Hiking in Rhône

Recognized by UNESCO for the richness of its landscapes and soil, Beaujolais is the birthplace of viticulture in the Rhône. Beautiful hikes through the vineyards allow wine lovers to discover the 12 appellations of the area.

Others gain some height on the forest trails of Beaujolais Vert to reach the summit of Mont Saint-Rigaud (the highest in the Rhône) or its neighbor Roche d’Ajoux. At the top, a 360° view of the Beaujolais Mountains, the Lyonnais, the Azergues Valley… and even the Alps, on clear days, is offered to walkers. On the Beaujolais Wine Route, further east, Mont Brouilly delights hiking and beautiful panorama lovers with, on the horizon, the plain of the Saône and the Dombes.

Hiking in Beaujolais is also an opportunity to discover charming villages of the Land of the Golden Stones such as Ternand, Châtillon d’Azergues, Charnay, Oingt (the only one in the Rhône department classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of France®) but also Beaujeu and its hospices, the historical capital of Beaujolais. On a hike around Villefranche-sur-Saône, take the time to stop by and seek out magnificent Renaissance architecture!

With its lush and hilly landscapes, the Monts du Lyonnais abound with beautiful hikes offering breathtaking views. At 934 m altitude, Le Signal in Saint-André-la-Côte is the most emblematic peak of the Monts du Lyonnais. Here too, the panorama is striking with an unobstructed view of the Alps on clear days, the Bugey, the Pilat massif, and the Monts du Forez.

From the medieval site of Rochefort near Saint-Martin-en-Haut to Montagny via the Crêtes trail on the heights of Pollionnay, each hike in the hills offers a different view of the Monts du Lyonnais overlooking the orchards (cherry trees, peaches, vineyards, strawberry fields...) and farms of the region.

As part of the UNESCO Global GEOPARK of Beaujolais, the Carrières de Glay site is designated a "geosite" due to its scientific interest, rarity, educational scope, aesthetic value, as well as its ecological, historical, and cultural significance. It's definitely worth a visit!

In the south of the department, there is no shortage of hikes on either side of the majestic Rhône River. On one side, explore the trails of the hills and vineyards of the Côtes-Rôties and Condrieu, on the other, the paths of the agricultural lands of the Pays de l'Ozon discovering its heritage.

Contemplate the Rhône valley, explore the banks of the Rhône and the Ozon, take the ridge path to observe Lyon from the heights, or discover the Gallo-Roman remains of the archaeological site of Saint-Romain-en-Gal. ... Get your binoculars ! On the river, come discover wild rhodanian fauna and flora through walking routes in the heart of a protected natural site: the Île du Beurre.

Breathe, smell, contemplate and listen to the silence… Come take in the heights in the Rhône at the Pilat Regional Nature Park facing breathtaking panoramas! The Pilat is a land of contrasts, with grand landscapes, culminating at 1432m at the Crêt de la Perdrix, nurtured both by a Mediterranean and mountain climate.

So many places to be amazed during a hike in the Rhône !

Lacking ideas for hiking in the Rhône? Find here some of our selected walks in the department!

Whether you are a gourmet, looking for a family walk in the Rhône, or wanting to meet winemakers and their estates, you will surely find the hiking trail that suits you around Lyon.

So, don't wait any longer, put on your shoes! The Rhône is fully discovered on foot all year long.