Hiking around Lyon: February's top picks
Want to get some fresh air less than an hour from the city? This month, head to the northern Ardèche for hikes around Lyon that combine unspoiled nature, unexpected panoramas, and heritage discoveries. Whether you're a fan of peaceful walks, sports loops or mountain bike routes, our selection promises you trails that tell stories and landscapes that leave their mark.
The ponds
🟧Medium hike 🥾 10.4km ↗️ 119m D+
Starting from Davézieux, you quickly leave the village behind and find yourself, in just a few meters, in the heart of the countryside. Houses become very few and far between, and the hike takes you mainly along paths and small roads, through orchards and open landscapes.
The route, which is relatively flat, is accessible to everyone and presents no particular difficulties. You will walk in a calm and unspoiled environment, ideal for a rejuvenating stroll.
The routes through Guirenières, Coings and Listes offer a beautiful continuity between rural paths and peaceful nature.
Ideal for February, this hike invites you to get some fresh air and enjoy the calm of winter, in a peaceful and bright atmosphere, far from any hustle and bustle.
From Préaux to Saint-Jeure-d'Ay
🟧 Moderate hike 🥾 12.1km ↗️ 351m elevation gain
This hike is suitable for walkers accustomed to elevation changes, looking for varied landscapes and beautiful viewpoints.
From the D17 towards Satillieu, you join the paths towards Zipon Ouest and the Cots de Simondon, alternating between climbs and descents which require a minimum of endurance.
Along the way, you will discover the village of Saint-Jeure-d'Ay with its charming church and a unique heritage: the plague cross sculpted with heads of characters, located in the heart of the village, which testifies to a strong local history.
You then continue through the hamlets of Le Cros and La Peyre before returning to your starting point. A beautiful, challenging loop, combining nature and culture, perfect for experienced hikers.
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand AirMountain biking: Montmiandon
⬛ Very difficult level 🚵8.2 km ↗️312m elevation gain
This mountain bike outing starting from Annonay requires some experience with climbs, with a sustained effort to reach Montmiandon, the highest point in the area at 679 meters.
Once at the summit, you'll enjoy an exceptional panoramic view offering an unobstructed vista of the Rhône Valley, the Annonay basin and the Alps, as well as the Chirol cross. The orientation table allows you to fully appreciate these vast horizons.
The descent then leads you towards Les Faillers and then across fields to the hamlet of Chatinais, with a beautiful view of the Cance valley and the Grand Felletin in the distance.
This varied route combines challenging climbs, fairly technical descents and remarkable scenery, ideal for experienced mountain bikers seeking adventure and impressive views.
You will travel through quiet and unspoiled areas, far from the urban bustle, to fully enjoy nature.
