In Les Sauvages, hiking trails with specific route details sit alongside the cultural heritage of Notre-Dame de La Roche and regional blueberry farming. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different highlights: circular routes with named stops, a hike rated moderate, views of the Alps and a climbing area in the forest.
Hiking and views
The Circuit de Rechagny starts at the town hall square in Les Sauvages and is designated as a family-friendly circular route. It passes through the hamlets of Le Brandon and Rechagny, then reaches an observatory and a model aircraft runway. On the return, the route crosses the Prés de Sienne grounds. There you will find a picnic area, a barbecue, a multisport court and a boules court. Check current route conditions before setting out.
The GR®7 hiking loop from Col du Pin Bouchain to Tour Matagrin is 12 kilometres long and rated moderate. It can be walked year-round, provided snow and weather conditions are favourable. Since the stated distance and rating may change, it is advisable to check the latest route information before your hike.
The Circuit Atlantique offers a different focus: it explores the western side of the commune of Les Sauvages and provides views of the Alps and Château de Rochefort. Compared with the GR®7 loop, the viewpoints take centre stage here, while the GR®7 route has a specified length and difficulty rating.
Another route is Circuit 17. From Les Sauvages, the path climbs to the wind turbines; it then follows the GR7 towards Col du Pilon and continues as far as Lac des Sapins. The sequence of named places gives you a clear idea of the direction this circuit takes.
Climbing and cultural heritage
The Pin Bouchain natural climbing area near Les Sauvages is located in a former granite quarry in the forest. The existing routes were re-equipped and secured in 2016; new routes were also added, up to difficulty grade 7a.
At Notre-Dame de La Roche in Les Sauvages, a 4.5-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary, made of black Volvic stone and dating from 1861, stands on a rocky outcrop. Right beside it is a stone Way of the Cross with fourteen stations on blocks of rock. The monument is open to visitors year-round; check access information before your visit.
Local religious traditions also have set dates: the FĂŞte des Bleus takes place every year on the Sunday after 15 August at Notre-Dame de La Roche. There is also an annual Marian pilgrimage in Les Sauvages to Notre-Dame de La Roche. The pilgrimage and the festival are two separate events.
Blueberries and when to visit
Ferme du CrĂŞt Pirot in Les Sauvages grows blueberries and sells fresh berries during the season, as well as jams and syrups. If you would like to buy fresh blueberries, check seasonal availability before your visit. This makes it easier to plan this part of your trip around the dates of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Jons, Jullié, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, Saint-Vérand, Craponne, Yzeron, Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, Soucieu-en-Jarrest
For the main travel overview: RhĂ´ne.
