That’s it! Spring is officially in the air. The birds are in the starting-blocks to make cui-cui and the trees are going all out to show us their best faces. It’s time to put away the moon boots and get out the hiking boots. After the most beautiful villages surrounding our beloved city of Lyon, it’s time to hit the trails. Lyon is at the epicenter of the Auvergne Rhônes-Alpes region, which undoubtedly boasts the greatest diversity of landscapes in France. The Monts du Lyonnais, the Alps, Beaujolais, the banks of the Saône… all great places to go hiking.
Hiking from mountain to mountain in Saint-Cyr
Here’s a great way to get away from it all. Just a stone’s throw from Lyon’s city center, you can take to the heights and enjoy breathtaking views over the whole city. As soon as you set off from the village of Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or, the view is already there. Further on, the trail takes you to the heights of Mont Thou and Mont Cindre, where you can also enjoy some lovely panoramic views. In short, the perfect itinerary to kick off the hiking season before tackling the serious stuff.
🧭Style: loop (fully signposted hike)
📍 Difficulty: easy – medium
🗺️ Distance: 8.7 km
🕗 Duration: 2h30
👉 Find out more
Walking on the Quais de Saône
You won’t have to go far for this hike along the quays of the Saône. Starting from the Cuire metro station (line C), this hike is half asphalt and half dirt road, and is certainly the easiest. Along the way, you’ll see a magnificent footbridge overhanging the water and even catch a glimpse of the splendid Ile Barbe. This is the hike for the whole family!
🧭Style: loop (fully signposted hike)
📍 Difficulty: easy
🗺️ Distance: 9.3 km
🕗 Duration: 2h15
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Circuit de la Roche d’Ajoux
Still less than 100km away, as the crow flies between Roanne and Mâcon lies the charming village of Poule-les-Echarmeaux. It’s the starting point for this 5-hour hike (bring good shoes!), which will take you through forests and fields, with the occasional wild animal along the way. If you like old churches, you’ll be delighted! The view from the Roche d’Ajoux is magnificent!
🧭Style: loop (fully signposted hike)
📍 Difficulty: medium
🗺️ Distance: 15.3 km
🕗 Duration: 5h
👉 Find out more
Tour du Petit Canada
Do you know Lac Genin and its most picturesque site, nicknamed Little Canada? Surrounded by magnificent Jura forests, this hike is the breath of fresh air you’ve been missing. Fans of grandiose landscapes evoking the splendor of the land of maple syrup? This route, reserved for good walkers, is an unforgettable getaway near Oyonnax, just 1h10 by car from our beautiful Capital des Gaules…
Find out more🧭Style: out-and-back (hike-unmarked)
📍 Difficulty: medium
🗺️ Distance: 16 km
🕗 Duration: between 4h and 5h
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On the Landes de Montagny
Some hikes are unforgettable, and this trail from Givors takes us deep into the moors of Montagny. Between breathtaking views (notably of the Pilat), varied landscapes (fields, vineyards, forests…) and possible wildlife sightings, these vast expanses abound in wonders for those who know how to appreciate the view…]
🧭Style: loop (fully signposted hike)
📍 Difficulty: medium
🗺️ Distance: 17.5 km
🕗 Duration: approx. 4h30
👉 More info
Loire Valley Châteaux and Meanders Loop
Attention seasoned hikers and adventurers: this is the route for you! Not that it’s one of the most difficult, but you’ll need to be patient to reach the end of its 35km! Make sure you bring a bivouac and a tent, as it will take you two days to complete the route; but the reward will be a beautiful one, thanks to magnificent views of the Château de la Roche, which we tell you about in this article.
🧭Style: loop (fully signposted hike)
📍 Difficulty: medium
🗺️ Distance: 31.1km
🕗 Duration: two days (from 5h walking)
👉 Find out more
There are a thousand and one other hikes around Lyon. Would you like to tell us about them? Share your ideas and other travel photos with us on our Instagram using the hashtag #lyonsecret!