in Riverie.

This pleasant, rural circular walk, in the little-visited hills of the western Monts du Lyonnais, winds its way through the valleys of the Coise and its tributaries. It starts in the charming village of Aubépin and leads to the imposing Château de Lafay, crossing the village of Larajasse and then wandering through fields and forests to isolated farms and peaceful little hamlets: Vaudragon, La Valletière, Chazette, Les Granges, Le Terron, La Grange Bruyère, Gouttenoire, Moulin Vaudray, La Chèvre, La Lardière, La Rivoire, Les Grandes Bruyères and Croix Galant, before returning to Aubépin after this breath of fresh air.

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.

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.

Take a walk through time, between the Roman aqueduct of the Gier and the unfinished railway line, interrupted by the First World War, which was supposed to link Mornant to Rive-de-Gier.

A family walk with a steady climb to the summit of the Monts du Lyonnais and beautiful scenery all along the way. Very little tarmac, forest paths and, of course, the impressive view from the Signal de Saint-André footbridge.

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.

This hike is primarily along clear paths with views over le Pilat and Sainte-Catherine. An easy trek with some slight up and downhill slopes. Be careful, as non-stone tracks can get muddy in the rainy season.

Straddling the Loire and Rhône rivers, near Rive de Gier, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Maurice-sur-Dargoire, this is a very pleasant walk along the river.