Long-distance hiking routes

On the paths of Saint James of Compostela

Three major routes of the Camino de Santiago cross the Rhône: the GR®65: Geneva – Le Puy-en-Velay , the GR®765 North: Cluny – Le Puy-en-Velay and the GR®765 East: Lyon – Le Puy-en-Velay . Along the way, they cross the Beaujolais and Lyonnais mountains, reaching the edge of the Pilat.

Nestled between forests, hedgerows, and gentle hills, these trails offer a true escape . Heritage, landscapes, and history intertwine, from the Beaujolais Geopark to the Condrieu vineyards. Four suggested itineraries departing from Lyon allow you to explore these paths in a new way.

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GR 89: Montaigne path

Follow in the footsteps of Michel Eyquem de Montaigne , the famous French writer and philosopher, who took this route in 1581 on his return from Italy to take up his duties as mayor of Bordeaux.

The GR® 89 , officially recognized as a long-distance hiking trail, stretches across 324 kilometers of marked and maintained paths. This route, rich in history and diverse landscapes, connects Lyon (Rhône) to Felletin (Creuse) , passing through no fewer than 62 towns and villages . Recently extended, it now allows hikers to reach Bordeaux, offering a unique adventure combining culture, nature, and heritage.

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GR® 7: from the Ballon d'Alsace to Andorra

The GR® 7 offers a unique adventure across France, linking the Ballon d'Alsace to Andorra in a majestic diagonal. This long-distance hiking trail, 1,537 kilometers long , crosses 4 regions and 18 departments , revealing a breathtaking diversity of landscapes.

From the Vosges to the Pyrenees , the GR® 7 invites walkers to explore iconic natural parks and a multitude of remarkable sites.

On the Rhône side: Traveling through the Haut Beaujolais region , the route follows the watershed, offering unforgettable stops such as Mont Saint-Rigaud and Le Signal . You'll discover diverse landscapes blending agriculture and local traditions , with villages like Montrottier and Riverie . Open panoramas offer glimpses of the majestic Alps.

GR P – The Tour of the Golden Stones 

This GR® de Pays takes you to the heart of the Beaujolais Geopark , classified as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2018. This unique territory is distinguished by its limestone rocks , which were used to build the villages of Beaujolais, Lyonnais and even some constructions in Switzerland.

The route reveals a beautiful complementarity : to the south and east, vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, while to the north and west, wilder, more forested lands shape an authentic and preserved landscape.

This GR® de Pays trail is an invitation to explore charming villages , savor panoramic views of the hills and valleys , and immerse yourself in the wild beauty and traditions of the Beaujolais region. An unforgettable journey through nature and heritage!

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GRP Monts et Vignobles du Beaujolais

This long-distance hiking trail invites you to explore the north of the Rhône department , in the heart of Beaujolais. It offers a journey between prestigious vineyards and the verdant hills of the Beaujolais mountains, revealing the richness and diversity of this iconic region.

You will find there a GR® de Pays consisting of two loops linked by the GR®76:

• La Vineyards Loop (146 km) crosses the twelve Beaujolais appellations, a perfect route for lovers of vineyard landscapes and gastronomy.
• La Mountains loop (150 km) immerses you in the Beaujolais Vert, between forests and valleys, for an immersion in nature.

In addition, this guidebook offers 21 walks and hikes suitable for day trips and two itineraries designed for two-day getaways.

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GRP Monts et Coteaux du Lyonnais

At the heart of the Lyon-Saint-Étienne-Roanne triangle , the Monts et Coteaux du Lyonnais offer a hilly landscape, rising from 250 m to 1,000 m in altitude . Located between the Loire and Rhône departments, this territory overlooks emblematic valleys: the Turdine to the north, the Rhône to the east, the Gier to the south and the Forez plain to the west.

The GR® de Pays Monts et Coteaux du Lyonnais offers two loops suitable for lovers of long-distance hiking:

• A loop of 108 km which winds around the Monts du Lyonnais,
• Another one of 87 km around the Hillsallowing you to discover the diversity of this preserved territory.

This long-distance hiking trail (GRP) allows for multi-day hikes in a verdant environment and across a region rich in natural beauty and culinary delights. Day hikes and two-day treks complement this new GR® de Pays, offering further exploration of the area.

3. GR® de Pays du Beaujolais – Bugey

This 72km route connects the hills of Lyon to Bas-Bugey, offering hikers four days of multifaceted hiking. It crosses the vineyards of Beaujolais , skirts the ponds of Dombes, and passes near the Basilica of Ars and the medieval town of Pérouges.