The best cycling routes around Métropole de Lyon

There are over 1200 touring cycling routes in Métropole de Lyon, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. The komoot community has explored more than 1280 routes in the region.

The Métropole de Lyon offers diverse terrain. You'll find many flat, scenic routes along the Rhône and Saône rivers, ideal for leisurely rides. For those seeking more challenge, the surrounding hills like Fourvière and the Monts d'Or provide significant climbs and rewarding panoramic views. Routes range from easy paths with minimal elevation gain to difficult ones with over 1500 meters of ascent.

Yes, Métropole de Lyon has nearly 500 easy touring cycling routes. Many of these follow the riverside paths or explore the city's expansive parks. For example, Miribel MTB Circuit #4: The Forest Route is an easy 23.9 km trail exploring a forest area near Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage. Another great option is the Blue Waters Lake – Jonage Canal loop from Croix-Rousse, an easy 26.3 km ride.

For experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, Métropole de Lyon offers over 380 difficult routes. These often venture into the hillier areas surrounding the city. A notable challenging route is the Descent of Mont Verdun – Verdun Pass loop from Valmy, which covers over 78 km with significant elevation changes, including over 1500 meters of ascent. Another demanding option is the Le Grand Large – Jonage Canal and Grand Large loop from Laurent Bonnevay - Astroballe, a long 104.6 km route with over 500 meters of climbing.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Métropole de Lyon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Feyssine Park – Panorama of Le Grand Large loop from Garibaldi, a moderate 48.7 km route, or the View of Île Barbe – Saône River loop from Lyon-Saint-Paul, a moderate 33.9 km ride that takes you past the historic Île Barbe.

The routes offer a mix of urban and natural sights. You can cycle past significant landmarks like the Golden Gate of Parc de la Tête d'Or, explore the peaceful Grand Brotteau Peninsula at Lac des Eaux Bleues, or enjoy views from Mount Cindre. Many routes also follow the scenic confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, providing beautiful waterside vistas.

The touring cycling routes in Métropole de Lyon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 3400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of dedicated paths, the beautiful riverside scenery, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels, from flat park rides to challenging hill climbs with rewarding views.

Yes, the region is very family-friendly, especially with its numerous parks and dedicated riverside paths. Large urban parks like Parc de la Tête d'Or and Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage offer safe, car-free environments perfect for cycling with children. The flat, shaded paths along the Rhône Riverbanks are also excellent for family outings.

Absolutely. Lyon is a key point on the ViaRhôna, a major long-distance cycling route that stretches from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. You can easily join sections of the ViaRhôna from Lyon, heading towards destinations like the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage or further afield, offering opportunities for extended touring adventures.

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times for touring cycling in Métropole de Lyon. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on the shaded riverside paths, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter cycling is possible, though some paths might be less accessible, and temperatures will be cooler.

Beyond the city's historical sites, cyclists can enjoy several natural attractions. The Blue Waters Lake and the Mallard Promenade are popular spots for lakeside cycling. The Remarkable Trees at Lacroix-Laval Park offer a unique natural monument to visit. The region's diverse parks and riverbanks provide continuous scenic beauty.

The Métropole de Lyon is actively developing its cycling infrastructure, including the 'Voies Lyonnaises' network of bicycle highways. For more general information on sustainable tourism and cycling itineraries within Lyon, you can visit visiterlyon.com. Komoot also provides detailed maps and route information for all touring cycling paths in the region.