Explore Collonges-Au-Mont-D'or through its various water-related themes: one trail leads to historic water structures, another runs along the banks of the Saône, and at Espace nature Aquaria, a spring, fountain and cistern are part of a garden. The history of the Eglise Saint Nizier du Vieux Collonges and the offerings at the organic market also give the area its own distinct attractions. When planning, you can choose between walks, nature watching, heritage and the market.
Trails by the water and in nature
The Sentier de l’Eau is 4.2 km long, has an elevation gain of 120 m and takes about one to two hours. The trail focuses on historic water infrastructure: fountains, cisterns, washhouses and aqueducts. The details on distance, elevation gain and estimated duration give you a concrete guide for planning your time.
A similar-length option is the “Sur les pistes de Collonges au Mont d’Or” tracking game: this route also covers 4.2 km and takes about two hours. The two activities have different focuses: the Sentier de l’Eau is about historic water structures, while the tracking game lets you discover the flora and fauna of Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or. The estimated times are close; each activity’s focus gives you a clear basis for choosing.
The Chemin des Castors is a footpath more than one kilometre long along the banks of the Saône. Beaver traces can be spotted there. Alongside the longer options, this provides another route to choose from, focusing on the river and its wildlife.
Parc de la Jonchère is open to everyone and can be reached on foot via rue du Pont. Check local access conditions before setting out. Espace nature Aquaria also adds to the area’s water-related themes: its garden includes the Tourvéon spring, a fountain and a cistern. These places offer different perspectives, from a walk by the river to water as part of the landscape and its infrastructure.
Water and local history
The fountains, cisterns, washhouses and aqueducts along the Sentier de l’Eau make water infrastructure the focus of the trail. Those more interested in the natural side can explore the Chemin des Castors and its beaver traces. The two trails share a connection to water, but their specific themes are different: historic structures on one, the Saône riverside path and its wildlife on the other.
Church and heritage
The Eglise Saint Nizier du Vieux Collonges was founded in the 5th century as an oratory dedicated to Saint Clair. It later became the parish church under the patronage of Saint Nizier. It has no longer been used as a church since 1845. This sequence gives the building a historical focus distinct from the waterways and nature themes.
Guided tours take place there every year during the European Heritage Days; concerts or exhibitions are also regularly held. Check the dates before your trip. The historic townscape also includes bourgeois houses in large wooded parks, built in Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or by wealthy residents of Lyon.
Organic market and finding accommodation
Marché Biologique de Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or is 100% organic. Its range includes goat’s and sheep’s cheese, fruit, coulis, juices and jams, vegetables and bread, as well as beef, veal and pork. It also offers artisanal charcuterie, eggs, poultry, fish, wine and aromatic plants. Before travelling, confirm both that the market is operating and what products are currently available.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon, Saint-Laurent-De-Chamousset, Dommartin, Beaujeu, Légny, Saint-Laurent-De-Mure, Thurins, Blacé.
For the broader travel overview: Rhône.
