Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or offers several different reasons to visit: nautical activities on the Saône, medieval architectural history, a church with features from different building periods, and a British war cemetery. There is also the 8.7-kilometre circular hike “Sur les traces d'Ampère”. When choosing the town for a stay, you can focus on outdoor activities, water sports or culture. If you are visiting for a particular activity, check its dates and availability before deciding where to stay.
Hiking and Water Sports
“Sur les traces d'Ampère” is an 8.7-kilometre circular hike. The circular route and specified distance make it a clearly defined hiking option for planning your trip. On the banks of the Saône, the Yacht Club du Rhône is a base for nautical activities, including dinghy sailing, motorboating, canoeing and kayaking, as well as water skiing. The club runs a sailing school for young beginners on Saturday afternoons. Activities may vary by season; check the current schedule and participation requirements before making plans.
Since 2018, Saône Ride Nautique has offered activities such as wakesurfing and wakeboarding in Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or. If you are considering a session, check current availability in advance.
Architectural History and Remembrance
The Château Fort – Tour Médiévale is a 12th-century castle built by Regnaud de Forez, the Archbishop of Lyon. The building crowns a hill overlooking the Saône. It opens during the European Heritage Days and for occasional events. Check the specific opening arrangements before your visit.
The Eglise Saint Germain is a former castle chapel that has been altered. Its architectural features include a Romanesque choir, a rib-vaulted apse, a 15th-century chapel and a modern nave. At the château, the focus is on its origins and views over the Saône, while at the church, it is on its former role as a castle chapel and its different architectural elements. The history of a medieval building and the architectural history of an altered church thus offer two distinct perspectives.
The Cimetière Britannique was established in 1917 to bury British soldiers who were passing through or had fallen ill or been wounded at the French front. Around one hundred people are buried there. The approximate number and the purpose of the cemetery provide a tangible link to the history of soldiers who were passing through France or serving there.
Music and When to Visit
Pianissimes is one of two music festivals held each year in Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or. It is therefore one of the town's recurring cultural events, although the festival programme may change. If you are planning your trip around this event, check the dates and programme for your travel period.
Discover more destinations: Monsols, Saint-Martin-en-Haut, Vénissieux, Lyon, Dareizé, Meyzieu, Sainte-Paule, Morancé
For the broader travel overview: Rhône.
