Collonges-Au-Mont-D'or: Waterways and Heritage

Collonges-Au-Mont-D'or offers a range of themes to help you plan your trip: historic water infrastructure, paths along the Saône and heritage dating back to the 5th century. Nature watching and an organic market are also among the town’s highlights. When making your choices, it is worth distinguishing between the activities on offer and the time estimates provided for them.

Discover waterways and nature

The Sentier de l’Eau is 4.2 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 120 metres and takes about one to two hours. Along the way, it showcases historic water infrastructure: fountains, cisterns, washhouses and aqueducts. The route thus combines a specific walking distance with insights into different ways of collecting and channeling water.

Another option is the “Sur les pistes de Collonges au Mont d’Or” trail game. It is also 4.2 kilometres long, takes about two hours and offers a chance to discover the flora and fauna of Collonges-Au-Mont-D'or. Both activities have the same stated route length, but their estimated durations differ. In terms of content, the Sentier de l’Eau focuses on historic water infrastructure, while the trail game puts biodiversity at the centre.

Parc de la Jonchère is open to everyone and can be reached on foot via rue du Pont. Check local access conditions before you arrive. A footpath of more than one kilometre runs along the banks of the Saône at Chemin des Castors. Traces of beavers can be seen there. The riverside route therefore combines a walk by the water with a specific nature theme, without requiring you to spot the animals themselves.

Espace nature Aquaria also explores the theme of water: its garden includes the Tourvéon spring, a fountain and a cistern. Together with the water features along the Sentier de l’Eau, it illustrates the range of water sites and structures to be found here.

Church history and culture

Eglise Saint Nizier du Vieux Collonges has not been used as a church since 1845. Its history goes back further: in the 5th century, an oratory dedicated to Saint Clair was built there. It later became a parish church under the patronage of Saint Nizier. These two stages—the oratory and the later parish church—give the church a long religious history, although it has not been used as a church since 1845.

Guided tours of Eglise Saint Nizier du Vieux Collonges take place every year during the European Heritage Days. Concerts or exhibitions are also held there regularly. Since these events take place on specific dates or as part of recurring programmes, check the dates before your visit. Another historical aspect is the collection of bourgeois houses set in large wooded parks, built in Collonges-Au-Mont-D'or by wealthy residents of Lyon.

Market and trip planning

Marché Biologique de Collonges-Au-Mont-D'or is 100 percent organic. Its offerings include goat’s and sheep’s cheese, fruit, coulis, juices and jams, vegetables and bread, as well as beef, veal and pork. There are also artisan-made charcuterie, eggs, poultry, fish, wine and aromatic plants. If the market is part of your trip plans, confirm in advance that it is open and check what is currently on offer.

The different themes can be organised according to your interests and available time: if you are interested in historic water infrastructure, the Sentier de l’Eau’s fountains, cisterns, washhouses and aqueducts are the specific places to visit; for nature watching, you could look for the described beaver traces at Chemin des Castors or take the trail game focused on local flora and fauna. The church adds religious history and cultural events held on specific dates to the options. This allows you to plan your trip around the places and themes that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Feyzin, Tassin-La-Demi-Lune, Ambérieux, Charnay, Vénissieux, Craponne, Le Bois-D'oingt, Charbonnières-Les-Bains

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.