Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières - Top 20

Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières offers several historical landmarks. You can visit the Église Saint-Barthélémy, which was reconstructed in the 19th century on older Romanesque foundations. The Castel de la Sablière, with sections dating back to the 12th century, was once the residence of Jacques D'Albon. Additionally, the Fort de Chapoly is another notable historical site, and archaeological discoveries at "les Hautprés" revealed foundations of a 2nd-century BC Gallo-Roman villa.

Yes, the region boasts several excellent viewpoints. Mont Thou is a popular destination offering magnificent panoramic views of the Saône or Rhône valley. Another must-see is Col de la Luère, a mountain pass at 715 meters above sea level, providing spectacular vistas of the surrounding Lyonnais mountains. You can also find a lovely perspective of Île Barbe from the View of Île Barbe.

The commune is rich in natural beauty, featuring 42 hectares of classified wooded areas and 90 hectares of natural spaces. You can enjoy scenic walks alongside the Ribes, Ratier, and Méginand Streams. The "Sentier du Ribes et du Ratier" is a popular 8.8 km loop that takes about 2 hours, passing a Roman bridge and showcasing typical Lyonnais valley landscapes. The "Sentier du Bois des Roches" offers an easy, well-marked trail through lush forests with panoramic views.

The area around Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières is ideal for various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like the "Attention ! loop from Saint-Genis-les-Ollières" or the "Glade by the river – Chemin de la source loop from Tassin-la-Demi-Lune." Cyclists can tackle challenging routes such as the "Col de la Luère (714 m) – Malval Pass (732 m) loop from Grézieu-la-Varenne." There are also several running trails, including "The banks of the Yzeron." You can find more details and routes in the dedicated guides for hiking, cycling, and running.

Yes, the region offers options for families. The Col de la Luère is categorized as family-friendly, offering beautiful views that can be enjoyed by all. Easy walking trails like the "Sentier du Bois des Roches" are suitable for leisurely strolls with children. Additionally, the circuit discovering the Ratier, Méginand, and Ribes streams features an interactive "Jeux de regards" animation along the Ribes, which can be engaging for younger visitors.

Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières hosts several cultural events throughout the year. The Espace Culturel l'Escale - Salle Jean Bonnefond serves as a venue for various community events. The annual contemporary music festival "Changez d'air" is an essential event held in the commune. You can also experience local life at the markets on Thursdays and Sundays, and the village celebrates its annual festival on the first weekend of July. In December, the commune participates in the famous Fête des Lumières.

Yes, you can discover regional produce and Lyonnaise specialties at the local market, which takes place on Thursdays and Sundays. This is a great opportunity to experience the local culinary scene and support local vendors.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like Mont Thou, which offers continuous vistas of the Saône or Rhône valley. The diverse hiking and cycling opportunities, such as those around Col de la Luère, are also highly rated. The blend of historical landmarks and natural landscapes provides a rich and varied experience for explorers.

Yes, the Croix-Rousse Tunnel (Cycle path) in Lyon, though slightly outside the immediate commune, is known for its cool light installations and sound paintings along its 1.7 km length. It often features projected videos during city events like the Fête des Lumières and the dance biennale, making it a unique experience for cyclists.

The Saône Gorge Promenade - St. Vincent Footbridge offers a picturesque and historic pedestrian walkway along the Saône river. It provides beautiful views of Old Lyon, the Fourvière hill, and numerous historic buildings, including the primatiale of Saint-Jean and the old Palace of Justice. While bikes need to be carried up stairs at the footbridge, the promenade itself is a delightful walk.

The region can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for enjoying cultural festivals and local markets. The commune also participates in the Fête des Lumières in December, offering a unique winter experience.