4.4
(457)
4,582
riders
88
rides
Touring cycling around Villeurbanne offers a diverse landscape, from flat riverbanks to rolling hills. The region is characterized by its extensive network of cycle paths along the Rhône and Saône rivers, providing access to urban green spaces and natural reserves. Cyclists can explore areas like Parc de la Feyssine and the vast Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, which features lakes and preserved nature. For more challenging rides, the northern hills of Lyon present varied terrain with moderate ascents.
Last updated: November 4, 2026
4.4
(134)
990
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.6
(100)
573
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.5
(43)
371
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.6
(25)
279
riders
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.5
(22)
211
riders
40.7km
02:29
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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The work is soberly titled Ici. It is a monumental fountain sculpture designed by the Swiss visual artist Ugo Rondinone. It is a massive structure weighing nearly 12 tons and measuring six meters high, cast in round gravel concrete. The sculpture takes the form of a silhouette that is both primitive and contemporary, evoking the deep links between man and nature, a recurring and central theme in the work of Ugo Rondinone.
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A 140-meter-long "soft mobility" bridge that spans the Jonage canal and connects Vaulx-en-Velin to Décines-Charpieu, facilitating access to the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. It was inaugurated in October 2013.
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Le Grand Parc Miribel Jonage is one of the largest peri-urban natural parks in Europe, spanning 2,200 hectares of preserved nature at the gates of Lyon. Located on an island formed by the Miribel and Jonage canals, this multifunctional site serves as a green lung for the Lyon metropolitan area, a flood control zone for the Rhône river, and a strategic drinking water reservoir. It is the go-to destination for locals in Lyon for water sports, cycling, and outdoor relaxation.
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Le Grand Parc Miribel Jonage has several fords and crossing points (for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles) whose condition and real-time status can be checked on the Grand Parc's mobility tracking page.
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Classified as a protected area (ZNIEFF type II), it is home to numerous wooded islands (such as Île des Castors or Île aux Tortues) and serves as an ornithological refuge for grey herons and great crested grebes.
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The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage is one of the largest peri-urban natural parks in Europe, spanning 2,200 hectares of preserved nature at the gates of Lyon. Located on an island formed by the Miribel and Jonage canals, this multifunctional site serves as a green lung for the Lyon metropolitan area, a flood control zone for the Rhône, and a strategic drinking water reservoir. It is the go-to spot for locals in Lyon for water sports, cycling, and outdoor relaxation.
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The Morlet ford (located near the tailrace and the Miribel canal) is a well-known crossing point for walkers, cyclists, and mountain bikers within the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. It connects sections of paths and tracks between the tailrace, the Morlet area, and the lakes of the large park (such as the Lac des Eaux Bleues).
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The Lac du Grand Large (or Grand-Large reservoir) is an artificial lake of about 150 hectares located in the east of Lyon, straddling the communes of Décines-Charpieu and Meyzieu. Created at the end of the 19th century during the development of the Jonage canal, it historically serves as a reservoir for the Cusset hydroelectric power plant in Villeurbanne. Today, it is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in the Lyon metropolitan area.
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There are over 80 touring cycling routes around Villeurbanne, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews.
The region offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You'll find flat, scenic rides along the Rhône and Saône riverbanks, through urban green spaces like Feyssine Park, and within the expansive Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. For those seeking more challenge, the northern hills of Lyon and areas like Mont Thou present varied terrain with moderate ascents.
Yes, many routes are suitable for families. The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage is particularly well-suited, offering extensive natural areas and dedicated cycling paths. Urban parks like Feyssine Park also provide accessible and safe environments for leisurely family rides.
You can explore various natural and urban attractions. Along the Rhône, you'll find Feyssine Park, a significant urban natural park. The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage features large lakes like Lac des Eaux-Bleues. For panoramic views, routes leading to Mont Thou offer breathtaking vistas of the Saône or Rhône valley and even the Alps. You might also pass through the Croix-Rousse Tunnel (Cycle path) for a unique urban experience.
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For instance, the "Rhône Riverbanks – Parc des Berges Nord loop from Gratte-Ciel" offers scenic views along the Rhône River. Another popular option is the "Blue Waters Lake – Jonage Canal loop from Gratte-Ciel", which takes you through canal-side paths and past the lake.
Spring and autumn are generally considered the most pleasant seasons for cycling in the Villeurbanne region. The temperatures are mild, making for ideal conditions to explore the outdoor landscapes.
Villeurbanne is well-integrated into the Lyon metropolitan area's public transport network. Many routes, such as the "Jonage Canal – Ain/Rhône confluence loop from Charpennes - Charles Hernu (Ligne B)", start near public transport hubs, making them easily accessible without a car. The "Voies Lyonnaises" also offer wide and secure cycle paths connecting Villeurbanne to surrounding towns.
Absolutely. For more challenging rides, you can explore routes in the northern hills of Lyon or the Monts d'Or massif. The "Le Grand Large – Jonage Canal and Grand Large loop from Laurent Bonnevay - Astroballe" is a difficult 104.6 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, exploring extensive canal systems and large lake areas.
While specific bike-friendly cafes aren't listed, the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage area, being a major recreational hub, offers various facilities including cafes and restaurants. Additionally, the urban routes through Villeurbanne and Lyon provide ample opportunities to stop at local eateries.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil riverbanks and expansive urban parks to the more challenging hilly terrains. The extensive network of cycle paths and the blend of urban and natural environments are frequently highlighted as key attractions.
Yes, for routes accessing larger natural areas like Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, parking facilities are generally available. For urban routes, you can often find parking near the starting points, though public transport access is also a convenient option.


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