In Écully, you can choose nature trails or local history as different focuses for your explorations. The Bois de Serres offers woodland and streams, while church architecture, historic buildings and the Jardin de la Condamine offer insights into the history of the town.

Woodland and trails in the Bois de Serres

The Bois de Serres covers 160 hectares of woodland and streams. It is home to 106 bird species, 15 reptile and amphibian species, and 14 mammal species. The Sentier thématique du Bois de Serres runs through the valleys of western Lyonnais and gives walkers a glimpse of local wildlife and plant life. The trail is 3.8 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For longer routes, there are two other circular trails to choose from: the Circuit du Val de Serres is 8.5 kilometres long. The Circuit du ruisseau des Planches is 11.1 kilometres long and runs through the wooded valleys of the Serres and Planches streams to Dardilly. The two routes therefore differ in length by 2.6 kilometres; the longer one ends in Dardilly.

The Bois de Serres also has a circular trail designed for people with reduced mobility. Check local conditions before your visit. In September 2020, the Vallon de Serres was classified as a remarkable scenic landscape, together with the Vallons de l’Ouest lyonnais.

Gardens, church and historic buildings

The Jardin de la Condamine covers 6,000 square metres and was redesigned in 2010. All village festivals have been held there since the 18th century. The garden thus brings together a tangible piece of local history and its present-day design.

The Église Saint-Blaise is designed in the Romano-Byzantine style. Ten stained-glass windows illuminate the nave. The church was consecrated by Cardinal de Bonald on 26 October 1846. Its architecture, windows and consecration history offer different points of interest, from the design of the interior to a precisely dated event.

La Greysolière is also an important historic building in the town. The estate, including the nymphaeum, was fully listed as a Monument historique by decree dated 30 November 1992. Its distinctive Renaissance features include mullioned windows and staircases that have regained their original appearance.

The Balades historiques d’Écully let you discover the town’s historic buildings on foot. A map and a printed Topoguide are available. Check the current availability of these materials before planning your visit.

Another place with a culinary connection is the Château du Vivier, home to the Institut Paul Bocuse and its training restaurant.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Cyr-Au-Mont-D'or, Longes, Ternand, Saint-Forgeux, Rillieux-La-Pape, Yzeron, Saint-Clément-Sur-Valsonne, Les Ardillats.

For the overview of the wider region: Rhône.