Discover Thurins: walking trails and silk weaving

Thurins offers several concrete reasons to stay: at Barrage de Thurins, the focus is on a circular trail, nature interpretation and fishing. The Circuit des vergers runs through orchards and follows the GR765 Way of St James; for mountain biking, the Circuit VTT 9 – La marmite du diable is signposted. Its cultural history includes the former silk-weaving craft and the statue of “Saint Martin” in the Church of Saint-Martin. You can plan your days around your interests, with walks, cycling tours or historical themes.

Circular trails and nature at Barrage de Thurins

Fishing is possible at the Barrage de Thurins reservoir. If you plan to fish, check the current fishing regulations beforehand, as rules may change. There are also various starting points for walks here: the circular trail at the Barrage is 5.6 kilometres long and is described as a two-hour walk. The actual duration depends on conditions and stops along the way.

A path runs around the reservoir, and there is a viewing point on the dam structure. Numerous quiz stations along the circular trail share information about the region’s vegetation and animals. An educational trail at the Barrage also explains the historical reason for the dam’s presence in the valley, as well as differences in the landscape and the area’s fauna and flora. If you plan to use the interactive content, it is best to check its availability beforehand.

Walking through orchards

The Circuit des vergers is a second circular trail option: it is 9 kilometres long, with 280 metres of elevation gain, and passes through orchards. It also follows the Way of St James, the GR765. In terms of distance, this circuit is 3.4 kilometres longer than the circular trail at the Barrage; the latter is described as a two-hour walk. These different route details will help you factor both walks into your day plans.

The Circuit des vergers also has a specific public transport connection: it can be reached via TCL line C202, getting off at the “Thurins Le Pont” stop. Routes and timetables may change, so check your connection before setting off. This lets you plan your route and journey together, without judging each circuit by its length alone.

Mountain biking and seasonal leisure activities

The Circuit VTT 9 – La marmite du diable is designated as a mountain bike circuit in Thurins. The circuit is 21.2 kilometres long, with 700 metres of elevation gain. The starting point is the Piscine car park in Le Grand Moulin, Thurins. The route is open year-round when trail conditions are normal; check conditions before setting off. The routes in Thurins therefore also differ in their designated activities and scale: the Circuit VTT is a longer circuit with its own starting point, while the walking trails offer different scenic and thematic highlights.

A seasonal alternative is the Piscine d'été de Thurins, with a 25-metre outdoor pool. Facilities include a water play feature for young children. There is also a boules court and a beach volleyball court nearby.

Thurins’ cultural history

The statue of “Saint Martin” is in the Church of Saint-Martin and has been protected as a cultural heritage object since 15 February 1982. Weaving is another historical focus: it shaped village life from 1830 to 1965. Records for 1836 document 117 men and women silk weavers working at home, including 73 men and 44 women. These figures bring home the place of domestic silk weaving in the village’s history at the time. Together with the protected statue, textile history offers two distinct ways to discover Thurins beyond its trails and leisure activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon, Savigny, Pont-Trambouze, Belleville-Sur-Saône, Montrottier, Genas, Marcilly-D'azergues, Ville-Sur-Jarnioux

For the overview of the wider region: Rhône.