Discover Montagny through its Romanesque architecture and trails across its natural and scenic heritage. A specific starting point is the Sentier découverte du patrimoine de Montagny: the circular route is 1 kilometre long, takes about 45 minutes and leads to the Romanesque chapel and through medieval stone-paved lanes. This makes it easy to plan a compact cultural walk; the Espace Naturel Sensible des Landes de Montagny adds a distinct nature focus.

Romanesque chapel and medieval village centre

The Chapelle romane du Vieux bourg was Montagny’s seigneurial chapel. Its Romanesque features include a massive bell tower, the arcades of the nave and a distinctive cross-decorated portal. Its wall paintings were extensively restored in 1997. The chapel has been listed as a Monument historique since 1980. After being deconsecrated, it is now used for cultural events.

Visits are possible during specific hours: between Easter and All Saints’ Day, the chapel is open on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; visits can also be arranged on request. If you plan to visit the interior, check the dates before travelling and request a visit. The Vieux Bourg also preserves traces of the Middle Ages, including a defensive tower and fortification walls.

Another historic site is the ruins of Montagny’s former church. They were entered in the register of Monuments historiques by decree on 18 March 1980. The listed architectural elements include parts dating from the 12th, 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The ruins add to the picture of the village’s history, but should not be confused with the Romanesque chapel.

Walking routes between heritage and landscape

The Sentier découverte du patrimoine leads to the Chapelle romane du Vieux bourg and through the medieval stone-paved lanes. At 1 kilometre long and taking approximately 45 minutes, it offers a clear time frame for a cultural walk. The trail is open every day throughout the year and is free to access; independent visits are permitted. Groups can reserve a guided tour. As route details and visiting arrangements may change, check the information before your visit.

The Espace Naturel Sensible des Landes de Montagny is of great scenic and natural interest, with diverse landscapes and a rich natural heritage. It is considered an important area in the Rhône département. Notable groups found here include insects, amphibians, plants and birds. If you would like to include nature as well as architectural history in your trip, this offers a different focus from a walk through the Vieux Bourg.

Two circular routes also offer different highlights. Mountain biking route 222, “Les Lônes du Rhône”, passes through the medieval Vieux Bourg and the Espace Naturel Sensible des Landes de Montagny. The “Les paysages de Montagny” walking route runs through the vineyards of the Coteaux du Lyonnais, offers views of the Monts du Lyonnais and includes heathland. This gives you a choice of historic village scenery, a designated natural area and vineyard landscapes when planning your visit.

Practical information for your stay

For the “Les paysages de Montagny” walking route, the TCL line 220 between Lyon Perrache and Givors and the “Montagny Place de Sourzy” stop are given as points of reference. Check the current timetable before travelling. A market is held in Montagny on Tuesday mornings; ask locally whether it is currently taking place.

When planning your days, the chapel’s monthly opening hours are particularly relevant if you want to visit it. The approximately 45-minute heritage trail gives you a specific time frame for this; the landscape routes offer different excursions. Plan your travel dates around the focus that interests you most, and check the chapel’s opening times in advance.

Discover more destinations: Tarare, Lucenay, Montrottier, Sainte-Colombe, Légny, Corbas, Mions, Juliénas

For the regional travel overview: Rhône.