Irigny: Culture, the Rhône and Hiking Trails

Irigny combines historic buildings with paths through the landscapes along the Rhône and on the Plateau des Étangs. For planning your trip, the two hikes described here offer different time commitments: one crosses the Plateau d’Irigny, while the other connects the riverbanks with higher ground. Theatre and historic sites are also among the features that define Irigny.

Choose a Hike by Time and Distance

The Plateau d’Irigny hike is 4.82 km long and takes an average of about 1 hour and 25 minutes. It is almost flat, considered easy, and offers a lovely view of Lyon. This sets it apart in terms of time from the “De berges en plateaux” route: this one is 10.8 km long and described as a half-day hike taking 2 hours and 50 minutes. It leads to the plateau west of Irigny and has an elevation gain of 127 m, with very little variation in elevation along the route.

When comparing the routes, their lengths and stated durations provide a practical guide for planning your time; the longer route is also the one with a specifically stated elevation gain. The Plateau d’Irigny hike starts and ends at Parking de Boutan. TCL bus routes 15 and 18 serve the Champvillard stop. Check current bus services before travelling, and pay attention to trail conditions and signage on site.

Historic Buildings in Irigny

Fort de Montcorin was built between 1879 and 1881 as part of the defensive belt around the city of Lyon. Château des Archevêques has a longer history: Renaud du Forez had it built in the 12th century. Its described features include a large tower housing the municipal library, a high wall or curtain wall, and a turret with battlements. Thus, the fort is noted for its construction period and connection to Lyon’s defences, while the château stands out for its medieval origins and individual architectural features.

Lavoir de la Combe is also associated with a specific date and location: it was built in 1831 on the bed of the Venières stream. The Romanesque chapel of Saint-Martin is another part of Irigny’s historic heritage. Alongside the fort and château, these sites offer a range of historical points of interest, from a chapel and washhouse to fortifications and château architecture.

The Rhône Riverbanks and the Plateau des Étangs

In Irigny, a 1,400 m path runs along the right bank of the Rhône between the Vieux Port and Les Selettes. Here, you can experience the wildlife and plant life preserved and enhanced by SMIRIL. Another perspective on the landscape comes from the La Cadette terrace, with its wide panorama over the Rhône Valley. These two descriptions offer different impressions: a walk along the river and a view from the named viewpoint.

The Plateau des Étangs is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS) because of its landscape, ecological, fauna, flora and agricultural richness. Irigny works with Charly, Vernaison and Saint-Genis-Laval, as well as the Métropole de Lyon, to preserve and enhance the area’s natural and agricultural spaces. This combination of landscapes, wildlife, plant life and agriculture gives the plateau a different focus from the path along the Rhône.

Theatre and Cultural Programme

The municipal theatre Le Sémaphore presents an annual programme of varied performances and themed events. As the programme changes from season to season, check current dates if you are planning a theatre visit. This lets you tailor the cultural part of your trip to specific events, while the buildings and landscapes described here offer further independent ways to explore Irigny.

Discover more destinations: Brullioles, Pont-Trambouze, Beaujeu, Lucenay, Les Halles, Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, Juliénas, Saint-Apollinaire.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.