Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand walks

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

Beautiful 360° view at Mont Popey on the northern edge of the Monts du Lyonnais with, as a bonus in good weather, a breathtaking view to the east of the Monts d'Or, the Alps and Mont Blanc. Interesting ridge trail in the forest or open countryside, well marked with beautiful views. A paragliding launch site where, in good weather, you can enjoy the spectacular views! The climb up Mont Popey and the descent to Mas Saint-Jean are a little steep, but take your time!

A short, half-day family hike in the Monts du Lyonnais. Can be started from Haute-Rivoire, but the car park is a little way from the route. TheGR®89, Chemin de Montaigne, is marked in white and red.

A circular route starting from Ancy, marked with crosses, rolling hills and views of the Beaujolais and Lyonnais mountains, alternating between balcony paths and shaded forest trails. Some tarmac sections, visit to a cheese producer. Picnic area available in a peaceful spot. Option to climb to the summit of Mont Popey at the end of the route.

The region has prehistoric and ancient remains, particularly from the Gallo-Roman period. Two temples are said to have existed, one on the Arjoux mountain and the other, dedicated to Jupiter, near the Mas Saint-Jean. Silver mines were worked nearby in the 15th century.

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 lovely, easy walk through the woods above Chamelet.

Northern part of the Cublize azure route; take thePR®7ato complete the circular route. A peaceful walk through the woods, far from the hustle and bustle of Lac des Sapins. View of Magny Castle, which belonged to Vauban's brother, and, on a clear day, the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

This loop starts in the village of Meaux-la-Montagne and follows roads and paths that take you to the peaks of La Nuizière via the Col de la Cambuse, the Croix du Villard and the Croix de la Nuizière, through fields and pine forests.

A peaceful walk through the forest and meadows around Meaux-la-Montagne.

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.

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.

A walk around the Pyramid, in the forest of the same name, with a magnificent view of the Saône valley at the highest point of the route.

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.