Courzieu combines nature watching with a variety of trails, archaeological traces and local traditions. The Parc animalier de Courzieu is set in a protected natural area covering 25 hectares and offers two themed woodland trails for discovering European wildlife. Visitors can observe grey wolves, Arctic wolves, free-flying birds of prey and marmots there. Anyone wishing to organise their stay around a particular interest will find a wide range of themes: wildlife, hiking and cycling sit alongside local history and festivals.
Nature and Wildlife
Another natural highlight is La Tourbière, also known as “pré tremblant.” The marsh lies below the Crêt Châtelard in Courzieu and is the last marsh in the Monts du Lyonnais. It serves as a reservoir for exceptional biodiversity. In addition, part of Courzieu lies within Les crêts boisés de l’ouest Lyonnais, the largest Espace Naturel Sensible in the Rhône département. These landscape features complement a visit to the animal park with nature-related points of interest in their own right, without being conflated with its woodland trails.
Trails Through the Village and Its History
The Circuit du patrimoine leads through the village. Eight information panels explain the remains of the castle farm, the priory castle, the Saint Joseph chapel, roadside crosses and wine-growing. The route is freely accessible every day throughout the year at no charge. Since local access conditions may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. Guided visits can be arranged for groups of ten or more by booking in advance.
The Sentier découverte de l’Aqueduc romain de la Brévenne comprises two hiking trails, 7 and 10 kilometres long. Information panels cover the remains of the Roman aqueduct found in Courzieu, including sections of the channel, inspection shafts and a settling basin. The 7-kilometre route is the shorter option, while the 10-kilometre route is the longer one. Another option is the Sentier des P’tits Loups: this family walk has information panels about Courzieu’s Roman aqueduct, the legend of the Lafont spring, and local fauna and flora. The trail is permanently open to visitors free of charge.
The Courz’y Trail Park starts in the village centre and has six permanently established, fully marked trail routes ranging from 8 to 23 kilometres. Free self-service showers are also available. Families can also use the “Les Gnolus” app for a treasure hunt based on a walk around Courzieu.
Cycling and Choosing a Route
The Courzieu Bike Park has four downhill trails of varying difficulty, each 700 metres long. The routes are distinguished primarily by their length and the different difficulty levels indicated. Operating conditions may change, so check the latest information before riding. The Courzieu Aventure pump track was built from natural materials, with no concrete or ground sealing.
Archaeological and Religious Heritage
The Oppidum du Châtelard has been classified as a historic monument since 1989. It lies at an altitude of 882 metres on one of the Jumeaux peaks. Its construction history includes a main phase from the Iron Age and a later phase from the Iron Age and the Gallo-Roman period. This chronology gives the site a different historical context from the remains of the Roman aqueduct.
The Chapelle de Pomeyrieux is also part of local history: it was inaugurated on 15 August 1945, is named “Notre dame de toutes grâces,” and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Festivals and Strawberry Specialties
The annual festivals bring different highlights to the calendar. La vogue takes place on the second weekend of September and runs from Friday to Sunday evening; Saturday evening includes a free dance. The FĂŞte des Classes takes place every year in May: the Conscrits parade is followed by a communal meal and a dance. Check the specific festival dates before travelling.
Among Courzieu’s culinary discoveries is the Mayosse, a cake made with shortcrust pastry, strawberry jam and almonds. Since April 2023, it has been Courzieu’s official specialty and can be sampled by visitors. The Route Mara des Bois also embraces the strawberry theme: it is one of seven routes for discovering Courzieu as “strawberry country.”
Discover more destinations: LĂ©tra, Les Halles, Saint-Laurent-D'oingt, Solaise, Rillieux-La-Pape, Jons, Sathonay-Camp, Vourles
Return to the main travel overview: RhĂ´ne.
