Attractions and Places To See around Les Sauvages - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Les Sauvages, a commune in the Rhône department, offers a preserved natural environment at an altitude of 723 meters on the Atlantic/Mediterranean watershed line. The area features historical landmarks, natural beauty, and unique points of interest. Visitors can explore forests, paths, and meadows, which host diverse flora and fauna. The region provides opportunities for stargazing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Best attractions and places to see around Les Sauvages
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Lac des Sapins
Highlight • Lake
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Croix de Paisselay
Highlight • Monument
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Col de la Croix des Fourches
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Beaujolais Vert Wind Farm
Highlight • Structure
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Pilon Pass (727 m)
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
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Tips from the Community
Some might pass by this small, sacred monument without a second glance, but perhaps a passing biker might pause for a moment before the cross and, in keeping with ancient custom, utter a "Praised be Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ died for us on the cross, for the Son of God took this death upon himself out of love for us. Christiane Völkel offers a further reflection on this: "I have discovered that it benefits my relationship with God to at least be ready for those moments when God needs me to express his love [today]."
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Starting point for many hikes in the surrounding area, it hosts the Valsonne drummer festival.
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Even using the cycle lane I don't feel safe: heavy road traffic and a circuit popular with motorbikes which overtake you at very high speed.
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The Beaujolais Vert wind farm is the 1st wind farm in the Rhône department. It is made up of four wind turbines and can meet the annual electricity consumption of 13,000 people. Four years of study were necessary to build this park with respect for the environment.
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A rolling pass but with a lot of traffic including some heavy goods vehicles. A wide cycle lane allows cyclists to climb in safety. However I advise to take another pass to make the junction, for example to use the road between the cassettes and the pestle on a false uphill slope.
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Junction between the Col des Sauvages, Cassettes, Pilon and many mountain bike trails. We can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding forests and great tranquility on a very small road, it is literally peace.
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This is the must-see in the surroundings, a magnificent tour of the lake perfectly laid out, with a dyke side and a beach side, you go from one setting to another on the same tour. Around the lake: 4.4km The largest biological swimming pool in Europe has come to rejuvenate and renew the attraction for this place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Les Sauvages?
Les Sauvages is known for its preserved natural environment, including expansive forests, paths, and meadows. A prominent natural attraction is Lac des Sapins, an artificial lake surrounded by forests, offering opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The village itself is situated on the Col des Sauvages, a key geographical pass.
Are there any historical or architectural landmarks to visit in Les Sauvages?
Yes, the village features the historic Église Saint-Pierre du Village. Additionally, the Tunnel des Sauvages is a remarkable engineering feat from the 19th century, being one of the largest railway construction sites of its time. While not directly in Les Sauvages, the Beaujolais Vert Wind Farm is a modern man-made structure of interest, being the first wind farm in the Rhône department.
What outdoor activities are popular in the Les Sauvages area?
The natural landscape around Les Sauvages is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking through the forests and paths. Lac des Sapins is a popular spot for swimming and serves as a starting point for mountain bike trails. The Croix de Paisselay also marks a junction for several mountain biking routes.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Les Sauvages?
Absolutely. Lac des Sapins is a great family destination, offering swimming, a sandy beach, and picnicking areas. The Astronomical Observatory and its club (CAOS) also offer observation sessions suitable for adults and children aged 10 and above, providing a unique educational experience.
Where can I go hiking or cycling near Les Sauvages?
The region offers numerous trails for both hiking and cycling. For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Forest Trail loop from Les Sauvages' or the 'Beaujolais Vert Wind Farm loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Beaujolais Vert Loop from Tarare' or the 'Lac des Sapins – Fir Lake loop'. You can find more detailed routes and guides for hiking and cycling around Les Sauvages.
What is the Astronomical Observatory in Les Sauvages and what does it offer?
The Observatoire Astronomique in Les Sauvages is equipped with a 400 mm Newtonian telescope and is home to the Club d'Astronomie de l'Observatoire des Sauvages (CAOS). The club aims to share a passion for the sky and regularly offers observation sessions, inviting both adults and children (aged 10 and above) to explore the night sky.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Les Sauvages?
Visitors particularly appreciate the preserved natural environment and the tranquility it offers. The Lac des Sapins is loved for its beautiful natural setting, swimming, and picnicking opportunities. The Croix de Paisselay is noted for its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views of the surrounding forests.
Are there any viewpoints offering scenic vistas in the area?
Yes, the Croix de Paisselay provides picturesque views of the surrounding forests. The village's elevated position at 723 meters on the Atlantic/Mediterranean watershed line also offers scenic views of the natural environment.
What is the significance of the Col des Sauvages?
The Col des Sauvages is the pass on which the village is located, at an altitude of 723 meters. It is a significant geographical feature, marking the Atlantic/Mediterranean watershed line, and contributes to the area's preserved natural environment and scenic views.
Can I find information about the Tunnel des Sauvages?
The Tunnel des Sauvages is a significant railway tunnel, built between 1863 and 1868. At approximately 2,940 meters long, it was a remarkable engineering achievement for its time. It allowed trains to cross the Col des Sauvages, and its steep ramps historically required multiple locomotives. More historical details can be found on Wikipedia.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around Les Sauvages?
The terrain around Les Sauvages features a mix of forests, paths, and meadows. Mountain passes like Col de la Croix des Fourches offer gradual ascents with steeper percentages in sections, often through forested areas. Trails around the Beaujolais Vert Wind Farm are typically gravel paths, suitable for mountain biking.
Most popular attractions around Les Sauvages
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