Les Ardillats is characterised by a green, hilly and peaceful landscape. Numerous marked trails invite visitors to enjoy walks and hikes of varying difficulty. There is also a cycling route that passes through the village. When comparing the outings, you can focus on specific differences: route length, terrain and the emphasis of each one.

Marked trails of different lengths

The Circuit du Château starts in the centre of the village, at the car park of the salle des fêtes. The 22-kilometre route is quite demanding in places and passes through forests and meadows, offering panoramic views of the hills of Haut Beaujolais and the commune of Les Ardillats. There are also three 4-kilometre variants that lead back to the village. This means that, alongside the longer loop, shorter route options are available.

The Sentier Estelle is a much longer hiking route: it is 80 kilometres long, wooded and demanding. It climbs through heathland and pastureland to the peaks of Beaujolais. The trail passes through six villages: Beaujeu, Les Ardillats, Vernay, Saint Didier sur Beaujeu, Quincié en Beaujolais and Marchampt. The Sentier Estelle can therefore be viewed as a continuous route connecting several places in the region.

The differences between the trails can help you choose: the three variants of the Circuit du Château are each 4 kilometres long, its longer route is 22 kilometres, and the Sentier Estelle extends for 80 kilometres. The route descriptions also emphasise different features: the Circuit is characterised by forests, meadows and panoramic views, while the Sentier Estelle features a wooded route and a climb through heathland and pastureland. Numerous other marked trails add to the choice, with varying levels of difficulty.

A cycling route also passes through the village

If you want to explore Les Ardillats by bicycle, the village lies on the Entre Vignes et Forêts cycling route, which passes through Les Ardillats. Taken together, these options offer different ways to experience the hilly landscape of the commune.

A cultural highlight at Église Saint-Pierre

In addition to the trails, it is worth taking a look at a specific architectural detail: the baptistery of Église Saint-Pierre contains a set of four pilasters dating from the 12th century. The four pilasters have been classified as a protected object since 1 February 1908.

Guided exploration of the flora on request

Another option is Un Jardin de Chez Nous. A guided exploration of the wild and cultivated flora of the Massif du Mont Saint-Rigaud is available on request. The tour runs from the garden of the La Verrière guesthouse to the summit of the 1,009-metre mountain range. It is led by Grégoire, a regional guide and a guide for the Géoparc Beaujolais. Its focus is on plant life and a guided tour, making it different from the marked hiking trails and cycling route.

This gives you a range of options for planning your trip, on different scales: shorter variants of the Circuit du Château, longer hiking routes, a cycling route, a protected cultural ensemble and a guided flora tour available on request. Consider which of these best suits your stay, and choose accordingly between the trails, the cycling route and the other local attractions.

Discover more destinations: Marennes, Caluire-Et-Cuire, Morancé, Juliénas, Saint-Jean-Des-Vignes, Légny, Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon, Lyon

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.