Independent Walking
Lyon’ s Beautiful Secluded Hills
T he Mont Lyonnais are a series of beautiful rolling hills rising to the west of Lyon, France’ s second city. Less well-known than the neighbouring Beaujolais hills, this hidden country presents a picturesque rural scene where vines are replaced by a patchwork of lush grazing land, cherry orchards and forested tops. You have the choice between a 6- day traverse or a 4-day circular trail to discover these inviting, off the beaten track hills. The walking is reasonably gentle as you progress south from the Beaujolais to the edge of the Côtes du Rhone vines. At times you’ ll follow the long distance GR 7 trail and at others you’ ll discover wonderful local paths following pretty valleys or panoramic ridges.
Walks: day-by-day
Independent Walking
Day 1: Arrival: Welcome, transfer to Mont Lyonnais
Day 2: Sain Bel- Forgeux
A delightful walk between two wonderful guest houses. Climb through pasture and orchards onto the Lyonnais hills. A chance to summit Mont Popey overlooking the Turdine Valley before a great ridge walk that descends to St Forgeux and your accommodation. 20km, + 600m
Day 3: Forgeux- Villecheneve
A remote and more wooded walk as you approach the highest summits between the Beaujolais and the Loire Valley. Rustic sturdy farms are scattered across the green landscape as you spend most of the day above 700m in rural tranquillity with great views. Your accommodation is on a lovely old farm built from granite. 16km, + 470m
Day 4: Villecheneve- Brullioles
Continue south on the GR7 through lush green rolling hills to reach the historic hill-top village of Montrottier. Traverse across the slopes of Mont Pothu and descend to your hotel in the village of Brullioles. 17km, + 240m The 4 day circular trail returns to Sain Bel the next day via Bessenay, the centre of the cherry production in the region.
Day 5: Brullioles- Yzeron
Continue south passing through the Brevenne Valley. After, climb through cherry orchards to bring you back into the pasture-covered hills with magnificent views. You’ ll then reach Yzeron perched on the edge of the hills which plunge towards Lyon. 17km, + 560m
Day 6: Yzeron- St Martin en Haut
Today you have two options to choose from, one going via the pretty and remote village of Montromant with great views and the other, a more direct and easier trail. On both options you’ ll discover the remains of the Roman aqueduct which took water from the Mont Lyonnais hills to the Roman capital of Gaul, Lagdunum, now called Lyon. Both go through beautiful rolling hills. 13 – 22km, + 300m or + 640m
Day 7: St Martin en Haut- Riverie
The hills become more gentle as you climb to almost 1000m on the edge of the Lyonnais Hills where pasture and fields give way to steeper wooded slopes. Below these the fruit orchards spread out towards the Rhone Valley. Your day finishes in the pretty hill-top village of Riverie and your beautiful guest house. 16km, + 350m Optional extra night at Riverie & circular walk from village with views of the Pilat mountains
Day 8: Departure Transfer to Lyon after breakfast
Price P / P See Price List or Web Site for details. Additional optional night at Rivière.
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
What’ s included
What’ s not included
4 or 6 walks moving between guest houses. There are different walking trail options on some of the days meaning that you can vary the difficulty. Average length is 18km and 450m of ascent. Maximum 22km and 600m. Hills are generally moderate in steepness. Good paths, tracks & small lanes.
Starts every day of week subject to availability. 7 or 5 nights: 6 or 4 days independent walking moving between guest houses.
Airport and station transfers from Lyon, 5 or 7 nights ' accommodation. Full Board. Walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses.
Travel to Lyon, France; lunches on the day of arrival and departure, any excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance
♦ Quiet and undiscovered trails a short distance from the Gastronomic capital of France
♦ Beautiful and secluded hills dotted with sturdy farms and picturesque villages built from granite
♦ Far reaching panoramic views
♦ A variety of guest houses with great character and hospitality
At At a a Glance
Price GUIDED: / INDEPENDENT £ 485 Grade Price:: Profile Grade:
Dates: March Profile:
Dates: April
See Price List
October
October
A mixture of small guest houses in historic rural buildings and small country hotels. A mixture of styles and settings with lots of character and warm welcomes. Lovely home-cooked cuisine, using fresh produce from the region. They are mainly 3 star equivalent in quality offering a comfortable stay. You have the opportunity to book extra nights at Riverie.
Example: La Source Dorée is a stunning guest house in a wonderful house built in 1903 with great panoramic views. Gastronomic restaurant and spa on site. Fresh produce from their farm.
Accommodation
11 contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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