Best attractions and places to see around Poule-Les-Écharmeaux include a blend of natural features and historical sites in the Rhône department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Situated in the Beaujolais Vert area, the village is known for its extensive forests, the source of the Azergues river, and a 1.32-hectare lake. The surrounding landscape features prominent peaks like Roche d'Ajoux and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration on its nearly 70 kilometers of marked trails. This area provides a variety of viewpoints…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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The roof of the Rhône, beautiful view of the upper Beaujolais
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Ferme Sainte-Marie, located in the commune of Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, is a place rich in history and heritage. Perched on the heights, it offers a splendid view of the surrounding valleys, particularly those of Beaujolais. This estate originally belonged to the lords of Beaujeu, an influential medieval lineage. Over the centuries, the farm changed hands, and in 1680, François de la Chaise acquired it, keeping it in his family for several generations. Today, Ferme Sainte-Marie is also known for its leisure activities, such as hiking. Several trails allow you to discover the landscapes while appreciating the local fauna and flora. A popular hike starts from the center of the village of Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, going up to the farm via viewpoints such as the Trou du Loup. These hikes offer an excellent way to explore nature while learning about local history and agricultural traditions. The farm also played a role during the Second World War, with resistance fighters carrying out actions there, including ambushes against the occupying forces. This historical connection reinforces the importance of Ferme Sainte-Marie as a place of remembrance in the context of Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne. For visitors, it is a place of natural beauty and a historic site to explore, combining history, nature and culture.
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Great area for a vacation. We recommend.
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The Croix des Forces offers a beautiful panorama to the east, towards the Rhône valley. It overlooks the village of Quincié-en-Beaujolais and a picnic table is set up nearby.
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The highest point of the Rhône 1009m above sea level, beautiful view at the top of the tower
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Nice climb with big percentages towards the end. In good weather, you can see Mont Blanc from the Tower.
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“Each of these crosses can tell its own story and what motivated people to build “their” cross on this spot. (...) These crosses were erected as visible signs and attract the attention of many people. The cross is a symbol of life. It stands as a sign of our Christian hope and wants to direct our gaze to Jesus Christ, who conquered death (…). The cross is part of our lives, just as it was part of the life of Jesus. So I hope that many people ... visit the crosses, whether as places of silence and taking a breath before God, whether as places of community gathering, prayer and praise of God. (Text source: Dean Rainald M. Ollig in: “Crosses... Small sacred monuments as signs of popular piety”)
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The region boasts significant natural beauty. You can discover the source of the Azergues river, which gives the village its name, and enjoy the peaceful 1.32-hectare Plan d'eau (lake) equipped for fishing. The area is also largely wooded, with extensive forests covering 65% of the commune, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration. Prominent peaks like Roche d'Ajoux (973 meters) and Croix de Fer (850 meters) provide magnificent viewpoints.
For breathtaking vistas, visit the Rochefort Cross, situated at 888 meters, offering views of the Beaujolais mountains and, on clear days, the Alps. Mount Saint-Rigaud also provides an unobstructed panorama of the region. Additionally, the Cross of Forces offers a beautiful panorama towards the Rhône valley, overlooking the village of Quincié-en-Beaujolais. The Roche d'Ajoux peak is another excellent spot for scenic views.
Yes, Poule-les-Écharmeaux is an excellent destination for hiking, with nearly 70 kilometers of permanently marked trails. You can find routes like the 'La Roche d'Ajoux' trail, which is considered moderate. For a comprehensive list of routes and their difficulties, explore the Hiking around Poule-Les-Écharmeaux guide.
The region offers diverse cycling routes, from challenging climbs to scenic loops. You can find routes like the 'Small bridge over the Sornin – Paddle Boats on the Grass loop' or the 'Col des Aillets (715 m) loop'. For more details on routes and their difficulty, refer to the Cycling around Poule-Les-Écharmeaux guide.
Absolutely. Poule-les-Écharmeaux and its surroundings are well-suited for mountain biking. Trails range from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Crie Pass – Col de Crie, 622 m loop' or the 'Col du Fût d'Avenas – Rochefort Cross loop'. Discover more options in the MTB Trails around Poule-Les-Écharmeaux guide.
Poule-les-Écharmeaux is home to two churches, one in the town center with a Romanesque choir dating back to the 12th century. You can also visit Ferme Sainte-Marie in Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, a historical site perched on the heights offering splendid views and a rich past tied to the lords of Beaujeu and the French Resistance. Additionally, nearby picturesque villages like Oingt, recognized as one of the prettiest in the region, are worth exploring.
Yes, families can enjoy fishing at the beautiful Plan d'eau (lake). The village also features a multi-sports city-stadium with tennis courts and children's games. Several viewpoints, such as Mount Saint-Rigaud and the Cross of Forces, are accessible and offer pleasant outings for all ages.
The region is ideal for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. The warmer months offer pleasant conditions for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lake. The extensive forests provide shade during summer, while spring and autumn showcase beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures for exploration.
For overnight stays, Poule-les-Écharmeaux offers a two-star municipal campsite with 24 pitches located near the lake. Additionally, the village and surrounding areas provide various accommodation options, including gîtes and bed & breakfasts.
Yes, Poule-les-Écharmeaux has local shops and services, including restaurants and cafes. Visitors can also explore local producers in the village and the surrounding areas to discover regional specialties.
The beautiful 1.32-hectare Plan d'eau (lake) in Poule-les-Écharmeaux is equipped for fishing, offering a peaceful spot for this activity.
Yes, the surrounding area features charming villages. Theizé is a pleasant detour for those exploring the Beaujolais wine region, and Oingt is particularly noteworthy, recognized as one of the prettiest villages in the region due to its significant renovation and charm.


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