The 7 most beautiful hikes to do at the Massif du Pilat

Discover the Pilat Mountains with our selection of the most beautiful hikes to be done at the Massif du Pilat.

Located at the edge of the Central Massif, the Pilat is a massive with multiple faces. Indeed, it bears the impression of different climates and thus offers varied landscapes. On the Rhone Valley, Mediterranean influences are perceived. The fertile hills and valleys give rise to an abundance of vines and fruit trees.

On the other hand, the landscapes shaped by a cooler continental climate evoke a Vosges decor. The coniferous, fern and genests reign in master and cover in winter a snow coat. Finally, on the crêts, the atmosphere is truly mountainous and only the heathers, callunes and blueberries manage to brave the winds.

These rich landscapes make Pilat a perfect playground for hikers, easily accessible from Saint-Étienne or Lyon . To explore its different facets, discover our guide of the most beautiful hikes in the Massif du Pilat.

1. The path of the vineyards

To begin with, we offer an easy hike that will take you to the heart of the wine Pilat. You will walk on beautiful hills where nature lives in harmony with human presence. In the undergrowth and pastures, you will certainly meet some wild or domestic animals. In the middle of the vineyards, you will sometimes discover traditional stone huts. Finally, you will cross peaceful hamlets and cross a few streams of water.

This pleasant and picturesque ride offers a beautiful view of the region. Keep in mind, however, that you will most often walk on small roads rather than trails!

2. The heights of the Pilat

If you dream of aerating during a slightly wilder hike, it will certainly make your happiness. Of a very reasonable duration with a low denial, it is accessible including unexperienced hikers. And this, although she takes you to the highest peaks of Pilat. Between pines and heathers, you will dive into a soothing mountain atmosphere.

In addition to the crêts of the Botte, the Rachat, the Etançon and the Arnica, you will enjoy beautiful views. Finally, you will reach the top of the Perdrix crêt, the highest point of the massif. From there, the 360° view is spectacular, and even lets see the Mont Blanc I'm sorry.

3. The Three Dents

This little walk takes you to discover one of the most spectacular sites in the Pilat. As their name suggests, the Three Dents are three sharp rocky points. Their mineral and shredded silhouette contrasts with the gentle surrounding reliefs. The decor, made of rock and heather, evokes rather the landscapes of high mountain.

Like three sentinels, the Three Dents watch closely on the nearby plains. From their peak, at more than 1,200 metres above sea level, the view is breathtaking. In short, you will have understood, this hike promises great emotions for a less effort!

4. Circuit crêt de la Perdrix, crêt de Peilloute, les Trois Dents

With this great buckle, you will have in one day a beautiful view of the mountainousest part of the Pilat. Indeed, this hike will make you explore some of its most emblematic sites. So, sock well, team up, and go for a nice day adventure!

You will first climb the crêt of the Perdrix, enjoying a breathtaking view of the Perdrix Alps . You will walk from summits to summits, with sometimes the impression of being on the roof of the world!

You’ll take a tour of the Peillouté crêt and then join the Three Dents, the point of the ride. On the way back, between valleys and crêts, you will see the famous antenna-relais of the Oeillon crêt and the former ski resort of the Jasserie. Finally, know that you will cross over this hike several hostels where you can eat.

5. Le crêt de l’Oeillon depuis Roisey

With its large antenna-relais, the Oeillon crêt is another "star" summit of the massif! We offer you to go to its discovery through this rather sporty return. You will first travel in a valley before starting the ascent. You will climb to the Three Dents, enjoying the maximum of this exceptional setting. Then you will join the Oeillon crêt.

From its summit, we guarantee an incredible panorama! On the one hand, you will have a diving view of the Three Dents. On the other, the Rhone valley extends to a loss of sight. Finally, in the distance you will probably see the majestic silhouettes of the alpine mountains.

6. Col de Chassenoud, Mont Ministre, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez

For this great loop, we set the course to the north and radically change the atmosphere. Here, indeed, no mountain landscapes, but a hilly setting that bears the trace of its agricultural history. You will leave the Chassenoud pass, very appreciated by paragliders. You will then discover Mount Monnet and Mount Minister, which peak respectively at 782 and 766 metres. The first is covered with dense vegetation and covered with a small chapel hanging on the rocks.

Continuing your route along a small stream of water, you will reach the beautiful village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. The loop will then gently bring you back to Chassenoud, and you will admire the crêt of Longes. No doubt this great walk in peaceful landscapes will be a resurgent experience!

7. Little Chavanay Gorge

To close this selection of hikes to be made in the Pilat Mountain, we take you this time close to the Rhone. On the menu in this pretty corner of Pilat: old stones, hills and streams. Along the way, you will discover beautiful medieval villages nestled in the heart of green hills. You will admire the vineyards that cover their flanks and can even make a detour through one of the local wineries. Finally, you will follow the calm waters of the Rhone.

This walk in "soft France", pleasant and varied, has everything to please!

From the gentle hills covered with vineyards to the majestic mountains, we hope that this selection will give you an overview of the possible field. The Pilat massif is full of beautiful hikes, often more accessible than those in the high mountains. It certainly deserves to be attridated...