Irigny offers several different points of interest to consider when planning a trip: a walk with views of Lyon, a path along the Rhône riverbanks, a designated natural area, and architectural and cultural history. The time commitment also varies: one walk takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes on average, while the other is a half-day excursion. If you are looking for a suitable hotel, you can first consider whether walking time, natural surroundings, heritage or theatre should shape your stay.
Choose walks by time commitment
The Plateau d’Irigny walk is 4.82 km long and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes on average. It is almost flat and straightforward, and offers a beautiful view of Lyon. The start and finish are at Parking de Boutan. TCL bus routes 15 and 18 serve the Champvillard stop. Check the current timetable, as well as trail conditions and signage on site.
The “De berges en plateaux” route is 10.8 km long, takes 2 hours and 50 minutes, and has an elevation change of 127 m. It is a half-day excursion with very little elevation change on the plateau west of Irigny. By comparison, it takes about twice as long as the average walking time on the Plateau d’Irigny. This information helps distinguish a shorter walking window from a route for which you should set aside half a day.
Rhône riverbanks and landscapes
On the right bank of the Rhône, a 1,400 m path runs through Irigny between the Vieux Port and Les Selettes. It offers a chance to experience the wildlife and plant life protected and enhanced by SMIRIL. The route provides a distinct way to explore the town’s natural attractions, separate from the two walks on the plateau.
Another scenic highlight is the La Cadette terrace, which offers wide-ranging views over the Rhône Valley. The Plateau des Étangs is designated as an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS). This designation is based on its landscape, ecological, wildlife, botanical and agricultural wealth. Irigny works with Charly, Vernaison, Saint-Genis-Laval and the Métropole de Lyon to preserve and enhance the natural and agricultural areas there.
Buildings from different periods
The Château des Archevêques was built in the 12th century by Renaud du Forez. The complex includes a large tower housing the town library, a high wall, also known as a courtine, and a crenellated tower. The name courtine clarifies the layout of the complex: here, it refers to the high section of wall.
The Fort de Montcorin is also part of Irigny’s architectural history. It was built between 1879 and 1881 as part of the defensive belt around the city of Lyon. These two buildings represent periods far apart in time: the Château from the 12th century and the fort from the late 19th century. The Lavoir de la Combe was built in 1831 on the bed of the Venières stream. The town’s historical heritage also includes the Romanesque Saint-Martin Chapel.
Theatre and trip planning
The municipal theatre, Le Sémaphore, offers an annual programme of a wide range of performances and themed events. Unlike permanent architectural and landscape features, the events change with the season. If a performance affects your travel dates, check the programme for the relevant season. This makes it possible to include an interest in theatre in your trip planning, while you can assess the two walks based on their stated duration.
Discover more destinations: Cours-La-Ville, Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières, Odenas, Montagny, Écully, Lucenay, Beaujeu, Lamure-sur-Azergues.
For the broader travel overview: Rhône.
