Sarcey’s elevated location offers views of the surrounding hills and a rural landscape of meadows, grain fields and vineyards; wine production benefits from the AOC Beaujolais designation. The landscape and history are also reflected in the trails: the La boucle de la Madone circular trail connects viewpoints with historic traces, while other routes take in Sarcey in different ways. When planning, consider whether you are most interested in a local loop, a historic route, or a cycling route.

Landscape, winegrowing and nature

Views from the elevated location include the Jura, the Alps and the foothills of the Massif Central. The vineyards are part of a rural landscape also shaped by meadows and grain fields. Sarcey is also home to the ZNIEFF type 1 area “moyenne vallée de l’Azergues et du Soanan”. Alongside the sweeping panorama, this brings a specifically named natural area and the surrounding agricultural landscape into view.

La boucle de la Madone: panorama and landmarks

The La boucle de la Madone circular trail runs through the Pierres Dorées area, along paths near the vineyards and small country roads. Halfway along, the de la Madone landscape viewpoint offers a 180-degree panorama stretching from the Monts de Tarare to the villages of the Pierres Dorées. This loop brings together the nearby vineyard landscape and wide-ranging views across the surrounding hills.

The circular trail is marked with PDIPR wooden posts and yellow directional signs. As trail markers can change locally, check the current markings before setting out. This helps you follow the route using the local signs, rather than relying solely on the viewpoints.

Near the route stands the Tilleul centenaire de Sully, dating from the 17th century. The Borne armoriée is also close to the circular trail. It dates from the late 15th or early 16th century and served to mark the boundaries of the communes of Le Breuil, Légny and Sarcey. The two landmarks differ both in date and significance: the tree is notable for its age, while the boundary stone is notable for its former role between the communes.

Other routes through Sarcey

The Voie du Tacot follows the route of the former railway line that connected Villefranche with Tarare. Today, it runs for 24 kilometres from Liergues to Sarcey. The association’s website has not been maintained since 2023, so check current trail conditions before setting out. This makes the stated route length a useful point of reference while you check the conditions ahead of your visit.

The Les portes sud du Beaujolais cycling route also passes through Sarcey. It complements the local loop and the Voie du Tacot with a route specifically designated for cycling. Your choice therefore depends first on which of these perspectives you want to pursue: the panorama and historic landmarks on the Madone loop, the former railway connection along the Voie du Tacot, or a cycling route that passes through Sarcey.

Discover more destinations: Thel, Juliénas, Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, Denicé, Le Perréon, Chassieu, Bully, Amplepuis.

Go to the broader travel overview: Rhône.