Glay quarries

A visit to this site reveals to the visitor the history and extraction techniques of the yellow limestone typical of southern Beaujolais, the geological formation of the golden stone, a varied fauna and flora and a panorama of the contrasting landscapes of Beaujolais.

Important information:
Since May 2024 and until further notice, part of the Glay Quarries site and the entire path along the ridge of the quarry face are closed to the public for safety reasons following rockfalls and landslides resulting from the recent rain events.
For everyone's safety, it is important to respect this closure and remain vigilant.

The only yellow stone quarry located west of the Azergues, the Glay quarry (also called the Oncin quarry) was exploited from the 15th century and only ceased definitively in 1947.
The esplanade of the Glay Quarries, formed by the accumulation of stone cutting waste, offers a unique panorama that reveals the diversity of the Beaujolais landscapes: 15 villages in golden stone and their bell towers, vineyards and fields bordering the Azergues, verdant forests…
The site is classified as a Sensitive Natural Area due to the variety of its fauna and flora, and the presence of rare species (including bats, but also orchids!).
It is open year-round to walkers who can explore the site via a marked trail with information panels. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times during the visit.
Within the framework of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Beaujolais, the Glay Quarries site is designated a "geosite" due to its scientific interest, rarity, educational value, aesthetic appeal, and ecological, historical, and cultural significance. It is also a place where remarkable geological phenomena can be observed, reflecting the geological history, events, and processes that shaped it.

Details concerning animals : Animals allowed on leash only: Sensitive Natural Site.