Sainte-Catherine (Rhône) walks

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.

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.

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.

This circular hike in the Monts du Lyonnais between the Rhône and Loire rivers takes place in a little-visited and rather secret area around the Bezançon valleys and its tributaries, including the Grand Bezançon and Petit Bezançon, passing through a few isolated hamlets. It allows you to discover three arches, remnants of the Roman aqueduct of the Gier, and a high bridge pier of a railway line, intended to connect Rive-de-Gier to Mornant, whose construction was halted by the war of 1914. This route can be shortened to 23 km with an 800 m elevation gain by taking a shortcut (see practical information).

Walk around the Bozançon valley (and even the Bozançon rivers) with remains of Roman aqueducts, water mills, old railway tracks and old gold mines. At Les Piles, you can continue up the Bozançon to the viaduct and return to Jurieux via the old railway line (an extra 2 hours).

This varied circuit runs through the upper catchment area of the Grand and Petit Bozançon rivers, taking you along the banks of streams, up hillsides through orchards and, at times, offering unobstructed views of the Pilat mountain range.

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.

A beautiful, easy walk on either side of the Bozançon River, where this section of the valley is a succession of ancient terraces structured by low stone walls. A taste of Provence... Old description, see reviews if you are not using the app.

On the heights of Saint-Martin-la-Plaine, a lovely walk through the fields. The last part takes you past a zoo where you can see a few animals (ostriches, wolves, goats).

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.

This hike allows you to discover some pleasant and cultural sites near Saint-Martin-en-Haut. The route begins by crossing the leisure park, then passes by the Signal Saint-André viewpoint. It descends into the Artilla valley and climbs back up to Crêt de la Poipe to reach the medieval hamlet of Rochefort, then the village of Duerne. Shortly before Montromant, it runs alongside the Brévenne aqueduct, crosses Duerne and returns to Saint-Martin-en-Haut.

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 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.

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 short hike accessible to all with suitable footwear. Very pleasant in summer as it passes partly through woodland and partly in the open along the Bozançon. Our canine friends will find shade on 75% of the route, less than 1000 m of road (with little traffic), and 2 river water refill points.

A wild walk, often along the Bozançon, with the option to visit special sites (Roman aqueduct).

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.

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 beautiful hike through orchards and forests in the hills above Rive de Gier. The very hilly area offers beautiful panoramic views. Chagnon and Saint-Romain-en-Jarez are interesting for those who love old buildings.

Walk in the Mornant countryside after visiting the medieval centre.

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.

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 hike, alternating between small roads and dirt tracks on the south-facing side of the Gier valley, largely avoids muddy patches and benefits from a south-facing aspect, making it more enjoyable in winter. From Dargoire, a charming little medieval village, the route heads west, crossing the Bezançon valley over the rustic stone bridge of La Roussilière and, after a detour to the waterfall, climbs up to the village of Saint-Joseph. It runs along the top of the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine zoological park, then passes in front of the small chapel of La Cula, before crossing the hamlet of Tarévieux. It descends to Chagnon, heads east to follow the Durèze and passes under its remarkable Roman bridge. It climbs back up to Genilac, crosses the Féloin valley, then descends to Les Peschures, from where it climbs to Grand leat. At La Renavelière, it climbs through woods in the Bezançon valley and, via La Roussilière, reaches Tartaras, then plunges down to Dargoire.

The route passes through different areas in the countryside around Saint-Christo-en-Jarez (wetlands, forest and meadows). Along the way, themed information boards provide details about the local wildlife. On a clear day, two-thirds of the way along the route, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the Alps.

A circuit primarily on small paved and sunny roads.

A route through the Monts du Lyonnais starting from Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, inviting you to discover châteaux and dams, taking roads, nature trails and wooded paths offering views of the Monts du Lyonnais and Forez, and ending with a visit to the collegiate church that dominates the town.

An easy and very varied walk (village, paths, woods, fields) with beautiful panoramic views and amenities.

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.

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 beautiful circular route from Duerne takes you along well-marked paths and tracks, often shaded, to discover the varied landscapes of this little-known part of the Monts du Lyonnais. A small stele by the side of the road commemorates the sacrifice of the American pilots who crashed there in 1944. At the end of the route, before heading back up towards Duerne, you can discover the astonishing remains of the Roman Aqueduct on the Brévenne.

This circuit starts in Valfleury, a charming village nestled at the bottom of a valley, and mainly follows ridges offering numerous views towards Saint-Chamond, Saint-Étienne, Pilat and, further afield, Forez and Auvergne. Don't miss a visit to Valfleury church.

A very varied hike in the Loire, alternating between open landscapes with meadows, valleys, deciduous forests and numerous apple and cherry orchards. The walk also allows you to discover a curious underground aqueduct. In good weather, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. This hike can be enjoyed in all seasons, but it must be magnificent in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom.

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.

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

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.

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 pleasant circular walk in the Brévenne valley takes you through woods and meadows in a little-visited and rather secret area offering beautiful views of the Massif Central and the Monts du Lyonnais. From the hilltop village of Aveize, the route descends to the bottom of the valley and, after meandering along the opposite slope, passes through the charming little village of Meys before crossing the Brévenne and climbing back up to Grézieu-le-Marché and Aveize.

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

Starting from L'Argentière (in the commune of Aveize), this short 2- to 3-hour circular will delight the whole family with its varied landscapes and the last third of the route, which follows a fun botanical trail. The places mentioned "in quotation marks" in the description are marked with corresponding signs on the ground put in place by the Rhône department.

Starting from Messimy, on the outskirts of Lyon, this long loop 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.

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.

Beautiful day hike in the Pilat Massif (Loire) and around the Couzon Dam. Starting from Longes, there are many hikes of varying lengths from an altitude of 450m to 1400m (at Cret de la Perdrix) or 1235m (at Cret de l'Oeillon).

Starting from the village of Longes, this hike will take you to the Roches de Marlin site. You will then pass through the former Chartreuse de Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Lyon region, the Monts du Lyonnais, the Gier Valley and the Rhône Valley. In good weather, you can even see the Alps.

A very beautiful hike that allows you to discover some very interesting places, especially the beautiful village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, with magnificent views along the entire route.