The Sentier des arbres remarquables begins at the Pôle Eco Pédagogique, following a marked route through four parks in Charbonnières-les-Bains. Its information panels make the world of trees a tangible subject of discovery. There are also other hiking options, the history of the thermal district and a cinema. You can therefore choose from a range of activities for your stay, from a short trail with a stated walking time to cultural offerings.
Hiking trails with different highlights
The Sentier des arbres remarquables is 1.5 kilometres long, with a walking time of one hour. Along the way, 30 information panels explain the origins, characteristics and uses of remarkable tree species, as well as their medicinal properties. The route starts at the Pôle Eco Pédagogique and passes through four parks. If you are interested in trees, the panels give the walk a clear focus: they draw attention to the different characteristics and uses of the species.
Another nature trail runs from Charbonnières-les-Bains via Saint-Genis-les-Ollières to the Plateau de Méginand. It connects the starting point with a named stop along the way and the destination on the plateau. The Les Vallons hiking trail offers a different experience: it is a 10.1-kilometre circular route, rated moderate, with an elevation gain of 129 metres.
You can choose from several different hiking formats. The tree trail combines a compact route with a one-hour walking time and information about the trees. Les Vallons is the considerably longer circular hike; its moderate rating and elevation gain help distinguish it from the shorter tree route. On the nature trail to the plateau, Saint-Genis-les-Ollières and the Plateau de Méginand provide landmarks to help you choose your route.
Thermal history and guided tours
The history of the thermal district dates back to the 19th century: after an iron-rich spring was discovered, a spa facility was established in Charbonnières-les-Bains. The thermal establishments of that time no longer exist. The town’s history therefore points to an earlier phase as a spa resort, not to surviving thermal establishments.
The “Charbonnières-les-Bains d’Hier à Aujourd’hui” association organises historical tours of the old town centre and the thermal district. If you would like to join one, check the date and make a booking in advance; both may vary. The two areas mentioned offer different ways to discover the town’s history on a guided tour.
Cinema and event
Cinéma Alpha has been awarded the Art et Essai label and screens independent films as well as films by filmmakers. The cinema thus complements the hiking trails and historical tours with a film programme as another cultural highlight.
The tourism information describes an annual rally race attended by around 300,000 spectators. If you would like to combine your trip with the event, check the current event details and date in advance. This is especially useful if the race is a deciding factor in choosing your travel dates.
To plan your trip, first decide what matters most to you: the tree species and parks on the one-hour trail, a longer circular hike, the Plateau de Méginand or a cultural offering. For a historical tour, you should confirm the date and booking; if you are travelling for the rally race, check the current event details and date. This will help you tailor your stay to the activities you actually plan to do.
Discover more destinations: Aigueperse, La Tour-De-Salvagny, Marcy-Lʼétoile, Marennes, Sainte-Paule, Dardilly, Les Halles, Cogny.
For the regional travel overview: Rhône.
