The Lyon Way leads walkers from Lyon to Le Puy-en-Velay, where it joins the Via Podiensis (Way of St James in France). Following the GR 765, this 190-kilometre trail crosses the Monts du Lyonnais and the Forez plateau, offering exceptional panoramas throughout.
Key features of the Lyon Way
- Official name: Lyon Way (Chemin de Lyon)
- GR trail: GR 765
- Total distance: 190 km
- Number of stages: 9
- Number of sections: 2
- Recommended season: spring, summer and autumn (April to October)
- Difficulty: Level 2 (on average, 5 hours of walking per day on undulating paths and trails, with no more than 600 m of cumulative elevation gain per day)
- Main sections: Lyon to Montbrison / Montbrison to Le Puy-en-Velay
- Recommended starting section: Lyon to Montbrison (4 days)
- Key points of interest: Lyon (the cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooking the city, and the Vieux Lyon district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Monts du Lyonnais with the medieval village of Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Saint-Galmier (a picturesque village known for the Badoit spring, its beautiful gardens and charming old streets), the Forez plain and its capital Montbrison, the Loire Valley, and Le Puy-en-Velay (the cathedral of Notre-Dame, the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, and the La Pèlerine agency)
- Departments crossed: Rhône, Loire, Haute-Loire
- Extension: from Le Puy-en-Velay, you can continue on the Via Podiensis
The Lyon Way offers a unique journey between history and nature. Starting from the banks of the Rhône and the urban heritage of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trail gradually enters the Monts du Lyonnais, alternating between green hills, hilltop villages and traditional farming landscapes. You then discover the valleys of the Forez, with their Romanesque churches, medieval castles and picturesque hamlets that bear witness to a rich cultural heritage. As you approach the plateaux of the Velay, the views open up to volcanic horizons and deep forests. The arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the great pilgrimage cities of France, is impressive, with its majestic cathedral set against a skyline of volcanic pinnacles. From this emblematic city, you can continue your journey on the celebrated Via Podiensis, one of the finest routes towards Santiago de Compostela.
Lyon Way stages
Lyon to Montbrison
The final and most challenging section of the Geneva Way crosses the Pilat Regional Natural Park and the high plateaux of the Massif Central before reaching Le Puy-en-Velay. You climb through dense forests to the Pilat ridges, then walk across the granite plateau of the Haut-Lignon before entering the volcanic landscapes of the Velay, with its distinctive rounded peaks known as "sucs". The trail ends in Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the great pilgrimage cities of France, where the cathedral, the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe and the statue of Notre-Dame de France form an unforgettable skyline.
| From | To | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon | Thurins | 22 km |
| Thurins | Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise | 20 km |
| Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise | Saint-Galmier | 15 km |
| Saint-Galmier | Saint-Romain-le-Puy | 21 km |
Total Distance : 78 km
Montbrison to Le Puy-en-Velay
This section begins on the Cluny Way as you leave the Loire Valley and enter the Monts du Forez. You rejoin the Loire gorges further upstream before reaching Le Puy-en-Velay and one of the four great French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, the Via Podiensis.
| From | To | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Montbrison | Marols | 22 km |
| Marols | Leignecq | 20 km |
| Leignecq | Retournac | 28 km |
| Retournac | Vorey-sur-Arzon | 21 km |
| Vorey-sur-Arzon | Le Puy-en-Velay | 27 km |
Distance Totale : 118 km
Tips for planning your walk on the Lyon Way
Best time to go
You can walk the Lyon Way on any date you choose between April and October. Here are a few seasonal tips:
- In spring (April to early May), the trail is very pleasant, with nature in bloom and mild temperatures. Mornings can be cool and rain is frequent, so you should pack waterproof gear. This is a lovely time if you enjoy quiet trails, as there are still few walkers. From May to June, this is one of the best times to set off: long days, generally fair weather and comfortable temperatures. The landscapes are green and walking conditions are ideal. The trail begins to be a little busier.
- In summer (July and August), the panoramas are at their best under clear skies. However, the heat can be tiring, especially on exposed sections, and accommodation can be in high demand. This is the busiest period.
- In early autumn (September and October), this is the other ideal time for walking. The heat subsides, the autumn light brings out the colours of the landscape, and the trails are quieter, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
The most challenging stages
- Leaving Lyon: the trail starts with several steep climbs as you cross the Monts du Lyonnais, with a tiring succession of ascents and descents.
- Around Montbrison: the approach to Montbrison can be demanding, with steep gradients and sections on tarmac. After Montbrison, the trail climbs steadily towards the foothills of the Forez, followed by long descents towards the Loire, sometimes on stony paths.
- Climb to the Velay plateau: sustained ascents offering beautiful views, followed by a rather demanding final descent into Le Puy-en-Velay.
Our favourite stages
- The Monts du Lyonnais: leaving the bustle of the city behind, you catch your first glimpse of rolling countryside, marking the transition from urban life to open farmland. Heritage and nature alternate, with fine panoramas over the Rhône and sometimes as far as the Alps.
- Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise to Saint-Galmier: a lovely undulating stage through villages of character, ending in Saint-Galmier, listed among the "Plus Beaux Détours de France" and renowned for the Badoit spring, its gardens and its charming old streets.
- Montbrison and the Forez plain: Montbrison is a small town with a rich medieval and Renaissance heritage. Along the way, do not miss the spectacular views over the Monts du Forez, with their alternating forests and plateaux.
- The Loire Valley: crossing the Loire is a memorable moment, with the river framed by hills that give it an almost wild character.
- Arriving in Le Puy-en-Velay: the arrival is spectacular. The city appears surrounded by its volcanic pinnacles, with the statue of Notre-Dame de France and the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe perched on its rock.
With Walks in France, your accommodation is booked in advance, your luggage is transferred between each stage, and you receive a detailed route book. You walk at your own pace, carrying nothing but a daypack.
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