The 12 most beautiful hikes to do around Lyon

Do you want to enjoy a sunny weekend to lighten your mind? Here are the most beautiful hikes to do around Lyon!

In good Lyons of heart or passage, you certainly have already surveyed the Parc de la Tête d’or. Maybe you even climbed up Saône's docks to discover the cute Barbe island. And yet, nothing is done: this irrepressible desire for greenery does not let you go. Fortunately, Wanderlix is here! We have prepared for you a guide of the best hikes around Lyon.

Indeed, no need to go to the Alps to get green. In less than an hour and a half drive, you can access a multitude of trails. It is also an opportunity to discover unsuspected wealth in the surroundings of Lyon. Between ridges and valleys, lakes and vineyards, the region offers varied landscapes and often full of charm. Then follow the guide to find your next favourite ride!

Find your drop point near your hike in Lyon:

1. Lake Blue Water

To begin with, here is a hike around Lyon that will allow you to take a good bowl of fresh air. And this, without going further than Vaulx-en-Velin! The town is home to a large park where preserved nature often takes back its rights.

In her bosom, we invite you to turn the beautifully named Lake of the Blue Waters. Through this loop on an easy path, you will discover the multiple facets of the place. Between beaches and hot forests, peaceful waters and secret islets, you will spend a pleasant and relaxing moment!

Take the time to stop at the Great Vernes Observatory: you will certainly see beautiful birds.

2. The heights of the Pilat

A few tens of kilometers southwest of Lyon, go to the discovery of the Pilat Regional Natural Park. This hike will make you explore its heights, from the crêt de l’Oreillon to the crêt de la Perdrix.

You will enjoy a nice view of the surrounding hills, valleys and forests. Do not miss, at the crêt of the Perdrix, to admire the superb panorama with the support of the orientation table. In addition, the trail will make you cross peaceful plateaus where the stone is surrounded by a variety of vegetation.

3. The Grand Bois, Grangent Trail

This easy hike will take you to the side Saint-Etienne , close to the Loire. During a family trip, you will dive into the heart of the Regional Natural Reserve of the Gorges de la Loire.

At the turn of the trail you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the river and the island of Grangent. You will then pass in the undergrowth and follow the pretty Grangent Creek. To complete this tour, you can visit the Natural Reserve House.

Another option, of course, is to pair this walk with a visit to Saint-Etienne!

4. The loop of the Brive cascade

Cap to the east and Marchamp for a nice hike not far from the Rhone! This loop will take you to the nearest small tributaries of the river!

Thus, you will follow streams, admire torrents and above all, beautiful waterfalls, taking advantage of the shadow of the undergrowth. Charming forest landscapes will offer you, with a point of pride the Brive waterfall. They will sometimes open on beautiful vallons and green plateaus where to admire the view.

5. The path of the vineyards

This hike around Lyon will make you discover another facet of the region. It will indeed take you to the heart of the vineyard territory of the Collines-rhodaniennes, not far from Tartaras. You will stroll on hills on the edges of vineyards, which make up a postcard landscape.

At the turn of the trail you will also discover stone huts with ochre reflections, and will certainly meet some cows. In short, you’ll take a really cute ride, which is particularly appreciated at the end of the day, bathed with golden light.

6. The Paladru Lake loop

Located an hour’s drive west of Lyon, Paladru Lake is a beautiful glacial lake bordered by hills. Nicknamed the "blue lake" by locals, it takes places of pretty turquoise hues.

With this rather difficult long loop, you will have the opportunity to admire the lake, but also explore the surroundings. Indeed, it will also make you hike on beautiful plateaus where you will enjoy a 360° view. In clear weather, you will even have the chance to see the Mont-Blanc !

7. Claire Fontaine waterfall loop

Here again is a nice hike where the water is queen. Although short enough, this loop will plunge you into the heart of a resurgent nature. In the undergrowth, you will admire multiple-armed streams before discovering Claire Fontaine’s impressive waterfall.

You will necessarily be seduced by the scenery where rock, foliage and torrents marvel at each other. In places you will also enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. In short, this relaxing walk is really worth the detour, especially in sunny weather!

8. The tooth of the Cat

Maybe you've already taken advantage of the shores of the famous Lake Bourget . But with this hike, we offer you to admire it from above!

To do this, you will climb to the Chat Pass and then climb the Cat tooth. From the top of this rocky ridge, the view is breathtaking. But she deserves it!

Ascension is indeed arduous, with ladders and technical passages reserved for comfortable hikers. Apart from this difficulty, the ride is of a reasonable and easy length. You will especially enjoy it in the autumn, when the decor is decorated with orange shades.

9. The circuit of the three castles

Between nature and culture, your heart swings? So this hike around Lyon is for you! In the heart of Beaujolais, she will take you along the path to discover three beautiful castles.

Between vineyards, hills and heritage, it perfectly concentrates all the strengths of the region. Very varied, it will also cross forests, villages and meadows. So, you’re sure you’re not bored during this walk of moderate difficulty!

10. Circuit du col du Joncin, crêt Lacrampe, Aux Pilons

Let's stay in the northwest of Lyon for a pretty physical hike. This loop will take you to the ridges around Saint-Cyr-le-Chatoux.

You will enjoy varied landscapes and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Here, no monotony: you will alternate between passages in forests and others uncovered. You may even have the surprise to fall on amazing wood sculptures...

11. Circuit le Chatoux, crêt Lacrampe, col du Joncin

In the same corner, here is a less long alternative, and thus a little less tiring. She will also take you to discover the Lacrampe crêt and the Joncin pass, as well as the captivating landscapes of the surrounding area!

12. Mont Saint-Rigaud

A little further north, about thirty kilometers away Mâcon , go to the discovery of Mont Saint-Rigaud. A highlight of the department of the Rhone, it is lined with a view from which you will enjoy a breathtaking view. This ride will also take you on an old railway track and pass under an impressive viaduct.

Finally, you will cross deep forests where conifers reign as masters. We especially recommend this hike in winter, under snow. Paré d’un beau coat blanc, le décor becomes magical!

If you dream of taking the air and escaping for a day of urban unrest, you will have the embarrassment of choice! The surroundings of Lyon are full of beautiful trails and soothing landscapes. We hope that this guide will help you find the perfect hike.