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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