Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon offers several ways to explore local history and landscapes: historic buildings, an urban walking tour, scenic trails and treasure hunts. The walking tour's third edition, published in January 2025, includes 26 stops. When planning your visit, you can choose different themes, such as architecture, nature or an interactive activity.

Architectural history spanning several centuries

The Hôtel de Mélat, also known as the former town hall, was built between 1775 and 1779 to plans by Joseph-François Desarnot. It is partially protected as a historic monument. The protected features include the façades and roofs, the staircase with its wrought-iron railing, the former reception room and former dining room on the ground floor, and the decorated gallery on the first floor.

The Église Saint-Symphorien was first mentioned in 1153 as a possession of Ainay Abbey. It combines a late medieval choir, an 18th-century nave and a 19th-century west façade. Its architectural features include notable vaults in the sacristy and sculpted corbels. The architectural history of the Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Mariniers spans the 15th to the 19th century. The market is another historic landmark: founded in 1672, it is one of the oldest in the region.

Local history, exhibitions and treasure hunts

The La Villa Louvier heritage center focuses on the history of Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon, traditional crafts such as wooden clogs and textile printing, and the town's natural habitats. Temporary exhibitions feature photographs, paintings and sculptures. On Saturdays, you can visit the villa independently from 2 to 5 p.m., except on public holidays. Guided tours are available by appointment for groups of 10 to 19 people. Check visiting hours before planning your trip.

Guided tours of the old town center can also be arranged for groups on request. Another way to explore the town is the Gnolu treasure hunt, which you can do alone, with friends or with family using a free mobile app that can be downloaded. Check in advance whether the app is available.

The geolocated treasure hunt “À la pêche au Dauphin” leads through the historic town center. The route of the same name is two kilometers long and takes between one and two hours. This activity therefore has both a specified route length and a time estimate, while the Gnolu treasure hunt is characterized primarily by its app and the range of possible group sizes.

Landscapes and trails

The landscape features also differ considerably. The Les Grandes-Terres plateau is dedicated to cereal farming. The Marais wetland is home to one of the five last planted reed beds in the Rhône department. Ornithologists value it for its biodiversity and the shelter it provides for numerous bird species.

The hills of Crapon offer wide-ranging panoramic views. The Chemin de la Vautière provides numerous views over the Ozon Valley, the greater Lyon area and Mont-d’Or. At 304 meters, the Circuit des hauteurs reaches the highest point in the town. These routes each have a different highlight: views along the Chemin de la Vautière and the highest point on the Circuit des hauteurs. By contrast, the “À la pêche au Dauphin” route has a stated distance and duration, offering a practical guide for planning your time.

You can plan your stay around whichever theme interests you most: architectural history and crafts, landscapes, or a treasure hunt with a set route length and time estimate. When visiting La Villa Louvier, note the Saturday opening hours and public holidays; group tours of the old town center are available on request.

Discover more destinations: Caluire-Et-Cuire, Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, Villié-Morgon, Aigueperse, La Tour-De-Salvagny, Châtillon, Feyzin, Saint-Germain-Au-Mont-D'or.

Return to the regional travel overview: Rhône.