Top 5 Natural Monuments around Saint-Martin-En-Haut

The region offers several significant natural monuments and viewpoints. You can visit the Granite Outcrop View for expansive scenery, or the Crêt de la Madone, a viewpoint with a religious statue and a pleasant rest area. Another prominent spot is Le Signal de Saint André, one of the highest points in the Monts du Lyonnais, offering a belvedere overlooking the valley.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Le Signal de Saint André, which is 934 meters high and provides a belvedere. The Granite Outcrop View also offers unobstructed vistas, and you can climb on the rocks for an even better perspective. The Signal Tower of Saint André, mentioned in regional research, is another excellent spot for views of the mountains, Lyon, and the Rhône plain.

Yes, Le Signal de Saint André is not only a summit but also a historical site, commemorating the work of geographer César-François Cassini de Thury. Additionally, the region around Saint-Martin-en-Haut, particularly near the Crêt de la Poipe, is known for its megalithic sites and chaotic rocky formations like Rochefort, La Roche Gardière, and La Roche des Hayes, which are significant geological features.

The natural monuments are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and cycling through the surrounding valleys and woods. For specific routes, explore the hiking trails around Saint-Martin-En-Haut, cycling routes, or the MTB trails.

Several natural spots are suitable for families. The Crêt de la Madone offers a pleasant rest area. The Granite Outcrop View is also considered easy to do with children. For an educational experience, the Sentier Découverte et Botanique (Discovery and Botanical Trail) features information panels about local flora and fauna. Parc Mon Roc, a wooded park near the village, provides space for relaxation and play areas.

The highest point in the Monts du Lyonnais is Crêt Malherbe, reaching an altitude of 943 meters. While Le Signal de Saint André is also one of the highest points at 934 meters, Crêt Malherbe slightly surpasses it.

Yes, there are several trails. For instance, a moderate 8.2 km loop, "Le Signal de Saint André – Signal St André (at 934m) loop from Saint-Martin-en-Haut," takes you to Le Signal de Saint André. You can find more options, including easy and moderate routes, on the hiking guide for Saint-Martin-En-Haut.

Visitors particularly appreciate the expansive and unobstructed views from spots like the Granite Outcrop View, often climbing the rocks for a better perspective. The pleasant rest area and the religious statue at Crêt de la Madone are also highly valued, especially after a hike. The historical significance and panoramic belvedere of Le Signal de Saint André also receive positive feedback.

Yes, the Sentier Découverte et Botanique (Discovery and Botanical Trail) is an educational option. It features 16 information panels that cover various aspects of nature, including local shrubs, trees, wildlife like foxes, and ecological conditions, providing an engaging way to learn about the local environment.

The terrain around Saint-Martin-En-Haut is diverse, characterized by valleys, woods, and elevated points. You can expect a mix of paths, some of which might be steep in descent, as noted for the Granite Outcrop View. The region offers varied landscapes suitable for hiking and mountain biking, with some summits providing clear, accessible paths.

Yes, the Crêt de la Madone is a natural monument and viewpoint featuring a large religious statue of the Blessed Mother Mary. It serves as a significant point for those coming from Yzeron and offers a pleasant rest area. Additionally, the Châtelus Castle and Virgin's Fountain includes a religious building and a fountain.

Yes, the Crêt de la Madone is described as a pleasant rest area. Additionally, Parc Mon Roc, a large wooded park near the village center, offers a dedicated space for relaxation and picnics, complete with play areas.