Vallée du Garon

Discovering the Garon Valley

©

Maude Sanchez

The territory of the Garon Valley is about twenty kilometres south-west of Lyon, and includes the communes of Brignais, Chaponost, Millery, Montagny and Vourles. Built by the Romans, the remains of the Gier aqueduct in Chaponost are well worth seeing! You're sure to be impressed by its magnificent succession of 72 arches and its siphon bridge. Also worth visiting is the old medieval village of Montagny and its Romanesque chapel, or the monumental Stations of the Cross in Brignais church.

Numerous hiking trails will reveal landscapes made up of orchards, moors, undergrowth and vines, particularly in Millery (AOC Coteaux-du-Lyonnais wine), not forgetting the route to Santiago de Compostela that passes through Chaponost !

A day of discovery and relaxation in the Garon Valley

• 9 am - Leave Lyon
• 9.45 am - Make sure you're in the centre of Chaponost by about 9.45 am and set out on a discovery tour to see the Roman Gier aqueduct. From the town centre, cross Boulard Park, once the garden of a former "field house" (maison des champs), then keep going until you get to Plat-de-l’Air, passing through orchards and admiring the beautiful panoramic views on the way (you can download the walk on the Tourist Office website). Allow 2½ hours for this 8.9 km round trip.
• When you get back to Chaponost, settle yourself in one of the village's restaurants for lunch, or relax and enjoy a picnic in Boulard Park.
• If your legs have had enough for one morning, you can treat yourself to an afternoon rest at the AquaGaron Aquatic Centre in Brignais. There are two sauna cabins, a Hammam, emotional sensory showers, warm stone benches and a relaxation area facing the Zen garden, where you can enjoy a cup of herbal tea. A moment of pure relaxation.
• 6 pm - Back to Lyon

Further informations on the website of Monts du Lyonnais Tourism.