Villechenève walks

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.

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 trip to the heights of Ronzière in Saint-Forgeux offers a beautiful view of the valley.

An easy hike offering beautiful panoramic views of the Monts du Lyonnais. The route alternates between woodland, hamlets and farmland.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

The western circular route around Brussieu will take you to the summit of Mont Pancu (600 m). You will discover the slope overlooking the Cosne valley, a charming little river that you will cross twice, and in the second part of the walk, the slope overlooking the Brévenne valley. The route is mainly on paths with some sections in the forest. This is a walk for families with children who are not too young and are good walkers.

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.