Refine your search for walks in Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand
Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand walks
The Pont Marteau Viaduct route in Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand
Visorando Member 
5.55 mi
+728 ft
-758 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand (Loire)
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).
Crêtes route starting from Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges
Visorando Member 
8.92 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,345 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges (Loire)
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.
From Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges to Violay in a circular route along the ridges
Visorando Member 12.22 mi
+1,841 ft
-1,857 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges (Loire)
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.
La Tête de Cochon starting from the Col du Pin Bouchain
Visorando Member 
10.98 mi
+1,949 ft
-1,926 ft
6h 45
Moderate
Departure from Les Sauvages (Rhône)
A magnificent hike around the countryside of Machézal and Amplepuis. The views of the Roanne and Haut-Beaujolais regions are breathtaking.
Route du Pin Bouchain, Amplepuis, Cublize, Col du Pilon les Sauvages
Visorando Member 20.97 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,293 ft
11h 40
Difficult
Departure from Les Sauvages (Rhône)
On this route, you’ll enjoy splendid scenery: the Forêt du Roannais plain and its hills, the Monts de Tarare and Monts du Lyonnais along theGR®7, and Rochefort Castle to your right, plus a section along parts of the Route Napoléon.
A challenging route due to its length and elevation gain. See the ‘Practical Information’ section.
Loop starting from Joux
Visorando Member 
8.89 mi
+1,654 ft
-1,624 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Joux (Rhône)
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.
The Mont des Salles loop starting from Les Sauvages
Visorando Member 
7.76 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,358 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Les Sauvages (Rhône)
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.
The view from Panissières
Visorando Member 
9.42 mi
+1,230 ft
-1,227 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Panissières (Loire)
An easy hike offering beautiful panoramic views of the Monts du Lyonnais. The route alternates between woodland, hamlets and farmland.
Circular route between Villecheneve and Violay via the Matagrin Tower
Association / Club / Walk leader 
9.27 mi
+1,476 ft
-1,450 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Villechenève (Rhône)
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.
Matagrin Tower at the start of the Rivière in Villechenève.
Visorando Member 6.95 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,332 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Villechenève (Rhône)
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.
Villechenève, La Rivière, Bois d'Azol circular loop, via the gardens of La Rivière
Association / Club / Walk leader 
4.32 mi
+804 ft
-830 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Villechenève (Rhône)
This walk, suitable for everyone, takes you through the hamlet of La Rivière with its imposing buildings, the Bois d’Azol with a slight incline, and offers views of the nearby Loire department from the Vilette area. On the way back, explore the gardens of La Rivière.
Route around Saint-Marcel-l'Éclairé
Visorando Member 
2.98 mi
+466 ft
-472 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Marcel-l'Éclairé (Rhône)
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.
Circular route between Villechenève and Chambost via the footpaths
Association / Club / Walk leader 
10.39 mi
+1,434 ft
-1,414 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Villechenève (Rhône)
Route from Villechenève to Chambost-Longessaigne and back, via the footpaths. A lovely circular route!
Villechenève–Longessaigne circular via Thévenet, Tardy and Canet
Association / Club / Walk leader 
5.74 mi
+640 ft
-633 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Villechenève (Rhône)
This walk, accessible to all, takes you south of Villechenève and around the village of Longessaigne.
A lovely walk with a slight incline through beautiful countryside.
Banks of the Loire near Pinay and Saint-Jodard
Visorando Member 
4.90 mi
+830 ft
-827 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jodard (Loire)
A beautiful walk offering views of the Loire upstream from the Villerest Dam, with a glimpse of the Château de la Roche. It is not particularly difficult, but half of it is along the road, especially between Pinay, Saint-Jodard and the return to La Vourdiat.
The banks of the Loire offer some good spots for a picnic and a quiet break (so please respect the fishermen who are also enjoying the same setting).
Short tour of Ronzière
Visorando Member 
4.36 mi
+627 ft
-604 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Forgeux (Rhône)
A trip to the heights of Ronzière in Saint-Forgeux offers a beautiful view of the valley.
Circular route around Salvizinet
Visorando Member 
4.41 mi
+397 ft
-407 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Salvizinet (Loire)
Short hike in the Montagnes du Matin offering a 180° view of the Monts du Forez and following part of the old monorail track linking Panissières to Feurs.
On the heights of Feurs, starting from Donzy Castle (circular)
Visorando Member 
3.52 mi
+404 ft
-404 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Salt-en-Donzy (Loire)
A circular route starting from the ruins of Donzy Castle, following the Charpassonne via the heights of Feurs. There are some lovely photo opportunities halfway along the route, with the setting sun reflecting on the ponds of the Loire and the Forez mountains in the background.
The Panissières monorail
Visorando Member 9.44 mi
+1,099 ft
-1,099 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Jas (Loire)
Alternative route via the Panissières monorail: 15.2 km instead of 26 km. Take this route for the view of the Forez Mountains, passing through Donzy – a must-see and well worth a visit. Yellow and white signposted route with a black locomotive from Jas to La Valette, then from Chez Grizonnet back to Jas.
Following a comment from the author, it is preferable to park at (4) to start the hike.
The coordinates for the car park in the village of Donzy are: Longitude: 4.27990° Latitude: 45.74670°.
Circular from Jas to Salt-en-Donzy along the Doise
Visorando Member 
4.99 mi
+807 ft
-830 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Jas (Loire)
A circular that starts in Jas and takes us through forests and countryside to the small village of Salt-en-Donzy.
Tour of Lac des Sapins
Visorando Member 
2.80 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Cublize (Rhône)
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.
Lac des Sapins in Cublize
Visorando Member 
10.21 mi
+1,424 ft
-1,424 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cublize (Rhône)
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.
Circular loop of the three villages in the Monts du Lyonnais
Visorando Member 
14.44 mi
+2,034 ft
-2,057 ft
8h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Clément-les-Places (Rhône)
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.
"Alongside Aëdan" circular in Saint-Just-d'Avray
Visorando Member 
5.97 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,175 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Just-d'Avray (Rhône)
This walk, entitled "Alongside Aëdan", is a circular route starting from Saint-Just-d'Avray. This route offers you the chance to explore the area around the village and enjoy the countryside as well as some magnificent views.