The best cycling routes in Métropole de Lyon

Métropole de Lyon offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 1300 options available. These routes cater to all levels, from easy, flat paths to more challenging ascents.

The region offers diverse terrain. You'll find extensive, relatively flat cycle paths along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, including sections of the ViaRhôna. Large urban parks like Grand Parc Miribel Jonage and Parc de la Tête d'Or provide protected natural areas with varied, often flat, paths. For more challenging rides with significant elevation gains, the Monts d'Or massif to the north offers rolling countryside and forest paths.

Yes, Métropole de Lyon has numerous easy routes, with nearly 500 options available. A great example is Le Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage — gravel loop from Le Belvédère, an easy 14.8-mile (23.9 km) trail exploring the expansive urban park on gravel paths. Another easy option is the Blue Waters Lake – Jonage Canal loop from Croix-Rousse, which is 16.3 miles (26.2 km) long.

For those seeking more challenging rides, the Monts d'Or massif to the north of Lyon offers routes with substantial elevation changes. An example is the Descent of Mont Verdun – Verdun Pass loop from Jean Macé, a difficult 27.5-mile (44.3 km) route with nearly 900 meters of ascent. Another difficult option is the Descent of Mont Verdun – Verdun Pass loop from Valmy, which covers 48.5 miles (78.1 km) and features over 1500 meters of climbing.

Absolutely. The region is very cycling-friendly, with many routes suitable for families. The ViaRhôna, which passes through Lyon, offers easy biking with car-free sections, playgrounds, and water points. Urban parks like Parc de la Tête d'Or feature an 8-kilometer safe cycling loop, a lake, and a zoo, making it ideal for family outings. Grand Parc Miribel Jonage also provides relatively flat paths suitable for various bikes and offers opportunities for picnicking.

You'll encounter a variety of natural beauty. Routes along the Rhône and Saône rivers offer pleasant, shaded paths and views of the city's historic architecture. Grand Parc Miribel Jonage features lakes like Lac des Eaux-Bleues and extensive protected nature. The Canal de Jonage offers a landscaped greenway with wetlands and bird species, leading to the Réservoir du Grand-Large. For panoramic views, routes in the Monts d'Or massif can offer vistas over the Rhône valley and, on clear days, the Alps.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Métropole de Lyon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Saône River – View of Île Barbe loop from Lyon-Saint-Paul, a moderate 21.2-mile (34.1 km) route, and the View of Île Barbe – Estacade de Trévoux loop from Croix-Rousse, a moderate 31.3-mile (50.3 km) ride.

Many routes pass by or near interesting landmarks and natural features. Along the Saône River, you can see Île Barbe Bridge and the peaceful island itself. Routes near Grand Parc Miribel Jonage might take you past Grand Brotteau Peninsula, Lac des Eaux Bleues or Le Grand Large. For cultural sites, routes within Lyon can lead to historic districts, the Basilica of Fourvière, or the Cathédrale Saint-Jean. For more natural highlights, you can explore peaks like Mont Thou or Mount Cindre.

Métropole de Lyon is well-equipped for cyclists. The city has an extensive Vélo'v bike-sharing system with 5,000 bikes across 428 stations, making it convenient for short excursions. Many routes are accessible from various points within the city, often near public transport hubs. For routes further afield, you can typically find parking near the starting points of major parks or trailheads. The region is committed to developing green routes and connections, ensuring good accessibility.

The Métropole de Lyon is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. Spring (April-May) offers mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Summer (June-August) is warm, ideal for enjoying riverbanks and parks, though it can be hot. Autumn (September-October) provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. While cycling is possible year-round, winter can be colder and wetter, so check weather conditions.

Yes, Métropole de Lyon is a key point on the ViaRhôna, an 815 km cycling route connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, offering extensive long-distance touring opportunities. Within the local area, routes like the Le Grand Large – Jonage Canal and Grand Large loop from Laurent Bonnevay - Astroballe cover a significant distance of 65 miles (104.6 km), making it suitable for a longer day trip.

The touring cycling routes in Métropole de Lyon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 3,300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the peaceful riverbanks to the expansive urban parks, and the well-developed cycling infrastructure. The variety of routes, catering to different skill levels and offering both natural beauty and cultural landmarks, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.