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Étang Chardonnet circuit in Sainte-Olive

A pleasant walk typical of the Dombes. Mainly on tarmac but with very little traffic; you are on secondary roads. Along the route there is a high concentration of ponds, which are full of water in 2020. The view of the ponds is unobstructed and you will encounter many different birds. The walk is punctuated by a variety of landscapes: ponds, fields, copses and even a view of the Beaujolais region.
Ponds and Notre Dame des Dombes Abbey

I had wanted to walk through this flat countryside with its multitude of ponds for a long time. I suggest this route, which starts at Notre-Dame des Dombes Abbey. It will take you past some beautiful ponds and local farms. Depending on the season, you will be accompanied by the songs of a multitude of birds. Frogs will jump out of the water as you pass by and curious cows will come to meet you.
Walk in the forest on the heights of Neuville

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.
Circuit of the 11 lakes in the Dombes

This walk takes you through typical Dombes landscapes such as ponds, fields and copses. There are many ponds to see, making this route particularly interesting. Remember to bring your binoculars.
Loop around Mont Thou and the drystone shelters

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

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
Loop around Saint-Éloi

This easy circuit around the commune of Saint-Éloi in the Ain department will give you a glimpse of the Dombes region.
It also offers plenty of geocaching opportunities for enthusiasts.
Drystone shelters in Poleymieux

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

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.
From Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or to St Romain-au-Mont-d'Or via Mont Thoux

A Short yet tough hike through the Monts d'Or. Very nice in good weather and on dry ground.
Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or - Mont Thou loop

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.
Drystone shelters and trails in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or

An easy hike to discover the drystone shelters of Mont-d'Or. The cabornes are huts built of dry stone, which were used as shelters and for storing tools by farmers. They were also sometimes used as dwellings.
Mont Verdun and Château de la Barollière

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.
Around Mount Narcel

Parking: 4 spaces for cars a few metres from the start of the path.It's rare to find a quiet walk that barely touches tarmac in the Monts d'Or. This one does just that. You get to spend two hours in the forest near Lyon without any physical challenge. Ideal for families.
Tour of La Chicotière
This short walk is a great way to discover this outlying neighbourhood of Dommartin and Marcilly-d'Azergues. You will pass through fields in a very peaceful area. Enjoy the view of the lower Beaujolais region and discover the little Chemin des Chouettes.