Pollionnay: Hiking and Heritage

Pollionnay offers a range of themes for a stay: hiking, mountain biking, nature and history. The Pollionnay forest massif covers more than 700 hectares. When planning, it helps to distinguish between the type of activity and the specific characteristics of the routes: for hikes, distance, walking time and difficulty matter, while at historical sites, the history or the type of visit is the focus.

Hiking and mountain biking

Twelve hikes are offered in Pollionnay, with varying distances, walking times and difficulty levels. These three factors answer different planning questions: distance describes the route, walking time indicates how long it takes, and difficulty reflects the level of challenge. Compare all three when choosing a tour. The long-distance GR 89 trail crosses the Pollionnay forest massif. A specifically named route, “Promenons-nous dans les bois,” leads to the ridgeline and passes over the Croix du Ban and La Luère mountain passes. The routes therefore highlight different landmarks: the GR 89’s course through the forest massif, and, for the named route, the ridgeline and two passes.

The forest massif also has numerous mountain biking trails with very different difficulty levels. Cycling is therefore a distinct focus alongside hiking, and the level of challenge varies across the cycling options too. When choosing between activities, you can first decide which type you prefer, then consider the characteristics of the relevant routes.

Buildings and history

The Château de Pollionnay evokes a rural manor house from the late Middle Ages in the Lyonnais region. Its oldest part is the main tower of the keep, identified as the bell tower of a vanished Romanesque church. Today’s Church of Saint John the Baptist in Pollionnay was rebuilt in the 15th century. The château’s significance lies in its classification as a manor house and the interpretation of its oldest tower, while the church offers its own historical context.

The Chapelle Saint-André de Larny can be visited individually or in groups, either independently or with a guide. As visiting hours may change, check them locally before your trip.

Nature and special activities

The Verdy Mine was discovered in 1890 and immediately exploited for barite. After rare bat species were discovered in its tunnels, it was designated a voluntary nature reserve in 1990. The mine is not open to the public for safety reasons. The Crêts boisés de l’Ouest Lyonnais is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible.

At the Asinerie de la Framboisine, half-day or full-day donkey treks are offered to visitors aged three and over. Reservations are required, and the operator’s conditions may change, so check them in advance. Another option is guided meditation sessions with donkeys in nature: these take place seasonally, in suitable weather, and for a maximum of five people. Contact the provider to check availability for your preferred date.

Getting there from Lyon

From Lyon, public transport runs from Gorge de Loup on line C24 to Craponne Centre. From there, continue towards Pollionnay on the regular Cars du Rhône line 147. Check routes and timetables before travelling so you can plan your journey for the day of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Brullioles, Beaujeu, Les Halles, Villié-Morgon, Jonage, Pont-Trambouze, L'arbresle, Écully

For the wider travel overview: Rhône.