Cycle tour from city to nature

Route specs

• 99% cycle paths
• Circular route beginning on Place des Terreaux, Lyon
• Distance: 40 kilometres
• Altitude difference: 120 metres' ascending elevation (flat)
• Level: Easy, but if you’re cycling with children, make sure they are able to manage the distance.
• Estimated time to complete the route: 4 hours with breaks
• Departure and arrival: Place des Terreaux
• Suitable route for “special” bicycles: long-tail and cargo bikes, tandems, bike trailers for children or pets 

Komoot route map

The route will take you to Miribel Jonage, with a view of Mont Blanc (VL9), the bridge of Herbens across Jonage canal, the Réservoir du Grand-Large, a 160-hectare (395-acre) lake dedicated to water sports, the hydroelectric power station of Cusset, and the La Doua campus, before returning to Lyon via the park.

Route description

Neginning at Place des Terreaux, set off for a 40-km bike ride from city to nature. It begins in the heart of Lyon, opposite the Museum of Fine Arts. Next, it will take you past the Opera House, redesigned by Jean Nouvel, and then across the Rhône. 

Left bank of the Rhône: gradually leave the city behind as you enter the nature part of the trip. Go through Parc de la Feyssine, and then follow the ViaRhôna until you reach the entrance to Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, one of Europe’s largest urban parks (more than 2200 hectares, or 5400 acres, of protected nature). The park has children’s play areas, picnic areas, supervised beaches for bathing, and snack bars. 

When the weather is fine, you can see the peak of Mont Blanc as you enter the park.

Cycle along the white-gravel paths to enjoy the views of the lakes that shape the landscapes, particularly the bird observatory at the Lac des Eaux-Bleues.

A short section of the ViaRhôna will take you to the entrance of Iloz, a space dedicated to learning about the environment and the River Rhône. It is the starting point for many walks and bike rides that are accessible for all.  

The route then goes across the bridge of Herbens and on to the Réservoir du Grand-Large, a vast natural area dedicated to water sports. 

Cycling along the Anneau Bleu path takes you back towards Lyon along the Canal de Jonage. Before returning to Place des Terreaux, pass through the campus of La Doua and Lyon’s famous Tête d’Or park.