Forests, Rivers & Trails: The Best Hikes in Western Lyon
- Audrey
- May 20
- 6 min read
🌿 Ready to explore nature near Lyon? Book your nature stay at La Bergerie — your perfect base for hiking the forests and rivers of Western Lyon.
Just 20 minutes from the city, Western Lyon (Ouest Lyonnais) unfolds into a landscape of wooded hills, quiet valleys and rushing rivers — a world away from the urban buzz of Lyon. Whether you're looking for an easy family walk along the water, a peaceful forest trail, or a challenging ridge hike with sweeping views, hiking the forests and rivers of Western Lyon delivers on every level. This guide covers the essential trails around Pollionnay, practical tips for planning your outing, and why La Bergerie makes the ideal base for nature-minded travellers.
Western Lyon: A Natural Playground at the Gates of the City
The Monts du Lyonnais act as a natural boundary between the metropolitan area and open countryside. Here, the transition from city to wilderness is almost instant: step onto the trails out of Pollionnay and within minutes you're enveloped in dense forest. The landscape is shaped by two rivers — the Yzeron (25 km long, rising in the Monts du Lyonnais) and the Brévenne — whose wooded valleys offer superb walking conditions year-round.
Rolling Hills, Dense Forests and River Valleys
The forested ridges (locally called crêts boisés) above Pollionnay and Vaugneray are home to a rich mix of deciduous and conifer woodland, open meadows and small farmsteads. On clear days, the viewpoints reach all the way to the Alps and Mont Blanc — a reward that keeps locals and visitors coming back season after season.
Three Essential Hikes for Forests and Rivers
Trail 1 — The Yzeron River Path: Easy Family Walk (6 km)
Level: Easy | Distance: 6 km out-and-back | Time: ~1.5 hrs | Elevation gain: minimal
Running between Francheville and Craponne, the Yzeron River Path is one of Western Lyon's best-loved walks. The route weaves through cool woodland alongside the riverbank, with plenty of shaded spots to stop and paddle in summer. The flat terrain makes it ideal for families with young children, or anyone after a gentle nature fix. Part of the trail passes through the protected Espace Naturel Sensible du Vallon de l'Yzeron — a conservation area that reflects the ecological richness of the region. For a slightly longer version, continue to the Cascade des Tournelles waterfall and the Roche des Fées estate, home to a neolithic dolmen that lends the walk a quietly mysterious atmosphere.
Getting there from La Bergerie: By car via Craponne, approximately 15 minutes. Park at the junction of Rue Marcel Plasse and Chemin du Grand Moulin.
Trail 2 — Pollionnay Forest Loop: Deep Woodland Immersion (9 km)
Level: Easy–moderate | Distance: 9 km | Time: ~3 hrs | Elevation gain: +133 m
The "Promenons-nous dans les bois" circuit starting from Pollionnay is a local favourite for a reason: three-quarters of the route runs through forest, making it perfectly refreshing in summer and breathtakingly colourful in autumn. The paths cross private woodland parcels where chestnut trees line the way in season. Occasional clearings open onto views across the Lyon basin. For those who want a more active day, this trail pairs well with a climbing session at Pollionnay's Lionel Daudet hall, run by the local Val Roc association.
Tip: The trail is popular with mountain bikers on weekends. Aim for a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience.
Trail 3 — Pollionnay-Vaugneray Ridge: Views and Heritage (13.5 km)
Level: Moderate | Distance: 13.5 km | Time: ~4 hrs | Elevation gain: ~350 m
This rewarding loop connects the hillsides of Pollionnay and Vaugneray, ending with a 180° panoramic viewpoint at Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid. The route alternates forest paths, quiet country lanes and open ridgelines. On a clear day, the Alps appear in full on the eastern horizon. Strong walkers can extend the circuit to the Col de la Luère or the Col de la Croix du Ban (550 m gain), where Lyon spreads out like a map far below — one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the region.
More Nature Experiences Nearby
The Sensory Forest: Art Meets Nature (3.5 km)
A short drive from Pollionnay, the Forêt des Expériences offers one of the most original walks in the region. Along 3.5 km of trail, oversized acoustic horns invite visitors to listen to the sounds of the forest and identify local wildlife. The route also features land art installations by Lyonnais sculptor Marc Averly, tucked among the trees. Accessible to all ages — children in particular love the discovery stations.
Yzeron Village Loop: Roman History in the Landscape
Starting from the village of Yzeron, a moderate loop leads to the Châteauvieux Romanesque chapel, watched over by three centuries-old linden trees. The trail then follows part of the ancient Roman aqueduct of Yzeron, which once carried water all the way to Lyon — an open-air history lesson marked by well-placed interpretive panels.
Giant Zip Line for Thrill-Seekers
If walking isn't enough, the Yzeron plateau zip line runs year-round and reaches speeds of up to 110 km/h over 1 km of cable. On clear days, Mont Blanc is visible in the distance. A memorable way to see the landscape from a very different angle.
Practical Planning Tips
Footwear: Proper hiking shoes are strongly recommended — forest paths can be rocky or muddy depending on the season.
Water and snacks: Carry enough for the full distance, especially on hikes over 8 km.
GPS trails: The Monts du Lyonnais Tourism Office offers downloadable GPS routes that work offline — useful in dense woodland with no signal.
Best seasons: All seasons work well. Autumn brings spectacular foliage on the crêts; summer forest trails stay cool and shaded; spring sees wildflower meadows in full bloom.
With children: The Pollionnay family loop (6 km, interactive trail) and the Yzeron River Path are both ideal for younger walkers.
Dogs: Welcome on most trails; keep on a lead in protected natural areas.
La Bergerie: Your Nature Base in Pollionnay
Set in Pollionnay, just 20 minutes from Lyon, La Bergerie places you directly at the heart of Western Lyon's finest hiking country. Our five rooms — Le Jardin, L'Étang, La Colline, La Rivière and La Roulotte — take their names from the surrounding landscapes, setting the tone for a stay defined by nature and quiet.
After a long day on the trails, the table d'hôtes brings local flavours to the table: seasonal, home-cooked meals made with produce from the surrounding area. A genuine slow-travel experience, just far enough from the city to feel a world away.
📌 Key Takeaways
Western Lyon is a world-class nature destination just 20 minutes from Lyon city centre.
Three well-marked trail options for all levels: easy river walk (6 km), forest loop (9 km), panoramic ridge hike (13.5 km).
Bonus experiences: sensory forest, Roman aqueduct trail, and a giant zip line.
La Bergerie in Pollionnay is the ideal nature base — comfortable rooms, home-cooked table d'hôtes, and trails from the doorstep.
The area is beautiful year-round, with autumn and summer particularly recommended.
❓ FAQ
1. Are the hikes around Pollionnay suitable for families with young children? Yes — the Pollionnay family loop (6 km, interactive trail) and the Yzeron River Path (flat, 6 km return) are both designed with families in mind. The interactive elements along the Pollionnay loop make it especially engaging for children.
2. Do I need special equipment for hiking in the Monts du Lyonnais? Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended. Bring enough water, a light first-aid kit and weather-appropriate layers. Trekking poles are useful but not essential.
3. Can I reach the trails by public transport from Lyon? The Yzeron River Path is accessible by bus (line C24 from Gorge-de-Loup, stop Hôpital Antoine-Charial). For trails starting in Pollionnay, a car is more practical.
4. What's the best time of year to hike in Western Lyon? Every season has its appeal. Autumn is particularly beautiful for the forest colours. Summer forest trails stay comfortably cool and shaded. Spring brings wildflowers to the meadows.
5. Are dogs allowed on the trails? Generally yes — dogs are welcome on most paths. In protected natural areas (Espace Naturel Sensible), they must be kept on a lead. La Bergerie welcomes pets; please mention this when booking.
🌿 Ready to explore the forests and rivers of Western Lyon? Make La Bergerie your home base and wake up to nature every morning. Book your nature stay — just 20 minutes from Lyon.
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