Forest and River Walks in the Ouest Lyonnais
- Audrey
- Jul 23
- 6 min read
Just minutes from Lyon, the Ouest Lyonnais unfolds into wooded hills and quiet valleys, threaded with cool streams and shaded trails. Forest and river walks are easy to find here: beech and chestnut woods, paths that trace the Yzeron or the Brévenne, and mountain passes overlooking the Rhône valley below. Whether you're after a gentle family stroll or a more demanding hike, this unspoilt region offers a real breath of fresh air, just 20 to 30 minutes from Lyon's Place Bellecour. From La Bergerie, our guesthouse in Pollionnay, several trailheads are within easy reach on foot or a short drive. Explore our favourite routes through the forests and rivers of the Ouest Lyonnais below, then book your nature stay and make the most of this peaceful setting.
Why choose the Ouest Lyonnais for forest and river walks
Known as the "green lung" of the Lyon metropolitan area, the Monts du Lyonnais and their western foothills form a range of low mountains where meadows, woodland and steep little valleys alternate. Two rivers shape the landscape: the Yzeron, which rises close to Pollionnay and reaches the Rhône after 25 km, and the longer Brévenne, which winds its way toward the Azergues. Around them, kilometres of waymarked trails link the Col de la Luère, the Col de la Croix du Ban and the Col de Malval, all sitting between 600 and 900 metres above sea level. With Lyon barely 15 km away, this makes an ideal destination for a day out or a longer nature getaway.
Easy riverside walks for every level
The Yzeron valley and its tributary streams offer several accessible routes, perfect for a first taste of the region or a family outing. The terrain here is mostly flat or gently rolling, shaded by trees lining the water, so you can walk in the cool even in high summer. These paths suit all-terrain pushchairs as easily as occasional walkers who simply want to enjoy the sound of running water without too much effort.
Following the Roman aqueduct of the Yzeron
One of four Roman aqueducts that once supplied ancient Lugdunum (Lyon) ran along the Yzeron valley. Today, a trail waymarked by the Vallons du Lyonnais Tourist Office traces its remains, past stone basins and open views over the valley. From Yzeron, allow around 14 km round trip and 4 hours 30 minutes for the full route, with a gentle 150 m of elevation gain — a lovely option for an easy walk along the water. Along the way you'll pass the Esselards hamlet and the Milonière farm, home to a local producer raising organic goats.
The Ribes stream valley, a peaceful family walk
On the edge of Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, the Ribes stream valley offers a quick escape into protected countryside. The trail, roughly 12 km with a moderate 230 m of elevation gain, follows the Ribes, Méginand and Ratier streams through meadows and woodland, passing a tranquil pond along the way. A shorter version of just a few kilometres works well as a gentle after-lunch walk or an outing with young children.
The "Walking with Guignol" storytelling trail in Yzeron
For families with young children, this playful trail from the Vallons du Lyonnais Tourist Office combines walking with storytelling: starting at the Châteauvieux chapel, children follow Guignol, France's beloved puppet character, through the woods to help him find a remedy. At 3.7 km and around 1 hour 30 minutes, with only 150 m of elevation gain, it's a perfect way to introduce young walkers to hiking without wearing them out.
Sporty forest hikes for a steeper challenge
Hikers looking for a longer, more demanding outing will find several tougher routes through the forests covering the passes of the Ouest Lyonnais. Sustained climbs, stony paths and wooded ascents make for more serious terrain, suited to fit hikers or trail runners seeking varied ground.
The three-pass loop: Croix du Ban, Luère and Malval
A classic starting from Pollionnay, this loop links the Col de la Croix du Ban, the Col de la Luère and the Col de Malval along shaded forest trails for most of its length. Allow around 9 km and 4 hours of walking, with some sustained climbing along the way. The Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid château, roughly halfway round, makes a fine spot to pause before the final ascent.
Up to the Crêt de la Madone, above Yzeron
From the village of Yzeron, this trail climbs through forest to the Crêt de la Madone, one of the finest viewpoints in the region. On a clear day, the view stretches over the Lyon metropolitan area and, further off, the Alps: Mont Blanc, the Belledonne range, the Chartreuse and the Vercors are all visible on the horizon. Part of the route follows the old Roman aqueduct path, combining heritage with panorama.
Waymarked trail-running circuits
The Vallons du Lyonnais Tourist Office maintains three permanent trail-running circuits for every fitness level: an easy 13.5 km route from the Vaugneray community pool, a moderate 12 km circuit from Yzeron, and a demanding 19 km route from Thurins for more experienced runners.
Wildlife, flora and heritage along the way
Beyond the physical effort, these forest and river walks are a chance to notice remarkable natural and built heritage, shaped by centuries of farming and craft around the water. A few things worth looking out for along the way:
The Crêts Boisés, a protected Sensitive Natural Area, shelter a mosaic of forest, meadow and heathland that supports rich biodiversity.
Roe deer, birds of prey and a lively forest birdlife frequent the woods, especially early morning or late in the day.
Romanesque chapels, such as the one at Larny, and characterful hamlets punctuate several of the routes.
The banks of the Yzeron and the Brévenne shift with the seasons: spring blossom, cool shade under summer canopy, and copper tones in autumn.
Practical tips for planning your outing
A few useful pointers before you set off:
Season: spring and autumn bring soft light and comfortable walking temperatures; in summer, stick to the shaded riverside trails.
Gear: sturdy walking shoes with good grip, plenty of water, and an extra layer for the passes, which run cooler than the valley floor.
Maps and apps: trail guides published by the Vallons du Lyonnais Tourist Office and hiking apps such as Visorando let you download GPS tracks before you leave.
Starting from La Bergerie: several trails, including the three-pass loop and the Col de la Luère, are within a 10-minute drive of our guesthouse in Pollionnay.
After the walk, unwind at La Bergerie
Nothing beats coming back from a hike to settle into a peaceful setting. At La Bergerie, the River room, with its open view over the meadows, extends that sense of nature naturally into your stay. For a more unusual way to unwind after the effort, our gypsy caravan with private hot tub is also available. In the evening, our table d'hôtes puts local produce centre stage, in the same spirit as the farms you'll pass along the trails. Looking to explore the region further? Find more of our nature outing ideas on the La Bergerie blog.
Between deep forests and quiet rivers, the Ouest Lyonnais reveals itself at your own pace, just minutes from Lyon. Book your nature stay at La Bergerie and turn your walks into the starting point of a truly restorative break.
📌 Key takeaways
Two ways to explore: easy riverside walks (Yzeron, Ribes stream) and sportier forest hikes (three-pass loop, Crêt de la Madone).
Routes for every level, from a gentle 3.7 km / 1.5-hour family trail to a demanding 19 km trail-running circuit.
Two rivers shape the landscape: the Yzeron (25 km) and the Brévenne (39 km), both part of the wider Rhône basin.
Maps and GPS tracks are available from the Vallons du Lyonnais Tourist Office.
Several trailheads sit within a 10-minute drive of La Bergerie in Pollionnay.
❓ FAQ
When's the best time to hike in the Ouest Lyonnais? Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, with soft light and mild temperatures. Summer works well too if you stick to shaded riverside trails, such as the Ribes stream valley.
Are the walks suitable for children? Yes. Several short, gentle routes suit families well, including the "Walking with Guignol" storytelling trail in Yzeron (3.7 km) or a shortened version of the Ribes stream valley walk.
Where can I find official maps and routes? The Vallons du Lyonnais Tourist Office publishes trail guides and offers downloadable connected hikes; apps such as Visorando also let you grab GPS tracks before setting off.
Do I need to book the table d'hôtes after a hike? Yes, La Bergerie's table d'hôtes runs on advance booking, so a home-cooked meal made from fresh, local produce can be prepared for you.
Can I reach the trails from La Bergerie without a car? Some routes around Pollionnay are within walking distance of the guesthouse. For trailheads in Yzeron, Vaugneray or Thurins, a car is recommended, as these villages are 10 to 15 minutes away.
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