The Most Beautiful Villages in West Lyon Region: Your Complete Guide
- Audrey
- Dec 30, 2025
- 8 min read
Want to discover the authentic charm of West Lyon from a delightful accommodation? Book your nature stay at La Bergerie and explore these exceptional villages.
Just a few kilometers from Lyon lies a preserved territory where time seems to have stood still. The West Lyon region reveals charming villages nestled between the Monts du Lyonnais and Beaujolais Golden Stones, offering visitors remarkable architectural heritage and stunningly beautiful rolling landscapes. Whether seeking a cultural getaway, nature immersion, or gastronomic discovery, these authentic villages will captivate you with their preserved charm and art of living.
Oingt, the Pearl of the Golden Stones
Classified among France's Most Beautiful Villages, Oingt stands proudly on the Beaujolais heights. The only village in the Rhône department to receive this prestigious distinction, it fully justifies its nickname "Pearl of the Golden Stones." Its blonde stone houses catch the sunlight, creating a warm atmosphere that enchants visitors.
The medieval village invites leisurely strolls through its cobbled streets with evocative names, where artisans perpetuate local traditions. Dominated by an imposing cylindrical keep, Oingt offers an exceptional panoramic view from its ramparts over the Monts du Lyonnais and Beaujolais vineyards. The church houses remarkable architectural treasures, while the Mechanical Music Museum adds an original touch to the visit.
Heritage enthusiasts will appreciate the cadoles (dry stone shelters), ancient wells, and wine presses dotting the village. The walk naturally continues through surrounding vineyards, where several estates offer local wine tastings.
Recommended visit time: 2 to 3 hours
Distance from La Bergerie: approximately 25 km
Châtillon-d'Azergues and its Medieval Castle
Perched in the heart of the Golden Stones, Châtillon-d'Azergues captivates with its 12th-century fortress majestically dominating the village. Though partially ruined, this castle classified as a Historical Monument testifies to the power of the Oingt and Albon lords who ruled these lands during the Middle Ages.
The village reveals a bucolic setting with golden stone houses and vineyards gently sloping down to the Azergues valley. The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel, former 12th-century castle chapel, deserves a visit for its white marble Virgin statue and remarkable wall paintings from different periods.
The Châtillon surroundings invite hiking, particularly on the Golden Stones trail crossing vineyards and woods. The emblematic Glay quarries site, a UNESCO Geopark geosite, makes a fascinating stop to understand the geological formation of this characteristic blonde limestone.
Must-see: View from the castle over Beaujolais hills
Access: 20 km northwest of Lyon
Theizé, Between Vineyards and Heritage
With its cobbled streets winding between golden stone houses, Theizé ranks among the most charming villages of the Golden Stones. Its Gothic church overlooks an endless vineyard landscape, offering superb panoramas over Beaujolais wine country.
The village lends itself particularly well to walks on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Several discovery circuits explore wine trails and surrounding woodlands. Theizé's natural, viticultural, and architectural heritage unfolds along paths, between rolling meadows and vine-planted hillsides.
Wine tourism enthusiasts will appreciate numerous wine estates welcoming visitors for guided tastings. The village's exceptional location also offers remarkable viewpoints over surrounding valleys.
Tip: Combine Theizé visit with neighboring Bagnols
Altitude: approximately 500 meters
Bagnols, Medieval Architecture Jewel
Renowned for its castle transformed into a luxury hotel, Bagnols remains a jewel of Beaujolais Golden Stones. The village's medieval architecture, erected in the 13th century by Guichard d'Oingt, testifies to a prestigious historical past.
Strolling through streets, you'll discover old Beaujolais houses with awnings dating from the 17th and 19th centuries. Although the town lost its fortifications, the village's circular structure recalls its fortified past. Panoramas over surrounding hills pleasantly accompany the walk.
The village serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Golden Stones country, with several marked hiking trails allowing you to explore the preserved Beaujolais countryside.
Feature: Village with authentic preserved streets
Atmosphere: Calm and bucolic
Yzeron, Balcony over the Alps
Perched at 800 meters altitude on a rocky outcrop, Yzeron fully deserves its nickname "balcony of Lyon." The village offers exceptional panoramas over the Monts du Lyonnais, Rhône valley, and on clear days, the Alps chain.
From the orientation table on the church square, views embrace rolling landscapes alternating meadows, wooded hillsides, and crops. Yzeron serves as a privileged starting point for hikers, with numerous marked trails crisscrossing surrounding heights.
The Roman aqueduct of Yzeron discovery trail traces the history of this Gallo-Roman structure that once supplied Lugdunum (Lyon). Explanatory panels line the route, offering immersion into local historical heritage. Lake Ronzey, accessible on foot from the village, makes an ideal spot for nature picnics.
Key activities: Hiking and panoramic observation
Nature asset: Forests, trails, and multiple viewpoints
Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or, Pearl of Mont d'Or
Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or stands out as the most beautiful village of Mont d'Or. Its Gallo-Roman heritage and religious buildings dating from the 12th century testify to ancient occupation. The remarkably preserved village center invites peaceful strolls through its picturesque streets.
Contemporary art lovers will discover nearby the famous Demeure du Chaos, a singular and provocative artistic work contrasting with the village's surrounding tranquility. This monumental installation leaves no one indifferent and deserves the detour for its creative audacity.
Hills overlooking the Saône offer beautiful walk possibilities with clear valley views. The Romanesque church, topped with a massive bell tower, recalls the village's religious past importance.
Particularity: Proximity to Demeure du Chaos
Distance from Lyon: approximately 15 km
Riverie, Small City of Character
Classified as Small City of Character, Riverie occupies a rocky ridge at 700 meters altitude. A former medieval stronghold, the village was the seat of a barony that experienced the turmoil of Religious Wars and French Revolution.
Despite its small size, Riverie impresses with its perched location and slightly bygone atmosphere. Nicknamed "the balcony of Lyon," it offers exceptional clear views over the Rhône valley and Pilat massif. Days of strong winds, particularly frequent at this altitude, add spectacular dimension to the visit.
The village visits quickly but deserves the stop for its panoramas and peaceful atmosphere. Surroundings invite hiking on Monts du Lyonnais ridges.
Strong point: 360° panorama over several massifs
Altitude: 700 meters
Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Most Beautiful Detour of France
Listed among France's Most Beautiful Detours, Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise possesses remarkably preserved medieval heritage. The 15th-century Gothic collegiate church, perched on a rocky spur, majestically dominates the fortified village.
The historic center reveals architectural treasures: 14th-century corbelled houses, 14th-century Riverie gate (former rampart entrance), early 13th-century rampart tower offering breathtaking views of surroundings. The Hôtel-Dieu built in 1696 and its restored chapel can be freely visited.
The weekly Wednesday market, held since the 15th century, ranks among the Monts du Lyonnais most important. The Maison des Métiers, true conservatory of traditional skills, perpetuates secular artisanal techniques related to leather, wood, hatmaking, and charcuterie.
Don't miss: Wednesday morning market
Living heritage: Maison des Métiers
Mornant and its Vingtain Tower
With its preserved historic center, Roman aqueduct, and local dynamism, Mornant attracts many visitors seeking authenticity. The Vingtain tower, medieval vestige, testifies to the city's fortified past.
The village offers beautiful balance between historical heritage and contemporary quality of life. Old center streets invite strolling, while surroundings offer beautiful hiking possibilities on the Mornant plateau and surrounding woodlands.
Mornant also serves as a gateway to the Monts du Lyonnais, with several marked trails discovering the region's rolling landscapes.
Asset: Dynamic village with shops and services
Location: At the junction of Monts du Lyonnais and Pilat
Montagny and its Classified Old Town
Montagny's old town, classified for its heritage interest, houses vestiges of the 12th-century medieval castle. Though partially dismantled in 1561, the site retains undeniable charm and ancient stones still whisper local history secrets.
The 12th-century Romanesque chapel captivates with its simple and elegant architecture, characteristic of Romanesque austerity that favored spirituality. A magnificent 18th-century yellow stone cross adorns the church square, testimony to past popular devotion.
The Tyr hamlet deserves a visit to discover Reverdy farm, perfect example of traditional Monts du Lyonnais farm architecture. Surrounding meadows and heaths constitute a highly valuable ecosystem.
Interest: Preserved traditional architecture
Environment: Wine-growing hillsides and meadows
Gastronomy and Local Products
West Lyon cultivates authentic gastronomic tradition, farm-to-table. The Monts du Lyonnais produce great variety of specialties: farm goat cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, local honey, seasonal fruits (renowned Bessenay cherries), and vegetables grown using respectful methods.
The "Le Lyonnais Monts et Coteaux" collective brand highlights the territory's agricultural know-how. Weekly markets, particularly Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise's, allow direct meetings with passionate producers.
AOC Coteaux du Lyonnais produces friendly wines with red and black fruit aromas from gamay grape. These wines ideally accompany local gastronomy. Several wine trails with explanatory panels allow vineyard discovery while walking.
Specialties to taste: Goat cheeses, charcuterie, Coteaux du Lyonnais wines
Where to buy: Local markets, producer shops, local restaurants
Hiking and Nature Activities
West Lyon villages make excellent starting points for hikes of all levels. The Monts du Lyonnais offer over 250 km of marked trails crossing forests, meadows, and panoramic ridges.
From Yzeron, several circuits explore heights up to Signal de Saint-André (934 m), the region's highest point. The Roman aqueduct trail combines historical discovery and nature immersion. Lake Ronzey makes a refreshing stop for family picnics.
The GR 7, connecting Alsace balloon to Pyrenees, crosses the Monts du Lyonnais following the Atlantic-Mediterranean watershed. Mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts will find numerous adapted circuits to discover the territory differently.
Difficulty: Easy to medium circuits, family-friendly
Ideal period: Spring and autumn for colors
Practical Information for Your Visit
How to get there: West Lyon is located 20 to 50 km from Lyon depending on villages. By car, count 30 to 60 minutes from Lyon center via A47 or A89.
Best periods: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes. Summer also works, with more tourists in most renowned villages.
Recommended duration: A weekend allows discovering 3 to 4 villages in depth with walking time. For complete exploration, plan 3 to 4 days.
Tourist offices: Monts du Lyonnais Tourism and Destination Beaujolais offer maps, topoguides, and personalized advice.
Accommodation: Charming guesthouses, like La Bergerie, offer authentic settings to explore the region while enjoying warm welcome and local advice.
Key Takeaways
Oingt is the only Rhône village classified among France's Most Beautiful Villages
Golden Stones designate the blonde limestone houses characteristic of Beaujolais
Yzeron offers exceptional panoramas at 800 m altitude with Alps views
Monts du Lyonnais offer over 250 km of marked hiking trails
Local gastronomy favors short circuits and farm producers
Villages are located between 20 and 50 km from Lyon, accessible in under an hour
FAQ
What is the most beautiful village in West Lyon?
Oingt, classified among France's Most Beautiful Villages, is often considered the most spectacular with its golden stone houses and medieval keep. However, Yzeron captivates with exceptional panoramas, while Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise impresses with remarkably preserved medieval heritage.
How long does it take to visit these villages?
Count 2 to 3 hours per village for a leisurely visit including street strolling and coffee breaks. For a complete weekend with hiking and gastronomic discovery, plan 2 to 3 days to explore 4 to 5 villages in depth.
What is the best period to visit West Lyon?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal periods with pleasant temperatures between 15 and 25°C, colorful landscapes, and less tourist traffic. Autumn offers bonus flamboyant colors of vineyards and forests.
Can you visit these villages without a car?
A car remains the most practical way to discover these rural villages. Some are accessible by train then bus from Lyon (notably Oingt via Villefranche-sur-Saône), but connections are limited. Vehicle rental or taxi use often proves necessary.
Where to taste local products in West Lyon?
Weekly markets offer best opportunities to meet local producers (Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise market on Wednesdays). Many restaurants offer regional cuisine highlighting short circuits. Producer shops and wine estates also welcome visitors for tastings.
Ready to explore these West Lyon wonders? Stay at La Bergerie, your ideal starting point to discover these character villages in an authentic and warm setting. Book your nature stay now and let our local advice guide you for an unforgettable stay.
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