Sarcey: Vineyards, Panoramas and Historic Trails

For a trip that takes in rural scenery, sweeping views and trails, Sarcey offers several specific points of interest. Its elevated setting, vineyards and fields shape the landscape, along with scenic trails and sites of historical interest.

Scenery and views

From its elevated setting, you can enjoy views of the Jura, the Alps and the foothills of the Massif Central. Meadows, grain fields and vineyards alternate across the rural landscape; local production benefits from the AOC Beaujolais designation. This combination brings together a visible landscape and agricultural activity. Sarcey is also home to the type 1 ZNIEFF site “moyenne vallée de l’Azergues et du Soanan”. The administrative classification of a ZNIEFF may be updated. If you would like to consider vineyards and natural heritage inventories alongside far-reaching views when choosing a destination, Sarcey offers several perspectives.

The La boucle de la Madone loop

The loop follows trails in the Pierres Dorées area, passing near vineyards and along small country roads. Highlights include beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Halfway along the route, the de la Madone landscape viewpoint offers a 180-degree panorama stretching from the Monts de Tarare to the villages of the Pierres Dorées. The loop is marked with PDIPR waymarkers consisting of wooden posts and yellow direction signs. As local trail markings may change, check conditions before setting out. The viewpoint is halfway along the route, making it a practical landmark for planning your walk.

Historic landmarks along the trail

Two historic landmarks from different periods lie near the Madone Loop. The Tilleul centenaire de Sully dates from the 17th century. The Borne armoriée is also near the loop; it dates from the late 15th or early 16th century and served to mark the boundaries of the communes of Le Breuil, Légny and Sarcey. Comparing their dates puts the two landmarks in context: the tree dates from the 17th century, while the boundary marker belongs to an earlier period. Its function also shows that the history of the Borne extends beyond a single place.

Other routes through Sarcey

Today, the Voie du Tacot runs for 24 kilometres from Liergues to Sarcey, following the former railway line that connected Villefranche and Tarare. The current route is therefore specified as running between Liergues and Sarcey, while the former railway connected Villefranche and Tarare. Check current trail conditions in advance. Another option is the cycling route Les portes sud du Beaujolais, which passes through Sarcey.

For planning purposes, the routes are easy to distinguish: La boucle de la Madone is a loop, the Voie du Tacot is a route with named endpoints, and Les portes sud du Beaujolais is a cycling route. You can choose whether to include a scenic loop, a connection between places or a cycling trip in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Feyzin, Caluire-Et-Cuire, Saint-Jean-Des-Vignes, Jullié, Ambérieux, Corbas, Émeringes, Soucieu-en-Jarrest.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.