Walking Itinerary in Lyon : Our 5 Favorite Spots
Lyon is the perfect city for walking enthusiasts. Each itinerary reveals a unique side of the capital of Gaul. Lyon, jewel of the Rhône, is an ideal city for urban hiking. Located between the Rhône and the Saône, it offers endless routes and itineraries to explore its rich heritage and beautiful landscapes.
Each Lyonnais district reveals unique treasures to explore.
Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill: a journey through time
This emblematic district of Lyon takes you on a true walk through history. Its many traboules and secret passages make this hike a unique itinerary. From Place Saint-Jean, in the heart of the district, start climbing the cobbled Gourguillon path. Admire the Renaissance façades, explore the small alleys, and pause to enjoy views of the Rhône and the Saône.
Begin your hike in Vieux Lyon, the oldest district of the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is full of traboules, passages, Renaissance houses, and cobbled streets. From Place Saint-Jean, follow the path up to Fourvière Basilica.
Admire the exceptional view over the city and the Monts du Lyonnais. Then visit the Gallo-Roman Museum and the ancient theatre. This 3 km circuit with moderate elevation gain is perfect for a historical walk.
The slopes of Croix-Rousse: art and heritage
Located north of the city centre, Croix-Rousse is an authentic neighbourhood with a village feel in the heart of the city. Start from Place des Terreaux for an exceptional hiking circuit. Climb Montée de la Grande-Côte, discover the typical traboules, and enjoy the spectacular panorama over the Rhône Valley. Croix-Rousse, with its climbs, is a true urban hike. The 4 km route with notable elevation gain will delight lovers of challenging trails.
Discover Croix-Rousse, known as the “Mont des Canuts”. From the Presqu’île, leave Place des Terreaux to reach Montée de la Grande-Côte. This circuit is a must for any hiker in Lyon.
Explore the traboules, admire the famous Gros Caillou, and contemplate the Fresques des Lyonnais. The trail offers superb views over the Rhône Valley. This 4 km route with greater elevation gain is perfect for an artistic and cultural walk.
Parc de la Tête d’Or: a natural oasis
Parc de la Tête d’Or is a true invitation to walk and explore. This large public garden, bordered by the Rhône, offers a vast network of trails ideal for a peaceful hike or a cycling outing. Walking through the park paths, you’ll pass wooded areas, the lake, the botanical garden, and the zoo. The elevation gain is low, making this route accessible to all.
Parc de la Tête d’Or, a jewel of central Lyon, runs alongside the Rhône and covers 117 hectares. Located near the Jean Macé district, it’s perfect for a family hike or walk.
Follow a 4 km route around the lake, on foot, by bike, or by mountain bike. Discover the botanical garden, zoo, rose garden, and many relaxing spaces. The distance is perfect for enjoying nature with minimal elevation gain.
The banks of the Rhône and Saône: a riverside walk
This itinerary offers a riverside walk, perfect for combining hiking and city exploration. The Rhône riverbank trail is popular with mountain bikers and fast walkers. Following the river from the Jean Macé district to Feyssine Park in Caluire, you can admire exceptional views of Lyon’s historic centre. On the Saône side, the recommended starting point is Île Barbe, a hidden gem, to reach the Presqu’île via beautiful passages and developed paths.
Lyon is crossed by the Rhône and Saône. The Rhône banks are perfect for a hike or a bike ride. From the city centre or the Jean Macé district, follow the trail along barges, quays, and Feyssine Park in Caluire.
On the left bank of the Saône, start from Île Barbe for a pleasant route. Join Lyon’s old centre while admiring the surrounding hills and the artworks lining the way. Depending on your itinerary, allow between 2 and 3 hours.
The Confluence district: modernity and art
Start from Place Carnot, cross Perrache Station, and follow Cours Charlemagne. The route leads you to the Musée des Confluences, where the Rhône and Saône meet.
Admire the museum and its contemporary art exhibitions, and explore the aquatic gardens of Parc de Saône. This approximately 3.5 km circuit, with little elevation gain, allows for a great visit of this modern district.
Explore further: hills and trails around Lyon
For hiking enthusiasts, the Monts d’Or and Monts du Lyonnais offer natural circuits and trails with greater elevation gain. Download apps like Visorando or AllTrails to plan your itineraries.
These routes are easily accessible from Lyon thanks to the TCL network. Each hike offers breathtaking views over the Rhône Valley.
Extend the adventure: more circuit suggestions in Lyon
For those wishing to extend their hike in Lyon, other must-see routes exist. Feyssine Park trail, located northeast of the city, offers a unique nature experience. This park along the Rhône is ideal for mountain bikers and cyclists.
Don’t miss a visit to the Presqu’île district, with its Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux, and its many artworks and historic buildings. Take the Passage Thiaffait path in Croix-Rousse’s slopes to discover Lyonnais crafts.
The lively Jean Macé district is a great starting point for circuits towards Parc Blandan or the Gerland district. For avid hikers, downloading maps or itinerary apps is essential to discover new routes.
Whether for a cultural visit, a sporty hike, or a relaxing walk, Lyon and its surroundings offer an exceptional range of routes for all levels.
Conclusion
With its hills, riverbanks, historic districts, and many parks, Lyon is the perfect city for hiking. Whether you are an art lover, nature enthusiast, heritage explorer, or walker, you will be charmed.
Get ready for your Lyon tour, explore its passages and traboules, admire its spectacular views, and enjoy the best of hiking in Lyon and around the metropolitan area.
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