Saint-Martin-en-Haut offers two clear highlights to help you plan your trip: a landscape shaped by ponds and wooded terrain, and the history of Rochefort. The town has 70 ponds, which add to the diversity of its landscapes. At the same time, Saint-Martin-en-Haut is one of the main access points to the extensive Monts du Lyonnais area. When looking for a holiday rental, you can plan your stay around whether hiking or cultural history will play a bigger part in your days.
Hiking Trails and Landscape
Saint-Martin-en-Haut has more than 170 kilometres of marked hiking trails. The steep side of the town features rugged, heavily wooded terrain, with deep valleys carved by numerous streams, including the Artillat. When planning, you will find both an extensive trail network and specific landscape features that shape the natural character of the area.
The GR7 crosses fields, meadows and forests. Between Croix Forest and Saint-Martin-en-Haut, you can follow the Tacot route along the DĂ©partementale on a trail marked with the letter K. Each offers a different point of reference: the GR7 focuses on the landscapes it crosses, while the Tacot route has the named endpoints and K marking. You can therefore include these two named routes in your trip planning using different points of reference.
Rochefort: Pilgrimage History and Art
The Chapelle de Rochefort was built in the 13th century and was a popular place for pilgrims on the Way of St James. It has a 15th-century stained-glass window and a PietĂ from the late 15th or early 16th century. The chapel offers several cultural points of interest, including its construction history, historic pilgrimages and later-dated works of art.
The medieval site of Rochefort stands on a rocky outcrop. Its strategic location meant that it watched over the road to Lyon for two millennia. Here, the location takes centre stage: the site's history is distinct from the architectural and artistic history of the chapel.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Bus route 2EX connects Saint-Martin-en-Haut with Lyon and Chazelles-sur-Lyon. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable before setting out. The village has almost 900 parking spaces at various locations, including spaces for carpoolers and hikers. The bus connection and the distributed parking facilities offer different points of reference for planning your journey.
The étang du Quéser Throughout the Year
The pond known as the “étang du Quéser” is open daily from the second Saturday in March to 31 October, from sunrise to sunset. As seasonal rules may change, check them before your visit. This opening period is a specific planning consideration if the pond is part of your plans.
Choose a Holiday Rental to Suit Your Stay
Start your holiday rental search by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: the trail network can provide a framework for hikes, while Rochefort offers a cultural and historical highlight.
Discover more destinations: Lozanne, Saint-Didier-Sur-Beaujeu, Chénas, Jons, Sérézin-Du-Rhône, Albigny-sur-Saône, Vernay, Liergues.
Go to the main travel overview: RhĂ´ne.
