While the Tour de France is in full swing—with this year’s edition seeing the rise of Paul Seixas, Lyon’s cycling prodigy—we’d also like to invite you to take a tour. But not just any tour—a tour of Lyon! “What a strange idea,” you might say. If it just means hopping over highway ramps, we agree—it’s not worth it. Fortunately, nature has it all figured out and offers a loop route with surprising diversity: shady forests, orchards, riverbanks, countryside, protected natural areas, and historic monuments—here’s the rundown. So, let’s go!
The GR® 169 “Metropolis Through the Forts” Grand Loop
Newly inaugurated in 2022, this GR (Grande Randonnée) trail lets you circle around Lyon while getting to know the city better. You don’t need to go to Patagonia or Mongolia to be amazed—just open your door and set off. Specifically, the route connecting the Irigny train station to the Feyzin train station takes you past twelve forts scattered around Lyon. Special mention goes to the majestic Fort du Paillet in Dardilly, Fort du Bruissin in Francheville, and Fort de Vancia in Rillieux-la-Pape.
If you want to cover the entire route, plan on an eight- to ten-day journey. For casual hikers, about sixty bus stops and fifteen train stations await you along the way. So you’ll have plenty of time to space out your journey and take this route at your own pace.
The GR® trails: 60,000 km of hiking routes throughout France
Long-distance hiking trails (GR) can be found all over France. There are no fewer than 60,000 km of trails, paths, tracks, and other routes —enough to circle the Earth one and a half times! From the legendary Tour du Mont-Blanc to Corsica’s famous GR20, via the Camino de Santiago, the network brings millions of hikers into contact with nature. And we love that.
