Refine your search for walks in Sainte-Olive
Sainte-Olive walks
Étang Chardonnet circuit in Sainte-Olive
Tourist office
3.49 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Olive (Ain)
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.
The Bozonnières route in Bouligneux
4.38 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Bouligneux (Ain)
An easy and enjoyable walk to discover the ponds of the Dombes and its birdlife.
Routes of the Savigneux and Ambérieux-en-Dombes ponds
9.20 mi
+167 ft
-174 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Savigneux (Ain)
With this route, set off to discover the remains that bear witness to the past in the kingdom of the ponds.
Chanteins Chapel
7.38 mi
+66 ft
-66 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ain
Set off to discover a hidden treasure in a lush green setting!
The Vernange Pond
4.97 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Monthieux (Ain)
An easy walk leading to the Vernange Sensitive Natural Area with its observatory. Don't forget your binoculars.
La Pierre Brune walk
5.16 mi
+194 ft
-177 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Rancé (Ain)
This walk combines nature and heritage. In the centre of the village of Rancé, discover the oldest and most important witness to the history of the commune, the Romanesque church, which has been renovated several times. You will discover the wash house, a testament to the 19th-century hygiene movement, as well as the Pierre Brune, a block of granite, the local "big rock".
The castles of Vataneins and Tavernost
4.73 mi
+144 ft
-144 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Francheleins (Ain)
This short walk will allow you to discover, from the road, the private châteaux of Tavernost and Vataneins.
The Grand Birieux Sensitive Natural Area
7.28 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ain
A hike from Saint Marcel to the Étang du Grand Birieux Nature Reserve and its observatory.
Please note that the hike is mainly on tarmac with a 100m section on the D2 road.
Route de la Mâtre to Chaleins
4.73 mi
+82 ft
-82 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Chaleins (Ain)
Explore the area around Chaleins and the banks of the Mâtre for a countryside walk.
Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne Arboretum
Visorando Member
1.06 mi
+453 ft
-312 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)
Visit the Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne arboretum, which features many different species of trees. You can also explore a pond teeming with dragonflies of various colours in spring. A short and pleasant visit.
Route from Étang des Vavres to Saint-André-de-Corcy
7.65 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André-de-Corcy (Ain)
Through fields and woods, discover manor houses, equestrian centres and, amongst other sights, the Étang des Vavres with its ducks, swans and extensive reed beds. The Étang des Vavres is under cultivation in 2023.
Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne - Relevant
10.66 mi
+413 ft
-397 ft
5h 15
Easy
Departure from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)
Take a stroll through the valleys and plateau from this splendid little town.
From the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne to the arboretum
7.46 mi
+213 ft
-230 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)
Discover the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and its surroundings: passing through the medieval streets and the castle, you will discover the natural area of Prés Gaudet before exploring the Relevant valley, ending with a stroll through the arboretum.
The Grand Rieux in Civrieux
4.50 mi
+52 ft
-52 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Civrieux (Ain)
A pleasant route around the village of Civrieux.
The Chapel of Amareins and the Saône from Lurcy
7.47 mi
+302 ft
-289 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Lurcy (Ain)
From Lurcy to Messimy-sur-Saône via the banks of the Saône, this walk gives you the chance to discover, along the way, the small chapel of Amareins, which dates back to the 11th century.
La Vieille Halle in Frans
4.71 mi
+164 ft
-164 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Frans (Ain)
From the restored market hall to the recently refurbished lake, via a remarkable church, this route combines the old and the new.
The Plantay Tower
4.03 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Le Plantay (Ain)
A hike that combines nature and heritage, with beautiful panoramic views, ponds and the Plantay Tower.
Walk around Montceaux
3.73 mi
+194 ft
-207 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Montceaux (Ain)
Starting from the leisure area (Montceaux stadium), this circular route takes you through meadows and woodland around the village of Montceaux. You can explore the Calonne, a stream that runs through the village, and the ruins of the oil mill.
Route from the Château de Fléchères to Messimy-sur-Saône
5.34 mi
+89 ft
-105 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Messimy-sur-Saône (Ain)
This hike will take you to the Grange du Diable (on the Rhône side) and past the Château de Fléchères.
Route from Bois de Vavres to Montceaux
7.26 mi
+272 ft
-289 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Montceaux (Ain)
This hike takes you through the woods around the village of Montceaux. Along the way, discover the ponds, the ruins of an oil mill and the private castle of La Bâtie.
Ponds and Notre Dame des Dombes Abbey
10.65 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Le Plantay (Ain)
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.
From Reyrieux to Trévoux between the Saône and the old railway line
5.70 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Reyrieux (Ain)
A flat route, suitable for all, often used for Sunday walks. Due to the passages over the railway line, pushchairs are not recommended. For geocaching enthusiasts, I have marked the caches located along the route.
Fléchères via the towpath from Beauregard
8.41 mi
+253 ft
-236 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Beauregard (Ain)
Set off on a nature and culture walk between the Saône and the châteaux.
From Bois des Pommes to Étang Dimanche
4.38 mi
+72 ft
-69 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Mionnay (Ain)
An easy family walk that starts at Mionnay Station, crosses the Bois des Pommes and leads to Étang Dimanche.
Between the Saône and the Plateau, starting from Massieux
8.25 mi
+499 ft
-502 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Massieux (Ain)
From the Dombes plateau to the banks of the Saône, make the most of this walk to enjoy a refreshing cultural break at the Maison Eclusière in Parcieux.
Circular route to the south of Jassans-Riottier
4.98 mi
+351 ft
-358 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Jassans-Riottier (Ain)
An easy walk starting from Jassans-Riottier. A steep climb at the start, then almost entirely flat on the plateau. Beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Route des Minimes au Paradis in Montmerle-sur-Saône
7.55 mi
+315 ft
-318 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Montmerle-sur-Saône (Ain)
From the Minimes site to the Croix du Paradis in Guéreins, walk along the heights of the Val de Saône with views of the Monts du Beaujolais before returning along the towpath by the river.
Route du Val de Chalaronne in Saint-Étienne-sur-Chalaronne
7.43 mi
+397 ft
-397 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-sur-Chalaronne (Ain)
This bucolic hike will take you from hamlet to hamlet around the village of Saint-Étienne-sur-Chalaronne.
Circular route along the banks of the Saône starting from Trévoux
13.40 mi
+62 ft
-62 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Trévoux (Ain)
Hike proposed and organised by the ASMT: an easy and pleasant route along the Saône and around the lakes of Anse. Please note: there is a short stretch of tarmac at the start and end of the route.
Route country on the Saône plateau in Montanay
3.67 mi
+108 ft
-118 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Montanay (Rhône)
A lovely route through fields on the Val de Saône plateau on the outskirts of the village of Montanay. Good country lanes, limited elevation gain, but with one or two fairly steep and earthy sections (passing through valleys) that can be slippery in wet weather.
Between woods and fields in Montanay
3.26 mi
+236 ft
-236 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Montanay (Rhône)
A short route suitable for lockdown with moderate elevation. The first part is through the woods of Montanay and the second
Walk in the forest on the heights of Neuville
3.13 mi
+427 ft
-404 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Neuville-sur-Saône (Rhône)
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.
Banks of the Saône and return via Genay
5.29 mi
+112 ft
-112 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Neuville-sur-Saône (Rhône)
Easy circular partly along the Saône, crossing the small marina of Genay and running alongside a small stream.
Loop around Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or
9.33 mi
+1,575 ft
-1,585 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This walk, after giving you a beautiful view of the Château de Curis, will take you close to three mountains: Mont Narcel, Mont Verdun and Mont Py before returning to Saint-Germain. You will discover several wash houses and small chapels along the way.
Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or loop via Mont Py
6.04 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,125 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This hike will take you to the Croix Rampeau (viewpoint over the Alps and the Saône plain), the Tour Risler (Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or), the ruins of a hermitage, the remains of a tannery and several old wash houses. Depending on the season, you will see daffodils, orchids, wild asparagus (edible), martagon lilies or fields of colchicum.
Loop around Mont Thou and the drystone shelters
9.27 mi
+1,795 ft
-1,801 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Curis-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
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.
From Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or to the Hermitage
3.55 mi
+719 ft
-709 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This short, easy loop starting from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or will take you to the ruins of a retting pit and a hermitage. In September, you can see colchicum flowers and, if you feel like it, extend the circuit to the Croix Rampaux: a viewpoint over the Saône plain and the Alps.
A long circular walk in the Monts d'Or starting from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or
9.72 mi
+1,562 ft
-1,545 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or (Rhône)
This hike will take you to a Madonna statue lost in the woods, then to a lime kiln and an old military structure. After skirting Mont Verdun, it will lead you near Mont Py, then to a hermitage and a charcoal kiln. After a visit to a wash house and the climb to the Croix Rampeau, the return journey will take you through a small tunnel and past another wash house and a discreet passageway beneath a house in St-Germain.
The GPX track on the app or a GPS is required.
Route north of Thoissey
6.13 mi
+26 ft
-26 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Thoissey (Ain)
This walk follows the banks of the Saône and passes through the village of Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne and the town of Thoissey. You will pass, in particular, the private Château de Challes.
On the paths and trails of the Monts d'Or massif
6.56 mi
+1,227 ft
-1,198 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike follows paths already covered in other hikes, but is nonetheless interesting. Best done in dry weather, as there are a few steep sections.
Eight-shaped route in the Monts d'Or
8.41 mi
+1,545 ft
-1,522 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A pleasant hike with a few steep climbs, good for your heart rate, best done in dry weather as some sections are muddy and slippery in wet weather.
In the Mont d'Or, Mont Verdun and Mont Thou
10.20 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,306 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A walk that will take you through a variety of different landscapes and offer some lovely views. A route best undertaken in dry weather.
Circular Mont Verdun
5.65 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,148 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike is best done in dry weather, with trees providing shade from the sun.
From Chasselay to the Batterie des Carrières
6.62 mi
+1,263 ft
-1,250 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This circular starting from Chasselay will take you to the Batterie des Carrières (a fortification dating from 1874) through vineyards and forests. You will see the perfectly restored Poleymieux lime kiln, surrounded by numerous panels describing how it worked. On the way back, depending on the season, you may see various orchids and martagon lilies.
Walk around Chasselay
7.24 mi
+1,585 ft
-1,558 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A hike in the Monts d'Or massif that takes you along both well-known and lesser-known paths; best undertaken in dry weather, as some sections can be very muddy and slippery when wet. Take care when crossing the 4x4 training ground. At weekends, if vehicles are present, ask permission to cross
Madone Circular Route
5.12 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,050 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This circular route will take you to the statue of the Madonna, installed in 2009 to replace another Madonna that was stolen. Along the way, you will see the Saint-Antoine hermitage, the tomb of the hermit Benoît Rousset, and a drying shed. You may encounter horses and mountain bikes. Be careful in rainy weather as the paths can be slippery and muddy.
Monts d'Or geological footpath
5.65 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,086 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This is an easy route, best undertaken with good walking shoes. However, be careful in wet weather as the clay soil can be slippery and muddy in places. Along the route, there are information panels explaining the formation of the Monts d'Or massif.
Monts d’Or trails via Mont Verdun and Mont Py
8.65 mi
+1,706 ft
-1,706 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This walk is best undertaken in dry weather, wearing sturdy shoes, trousers, a long-sleeved T-shirt and walking poles. There are narrow sections with some brambles. Use of the Visorando app is recommended.
In the woodland around Chasselay
4.83 mi
+981 ft
-974 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
A hike through the woodland that mainly follows unmarked paths; GPS and the Visorando hiking app are recommended, and the route should be undertaken in dry weather. There are a few very steep sections; walking poles are recommended. The hike takes approximately 3½ hours. Get your walking boots on.
Les Monts d'Or, Mont Verdun, Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or
9.46 mi
+1,634 ft
-1,644 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This circular route will take you along part of the geological trail, past the lime kiln and the quarries, as well as numerous drystone shelters, which served as shelters for farmers and, in some cases, as dwellings after the last war while their occupants waited to find permanent accommodation.
Please note that in wet weather, some sections may be muddy and slippery.
A circular in the Monts d'Or massif starting from Chasselay
3.26 mi
+784 ft
-784 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike is best done in dry weather. In wet weather, the trails will be very muddy, with a few sections that will raise your heart rate but nothing insurmountable. The hike begins on a quiet paved road for about 700 metres. Please respect the area and do not leave any rubbish behind.
La Madone, alternative route
5.10 mi
+1,060 ft
-1,053 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chasselay (Rhône) (Rhône)
This hike follows part of the Madone hike, with a variation at the start and finish. Please note that there are some very steep sections, so walking poles are strongly recommended to avoid slipping in wet weather.