Les Sauvages: Hiking, Climbing and Culture

Discover Les Sauvages through several specific destinations: hiking trails pass through hamlets and lead to viewpoints, Circuit 17 goes as far as Lac des Sapins, and Notre-Dame de La Roche adds a historic touch. If you are looking for a hotel, your planned activities can help determine the focus of your stay.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Route

The Circuit de Rechagny is a family-friendly loop that starts at the town hall square in Les Sauvages. It passes through the hamlets of Le Brandon and Rechagny, then reaches an observatory and a model aircraft strip. On the way back, the route crosses the Prés de Sienne grounds. There you will find a picnic area, a barbecue, a City-Stade and a boules court. The loop thus connects several named stops with leisure areas along the way.

The Circuit Atlantique explores the western side of the commune and offers views of the Alps and the Château de Rochefort. Unlike the hamlets and facilities along the Circuit de Rechagny, the views are the defining feature here. One quantified hike is the 12-kilometre GR®7 loop from Col du Pin Bouchain to Tour Matagrin; it is rated moderate. The GR®7 hiking route can be walked year-round, provided snow and weather conditions are favourable. Before setting out, check the current rating and the snow and weather conditions.

Circuit 17 can also be understood by following its route: from Les Sauvages, it climbs to the wind turbines, then follows the GR7 towards Col du Pilon and continues as far as Lac des Sapins. This route therefore offers a different sequence of stops from the loops that name their stops within the commune.

Notre-Dame de La Roche and Annual Traditions

At Notre-Dame de La Roche, a 4.5-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary, made of black Volvic stone in 1861, stands on a rocky outcrop. Right beside it is a stone Way of the Cross with fourteen stations set on boulders. The monument is open to visitors year-round; check access information before your trip. The statue and the Way of the Cross are immediately adjacent and can be viewed as two parts of the same visit.

Recurring events are also associated with the area. The Fête des Bleus takes place every year on the Sunday after 15 August at Notre-Dame de La Roche. Les Sauvages also holds an annual Marian pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de La Roche. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates in advance.

Climbing and Blueberries

The natural climbing area at Pin Bouchain is located near Les Sauvages, in a former granite quarry in the forest. In 2016, the existing routes were re-equipped and secured, and new routes were added up to grade 7a. The area’s description thus combines its forested granite setting with specific details about the development of its routes.

Another local highlight is Ferme du Crêt Pirot. The farm grows blueberries and sells fresh berries in season, as well as jams and syrups. Fresh blueberries are seasonal, so check availability before visiting. When planning your trip, you can include a local producer alongside hiking, climbing and cultural activities.

Discover more destinations: Millery, Savigny, Belleville-Sur-Saône, Tarare, Ranchal, Saint-Apollinaire, Saint-Jean-Des-Vignes, Colombier-Saugnieu

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.