Saint-André-La-Côte: Le Signal, hiking and mountain biking

At Saint-André-La-Côte, Le Signal and the marked hiking and cycling routes are central to planning a trip. Le Signal is 934 metres above sea level and is one of the highest points in the Monts du Lyonnais. The routes range from a panoramic circular walk to a 35-kilometre mountain bike circuit. The best focus for you depends on whether views and hiking, cycling, or several of these activities will shape your stay.

Le Signal and the views across the landscape

Le Signal offers a natural 180-degree view. To the east, it looks out towards the Alpine range; to the south, towards the Massif du Pilat; and to the west, towards the beginning of the Monts du Lyonnais. These three directions frame the panorama and identify the landscapes you can see from here. Le Signal also has a footbridge, an orientation table, and landscape interpretation panels. These facilities pair the long-distance views with orientation and information about the landscape. The GR76 long-distance trail also passes Le Signal.

Hiking along the ridge

The marked circular route “Circuit Panoramas sur la ligne de crête” is 14.3 kilometres long and has 500 metres of positive elevation gain. It passes L’Église Saint-André-la-Côte. The route is free to use and can be walked year-round. The distance and elevation gain give you two specific measures to help plan your own outing: the length of the route and the total ascent. The route name highlights the panoramas and the ridge; the church is a named waypoint along the route.

Mountain bike circuit and stage

The marked Circuit VTT 191 – Tour de Saint-André-la-Côte is a 35-kilometre circuit with 1,200 metres of positive elevation gain. Compared with the hiking circuit, it is longer and has more elevation gain. For cycling plans, there is also the Grande Traversée du Rhône VTT stage from Saint-André-la-Côte to Saint-Maurice-sur-Dargoire. From the upland area of Saint-André-la-Côte, it leads through a rural setting with farm hamlets. The route includes paths through deciduous forests, small roads, and easily rideable tracks. For nine kilometres, the stage shares its route with the Grand Tour des Monts du Lyonnais, from Saint-André-la-Côte to Sainte-Catherine. This lets you consider a marked circuit and a stage with named places as two different ways to explore by bike.

Surveying history and puzzles

In the mid-18th century, César-François de Cassini de Thury established a surveying reference point at Le Signal to map the region. The viewpoint is therefore also connected with the history of regional surveying: alongside the views of the landscape, it is a place associated with a historic mapping project. Another activity is “The Gnolus – The Cassini Code,” a free geocaching experience in Saint-André-La-Côte. The puzzles are accessible to everyone; children aged three to five are also welcome when accompanied by an adult.

When looking for a hotel, you can start by choosing your planned type of outing as your focus: the hiking circuit, the mountain bike circuit, or the stage with its named places.

Discover more destinations: Brullioles, Chamelet, Chaponost, Émeringes, Savigny, Oullins, Riverie, Jullié.

For an overview of the wider region: Rhône.