Discover Montagny

Montagny offers two distinct highlights to consider when planning your trip: the historic Vieux Bourg and the natural and scenic heritage of the Landes de Montagny. In the old town, you’ll find traces of the medieval past, a Romanesque chapel and stone lanes. The nature area is known for its varied landscapes and remarkable species. When looking for a hotel, you can decide whether you’d like to focus primarily on the town’s cultural history or its landscapes.

Medieval Traces and Romanesque Architecture

The ruins of the former Église in Montagny were entered in the register of Monuments historiques by decree dated March 18, 1980. The protected ruins include architectural elements from the 12th, 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The medieval Vieux Bourg also preserves visible traces of its history, including a defensive tower and fortification walls.

Another highlight is the Chapelle romane du Vieux bourg, which has been listed as a Monument historique since 1980. It was the seigneurial chapel of Montagny and retains features dating back to its Romanesque origins. These include a massive bell tower, the nave’s arcades and a distinctive cross-adorned portal. The wall paintings were extensively restored in 1997. Since being deconsecrated, the chapel has been used for cultural events.

The Eglise Saint-André also features historic details: inside are statues of saints, stained-glass windows from Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert and the Stations of the Cross. Access is restricted outside of services. Each of these buildings adds its own character to the town’s historic landscape, from the medieval defensive structures to the church’s furnishings.

A Walk Through the Vieux Bourg

The Sentier découverte du patrimoine de Montagny is a 1-kilometer circular trail that takes about 45 minutes. It leads to the Romanesque chapel and through the medieval stone lanes. This clearly defined route is an easy way to explore the old town. The trail is open daily year-round and free to access. Individual visits are unguided; groups can reserve a guided tour.

If you’d like to visit the chapel, take note of its opening hours: between Easter and All Saints’ Day, it is open on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; visits are possible on request. Check the dates before your trip. This lets you distinguish the walking route from the chapel’s opening hours, without assuming that the chapel can be visited at any time.

Nature Area and Scenic Routes

The Espace Naturel Sensible des Landes de Montagny is of great scenic and ecological value and is considered an important area in the Rhône department. Its varied landscapes and remarkable insects, amphibians, plants and birds make its natural heritage a distinct attraction alongside the town’s architectural history. Mountain biking circuit 222, “Les Lônes du Rhône,” passes through both the medieval Vieux Bourg and the sensitive nature area. It offers a different perspective on Montagny from the short cultural trail, and the two routes should not be confused.

The “Les paysages de Montagny” walking route passes through the vineyards of the Coteaux du Lyonnais and includes heathland; along the way, there are panoramic views of the Monts du Lyonnais. The TCL line 220 between Lyon Perrache and Givors and the “Montagny Place de Sourzy” stop are listed for this route. Check the current timetable before setting out.

Practical Information

The Route touristique des villes et villages médiévaux N°1 is also open daily year-round and free to access. Along with the cultural trail, it offers another way to focus your visit on medieval history. A market is also held in Montagny on Tuesday mornings. This information can help you plan your stay around opening hours, walking routes and your preferred focus, rather than combining the town’s historical and scenic attractions into a single route.

Discover more destinations: Ternand, Chessy, Francheville, Courzieu, Civrieux-d'Azergues, Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon, Écully, Feyzin.

For the broader travel guide: Rhône.