Monsols: Hiking Trails, Mont Saint Rigaud and Viaduc du Châtelard
Accommodation in Monsols
In Monsols, you can plan a trip around a variety of interests: hiking trails and cycling routes sit alongside striking structures and Mont Saint Rigaud. When choosing what to do, consider your preferred focus: a gently sloping trail, a multi-day hike, a cycling trip, or the landscape and local history. The Maison du Col de Crie is a specific starting point for hiking and trail activities, as well as mountain biking, road cycling and cycling tours.
Hiking and Cycling in Monsols
The former Tacot railway line in Monsols is now a hiking trail along the mountainside with a gentle gradient. For a multi-day route, consider the Chemin de Deux-Grosnes: it is 74 kilometres long and connects the seven historic communes of Monsols, Saint-Christophe, Trades, Saint-Mamert, Saint-Jacques-des-ArrĂŞts, Ouroux and Avenas. This gives you different hiking options: a trail along the hillside or a multi-day route linking the communes listed above.
The Viaduct Circuit can be started at either of two places: the Maison du Col de Crie at Col de Crie in Monsols, or the fountain square in the village of Monsols. The M12 is a 22.5-kilometre mountain-bike route. It runs through the western Grosne Valley, where the river rises in Monsols, and the eastern valley, which passes through Ouroux. Both the route length and its connection to the two valleys are relevant when planning. Check the route information before setting out.
Mont Saint Rigaud: Views and Nature
Mont Saint Rigaud is the highest point in the Rhône département. At the summit, a viewing tower and a panoramic information board offer 360-degree views. A nature trail also provides a fun and educational family walk. This means you can focus on either the views or discovering nature at the same mountain.
A large part of the Mont Saint Rigaud massif is designated a ZNIEFF because of its significant natural wealth. The acronym stands for “Zone Naturelle d’Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique” (Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest). The designation therefore identifies the massif as an area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest. Together with the département’s highest point and the panoramic views, this designation contributes to Monsols’ natural and scenic character.
The Viaduct and Église de Monsols
The Viaduc du Châtelard was built in 1909. It is 27 metres high and 145 metres long. Its height and length provide two different measures of the structure: the viaduct extends considerably farther than it rises. Those interested in historic structures will find a clear connection here between its construction date and measurable dimensions.
The Église de Monsols was built between 1890 and 1892 to replace an older church. Its bell tower contains a bell weighing 1,400 kilograms and a smaller bell weighing 450 kilograms. The furnishings include a carved oak pulpit and oak panelling with choir stalls dating from the 1940s. The building’s history, bells and woodwork each provide a distinct point of interest; together, they complement the viaduct with the story of another structure in Monsols.
Local Produce and Seasonal Visitor Opening
At l'Epice'Crie, visitors can discover local produce such as cheese, charcuterie, honey and jams. The selection also includes locally produced drinks, meal platters and gourmet baskets. The offering ranges from individual regional products to prepared meal options, adding a culinary focus to the hiking and cultural themes.
The Maison du Col de Crie at Col de Crie in Monsols welcomes visitors from April to early November. As seasonal information can change, check the latest details before your visit. This allows you to take the opening period into account when planning without assuming the site is open to visitors all year round.
Discover more destinations: Dième, Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or, Charbonnières-Les-Bains, Bron, Charnay, Juliénas, Jullié, Pollionnay
For the broader travel overview: RhĂ´ne.
