Discover Saint-Cyr-Les-Vignes

Saint-Cyr-les-Vignes lies at the transition between the landscapes of the Plaine du Forez and the foothills of the Monts du Lyonnais. A range of interests can come together in your travel plans: a hike with viewpoints, a mountain bike ride, châteaux and church history, and a farm visit focused on ice cream. When looking for a hotel, you can tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on outdoor activities, architectural history or a specific visit.

Hiking and mountain biking

The Sentier Entre plaine et monts starts in Saint-Cyr-les-Vignes. This moderately difficult hike is 11 km long and takes about three hours. It passes through the Bois de Sury and offers viewpoints over the Monts du Forez. GPX and KML files are available to export to a GPS device or another navigation device.

The N°32 Les étangs mountain bike route is an easy 9 km trail that takes one hour. It runs along paths and wooded lanes towards the hamlet of Montchal and through Sury in the plain. Along the way, it offers a panorama of the Plaine du Forez and its ponds. If you are choosing based on the time required, compare a moderately difficult hike of about three hours with an easy one-hour mountain bike ride; for the scenery, compare viewpoints over the Monts du Forez with a panorama of the Plaine du Forez and its ponds.

Ponds and local history

The ponds visible along the mountain bike route are artificial bodies of water. They were created in the 17th century on marshy, uncultivated land and were originally associated with the economic activity of fish farming. Their present-day landscape therefore also reflects a specific historical use.

Châteaux and church history

The Château de la Sauvardière is still surrounded by fortifications today. The Château du marquis de Poncin is a château from the modern period and has an extensive estate. The two buildings have different features: one is surrounded by fortifications, while the other is distinguished by its historical period and the size of its estate.

In 984, the Église Saint-Cyr et Saint Julitte belonged to the holdings of the Primatiale de Lyon. This date adds a specific historical reference to the church to the history of the châteaux.

Farm visit and waterways

During a visit to the Ferme des Délices Foréziens, visitors learn how ice cream is made; the visit ends with an ice cream tasting. This combines an insight into the production process with the chance to sample the product.

The Toranche has interesting potential for fishing and is home to numerous minnows, gudgeons and trout.

Discover more destinations: Ambierle, Marcoux, Lorette, Chandon, Saint-Régis-Du-Coin, Juré, Savigneux, Veauche

For the regional travel overview: Loire.