Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon: Aqueduct, Fort and Greenway Trails

Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon offers a range of options for a stay: trails through meadows and woodland, the history of the Gier Aqueduct, Fort de Sainte Foy and the Thien Minh Pagoda. Depending on your interests, you can focus on outdoor activities, the history of engineering, military history or a cultural visit. The sites and activities represent different sides of the destination; the following sections group them by theme.

Trails through meadows and woodland

The “De points de vue en vallons” trail alternates between meadows and woodland. The change between open meadows and wooded sections defines its character and makes it a practical option for travellers looking to combine scenery and exercise.

The “Sainte-Foy balcon vert de Lyon” trail station offers three trail-running routes and three Nordic walking routes. You can include trail running and Nordic walking separately in your plans, with three routes to choose from for each activity. This gives you a clear overview of the two outdoor activity options.

Aqueduct and water engineering

The Beaunant siphon bridge of the Gier Aqueduct is in Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon, at the Yzeron siphon, and has 30 arches. The number of arches is a specific architectural feature; its location at the Yzeron siphon also identifies the structure as part of the Gier Aqueduct.

Part of the aqueduct’s underground canal is visible in Parc du Brulet. The bridge and canal show different structural aspects of the same infrastructure: the arched construction on the one hand, and a visible section of the underground water channel on the other. This comparison offers a look at the history of the aqueduct from two perspectives.

The Maison de l’Aqueduc displays a model of the siphon bridge of the Gier Aqueduct, as well as explanatory panels about the four aqueducts that supplied Lugdunum. The model and panels highlight different aspects: the siphon bridge as an individual structure, and the four aqueducts as part of the water supply to Lugdunum. This offers visitors interested in structures and the history of engineering a tangible link between architecture and water supply.

The fort and its historical context

Fort de Sainte Foy was built between 1830 and 1840. It is part of the so-called small ring of forts, which was intended to encircle the fortifications of Fourvière. Here, a clearly defined construction period meets the planned role of a larger defensive system: the fort is a single structure within this planned ring.

Parc Marius Bourrat was laid out south of Fort de Sainte Foy. This establishes a clear geographical relationship between the fort and another named site. Visitors interested in the history of the fortifications can also place the fort in relation to the park.

Thien Minh Pagoda and visits

Thien Minh Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon. Its visitor garden features Japanese cherry trees and lotus flowers, adding a specific garden aspect to its religious context. The pagoda offers guided visits with an introduction to meditation by prior arrangement. If you plan to include this stop, make arrangements in advance and check availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dième, Pollionnay, Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or, Vénissieux, Morancé, Tupin-Et-Semons, Saint-Sorlin, Pierre-Bénite.

See the overview of the wider region: Rhône.