Tour of the Hauts du Lyonnais Loop

The Tour of the Hauts du Lyonnais Loop is approximately 40 km (25 miles) long. Most cyclists complete it in about 3 hours and 15 minutes, depending on their pace and stops.

Yes, the route is largely considered accessible and suitable for various fitness levels, including families. It features gentle uphill and downhill slopes, and a unique 4 km stretch between Saint-Martin-en-Haut and Le Nezel is closed to traffic, offering a particularly safe experience.

The terrain consists mostly of paved surfaces like asphalt and cement, making it ideal for road bikes. You'll encounter gentle slopes as the route winds through the verdant hills of the Monts du Lyonnais.

You'll enjoy diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, deciduous forests, and cherry orchards. On clear days, viewpoints near Yzeron offer expansive views of the Rhône Valley and even the Alps in the distance.

Key highlights include the scenic Valley viewpoint, the challenging Col des Brosses, and the historic Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aveize. You'll also pass through charming towns like Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise and the hamlet of Rochefort, with opportunities to see ancient abbeys and medieval castles.

Yes, the Tour of the Hauts du Lyonnais Loop is part of a broader network of well-signposted cycling routes. It overlaps with sections of official trails such as Le Tour des Hauts du Lyonnais, Le circuit de l'Argentière, and Les 15 clochers, allowing you to combine it with other loops for longer excursions.

The route is enjoyable for much of the year, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the cherry orchards are in bloom or the leaves change color. Clear days provide the best views of the Rhône Valley and the Alps.

As this is a road cycling route primarily on paved surfaces, it's generally not ideal for dogs to accompany cyclists directly on the trail. If you plan to bring a dog, consider local regulations for pets in the Monts du Lyonnais region and look for designated dog-friendly areas or trails for walking off the main cycling path.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Tour of the Hauts du Lyonnais Loop. The route is freely accessible to the public within the Monts du Lyonnais region.

While specific parking areas aren't detailed, the loop can be accessed from various points, including towns like Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise or Sainte-Foy-l'Argentière. Look for public parking facilities within these towns to begin your ride. For more detailed logistical information, you can consult the local tourism office at montsdulyonnaistourisme.fr.

Yes, the route passes through several villages and towns, such as Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise and Saint-Martin-en-Haut, where you can find cafes, bakeries, and restaurants to refuel during your ride.