Top 5 Hikes Within an Hour of Lyon
- Audrey
- Jul 11
- 6 min read
Between the rolling hills of the Monts d'Or, the vineyards of Beaujolais and the ridgelines of the Pilat Regional Natural Park, the best hikes within an hour of Lyon cover a remarkable range of scenery for a destination this close to a major city: panoramic summits, deep forests, golden-stone villages and wild waterfalls. Whether you're travelling as a family, a couple or with friends, each of the five routes below can anchor a weekend away from La Bergerie, our guesthouse tucked into the countryside at Pollionnay, just 20 minutes from Lyon. Maps, difficulty levels, timings and practical tips: here is our selection for making the most of nature right on the city's doorstep.
Book your nature stay and turn these hikes into the starting point of your next getaway.
Lyon: A Natural Springboard for Hikers
Few major French cities offer such varied terrain within an hour's drive: the Monts d'Or hills to the north, the Beaujolais vineyards to the north-west, the Monts du Lyonnais to the west, and the Pilat ridges to the south. That diversity means you can string together very different weekends without ever spending more than an hour on the road. Set in Pollionnay, in the heart of Western Lyon, La Bergerie makes a comfortable base for reaching any of these areas, with a proper home-cooked breakfast to fuel you before you set off.
Our Pick of the 5 Best Hikes Within an Hour of Lyon
Each of these five routes was chosen for its accessibility, the variety of landscape it covers, and how well it suits different fitness levels, from a flat family stroll to a proper climb to a summit.
1. Mont Thou: The Classic Lyon Panorama
Less than thirty minutes from the city centre, Mont Thou is the most accessible way to gain some height over the Lyon conurbation. The trail climbs through woodland from Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, passing a few cabornes — the dry-stone shelters typical of the Monts d'Or — before opening onto a broad grassy summit. From there, the view stretches across Lyon and the Saône plain and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps and Mont Blanc. A grassy spot at the top makes for a natural picnic stop at 611 metres of altitude.
Level: moderate (steady climb at the start)
Distance: about 9 km loop
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Elevation gain: about 400 m
Trailhead: Parking de l'Église, Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or
From Lyon: about 25–30 minutes by car (or a 12-minute train to Albigny-Neuville station, then on foot)
Tip: go on a weekday or early on weekend mornings — the summit gets busy on sunny days.
2. Crêt de la Perdrix: The Roof of the Pilat Regional Natural Park
The highest point of the Pilat massif at 1,432 metres, Crêt de la Perdrix delivers one of the most spectacular 360° panoramas within reach of Lyon. The Sentier des Crêtes, starting at Col de l'Œillon, crosses heather-and-gorse moorland before reaching the chirats — vast frost-shattered rock fields — that crown the summit. On a clear day the view reaches the Alps, the Massif Central, the Vercors and the Ardèche. An orientation table at the top helps identify each peak.
Level: moderate
Distance: about 7–9 km loop
Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Elevation gain: about 250–300 m
Trailhead: Col de l'Œillon car park, reached via the D63 from Pélussin
From Lyon: about 1 hour by car via the A47
Tip: bring proper hiking shoes — the rocky chirats need careful footing, especially on the way down.
3. Oingt and the Golden Stones Vineyards: Heritage Hiking in Beaujolais
Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," Oingt sits atop a hill in the Beaujolais wine country, about 45 minutes from Lyon. The hike starting from its cobbled lanes winds between vineyards, woodland and country lanes, punctuated by cadoles — small dry-stone huts once used by winegrowers for shelter. The route opens onto clear views over the Azergues valley and, on a clear day, the distant Alps. A stroll through the village itself, with its golden-stone houses and craft workshops, rounds off the outing nicely.
Level: easy to moderate
Distance: about 6–7 km loop
Time: about 2 hours
Elevation gain: about 200 m
Trailhead: Oingt village square (parking at the village entrance)
From Lyon: about 40–45 minutes by car via the A6 then the D385
Tip: aim for late afternoon to catch the golden light on the village façades.
4. The Lac des Eaux Bleues Loop: Family-Friendly Miribel-Jonage
For a flat outing with no elevation gain, head to the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, 2,200 hectares of protected nature less than 30 minutes from Lyon. The trail along Lac des Eaux Bleues alternates wet meadows, riverside forest and open lakeside stretches. Grey herons, great crested grebes and, occasionally, a kingfisher or a beaver bring this nature reserve to life right at the edge of the city. Flat terrain and wide paths make it an ideal walk for families with young children or a stroller.
Level: easy
Distance: about 10 km (shorter loops available)
Time: about 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: virtually none
Trailhead: several access points, including the Capitainerie or Grand Large car parks
From Lyon: about 20–30 minutes by car, also reachable by tram or bus
Tip: visit in spring or autumn — there's an entry fee during peak summer season (June to August).
5. The Saut du Gier Waterfall: A Wild Escape in the Pilat
Tucked at the foot of the Grand Chirat, the largest rock field in the Pilat massif, the Saut du Gier waterfall has to be earned: the trail climbs steeply from the hamlet of La Scie du Bost, through dense forest where roots and loose stones call for sure footing. The reward matches the effort — a 25-metre waterfall set in a rocky amphitheatre, at its most impressive from autumn through spring. Even in summer, a thin trickle of water persists, offering a cool, shaded stop.
Level: moderate to strenuous (steep, rocky terrain)
Distance: about 3–5.5 km depending on the route chosen
Time: about 2 hours
Elevation gain: a steep climb over a short distance
Trailhead: La Scie du Bost hamlet, La Valla-en-Gier
From Lyon: about 55 minutes to 1 hour by car via the A47 and Saint-Chamond
Tip: hiking shoes are essential — the trail turns slippery after rain.
How to Plan Your Hike Near Lyon
Whichever hike you choose, a few simple precautions make for a smoother day out. Bring sturdy walking shoes, enough water (at least 1 litre for anything over 2 hours), and a downloaded map or GPX track, since phone signal can be patchy in forested areas or along the ridges. Trails in the Pilat and the Monts d'Or are generally well marked but can turn slippery after rain, particularly at the Saut du Gier. For detailed maps and reliable GPX tracks, the Monts du Lyonnais Tourist Office and the Pilat Regional Natural Park both publish regularly updated trail guides. In summer, set off early to avoid the heat on exposed ridgelines, and pack an extra layer for higher altitudes, even in spring.
Key Takeaways
Five hikes reachable within about an hour's drive of Lyon, from the city panorama at Mont Thou to the wild Pilat summits.
A range of difficulty levels: from the flat family walk at Miribel-Jonage to the steep climb to Saut du Gier.
Best seasons: spring and autumn for soft light and mild temperatures; in summer, start early on exposed ridges.
Basic kit: walking shoes, water, and a map or GPX track downloaded in advance.
La Bergerie, in Pollionnay, makes a quiet, central base for exploring all five routes.
FAQ: Your Questions About Hiking Near Lyon
What's the easiest hike near Lyon for a family outing? The Lac des Eaux Bleues loop at Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage is the most family-friendly option: flat terrain, wide paths, and reachable from Lyon without a car.
Which hike has the best view near Lyon? Crêt de la Perdrix, the highest point of the Pilat Regional Natural Park at 1,432 metres, offers a 360° panorama over the Alps, the Massif Central and the Vercors. Mont Thou is a more accessible alternative for a view over Lyon itself.
Can you do these hikes without a car from Lyon? Mont Thou and Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage are both reachable by public transport (train or TCL tram/bus). Oingt and the Pilat hikes, on the other hand, require a car.
What's the best season for hiking around Lyon? Spring and autumn bring soft light and comfortable temperatures. Summer works well on shaded, wooded trails, provided you start early on exposed routes like Crêt de la Perdrix.
Where should I stay to make hiking around Lyon easy? La Bergerie, a guesthouse in Pollionnay 20–30 minutes from Lyon, offers a quiet, central base for reaching the Monts d'Or, Beaujolais and the Pilat, with breakfast and a home-cooked table d'hôtes included.
Extend Your Nature Experience at La Bergerie
After a day on the trails, nothing beats the calm of a guesthouse tucked into the countryside. In Pollionnay, 20–30 minutes from Lyon, La Bergerie welcomes you into a former farmhouse at the heart of the Monts du Lyonnais. Discover our rooms, designed for a proper rest after a day's effort, and share a home-cooked evening meal at our table d'hôtes, made with local, seasonal produce. To keep exploring the surrounding nature, don't miss our article Forests, Rivers & Trails: The Best Hikes in Western Lyon, focused on the routes closest to the house.
Book your nature stay and make La Bergerie your base camp for exploring the best hikes within an hour of Lyon.
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