Poule-Les-Écharmeaux: Forests, Hiking Trails and Heritage

When planning a stay in Poule-Les-Écharmeaux, wooded heights and the wetland around Plan d’eau offer different excursion options. Forests cover 65 percent of its 3,123-hectare area. Views, marked trails and the waterside landscape give the place different facets to consider when planning your trip.

Forests, peaks and far-reaching views

Roche d’Ajoux reaches 973 m and towers over the village to the north. From its summit, the panoramic view extends across the entire Beaujolais and Brionnais regions to the Alps and the Monts du Forez. The view of the village and the sweeping outlook across several landscapes can therefore be enjoyed side by side.

A virtual orientation panel at Roche d’Ajoux displays a 340-degree panorama and offers commentary on twelve notable viewpoints. The explanations connect the broad view with individual points in the landscape. If you are interested in landscapes and orientation, this panel complements the panorama itself.

Hiking and exploring the wetland

The marked “36” circular trail starts at Col des Écharmeaux, is 10.3 km long and passes over the summit of Roche d’Ajoux. Check the local signs before setting out. Hikers on the GR7 and the Way of St. James can also use a rest shelter at Col des Écharmeaux. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check their current availability before your visit.

Plan d’eau de Poule-les-Écharmeaux offers a different kind of outing. The meadows there are open to the public; walks and fishing are possible at Plan d’eau, and picnic tables are available. Seasonal conditions for fishing may vary. A marked circular trail at Plan d’eau allows visitors to explore the wetland. This makes it possible to weigh a longer trail over a summit against a visit focused on the waterside landscape and wetland, each with its own distinct themes.

Guided tours and time options

The guided tour “Balades des Roches Mystérieuses” leads through the beech forest of Roche d’Ajoux to remarkable boulders and rocky formations associated with the Géoparc Beaujolais. The commented tour “Il était un temps au Col des Écharmeaux,” on the other hand, focuses on the architecture, works by a local artist and the history of the Col. The two tours therefore have different focuses: rocky landscapes and the geopark on the one hand, and architecture, artworks and the history of the pass on the other. Booking details may change; check them in advance if you are planning a guided tour.

For BV Aventure aux Echarmeaux, a 2-hour-30-minute circular tour and a shorter 1-hour-30-minute circular tour are listed. Comparing the time options helps you plan the time available for an outing, without assuming a walking time for other trails. As route options may be updated, check which option is currently offered before making plans.

Church and the history of the pass

Église de Lafont in Poule-les-Écharmeaux was built in 1860 and is dedicated to Saint Isidore, the patron saint of farmers. The church is currently closed; check access before visiting. Its construction date and dedication give the church its own place alongside the scenic excursion destinations.

At Col des Écharmeaux, at an elevation of 712 m, stands a statue of Napoleon created by local sculptor Jean Molette. The pass is a junction between Beaujolais, Lyonnais and Charolais. Together with the commented tour on the history of the Col, the statue offers another way to explore the history of the pass. Your plans can therefore focus on different aspects: the view from Roche d’Ajoux, trails around the summit or wetland, and the cultural history of the Col.

Discover more destinations: Tarare, Orliénas, Meyzieu, Millery, Colombier-Saugnieu, Marcy-Lʼétoile, Grézieu-le-Marché, Thizy

Back to the regional travel overview: Rhône.