Lyon City Blog 

Keywords : Pilat , Lyon , Saint-Etienne , Vienne

Situated between Lyon and St-Etienne , the Pilat is a low mountain massif that provides beautiful landscapes for nature lovers and sporty people interested in outdoor activities in summer and winter in Lyon region.

The Pilat stretches over a contrasted land of granite plateaux in the North, apple-trees and vine-yards in the South  along the Rhône river and the Crêts, the highest peak of which is the Crêt de la Perdrix (1, 432 m) where visitors can admire the Jura, the Massif Central and the Alps.

This rich but fragile territory has become a regional nature park  since 1974 and a paradise for nature lovers. A large variety of alpine flora gives a unique mountainous aspect in the north whereas Mediterranean orchards cover the terraces of prestige vintages such as « Condrieu » or « Saint-Joseph  ». In addition, the Chirats give a geological originality to the Pilat . They are unique rock formations dating from the quaternary period and they cover the north-facing slopes of the massif. The Alpine rose-bush can be found in the blocks that cover the north-facing slopes of the massif.

Different animal species also live in the Pilat region where you can observe beavers, migratory birds  like the gray heron on the river banks, wild boars, roes and wood-pickers in the wooded peaks.

Predominant activities in the textile industry and in agriculture guarantee a healthy economy. Dairy farming, fine wines and orchards produce quality products that are an important source of profit for the region. The textile industry and the forests provide local jobs and attract tourists who enjoy visiting the weaving looms of La Terrasse-sur-Dorlay village or walking in the woods.

Visitors will also be delighted by the wide variety of rural and old architecture such as the granite farms around Saint-Genest-Malifaux, the Saint-Croix-en-Jarrest Charterhouse or the exceptional Roman vestiges of Saint-Romain-en-Gal near Vienne .

There is always something to do for those who are of the sporty type. In winter you can discover the snow-covered tracks of the Pilat massif and enjoy snow-walking or skiing in the woods.
In summer, trekking, all-terrain biking, via ferrata and horse-riding are the most practiced leisure and sport activities. Major hiking trails, park trails or commune loop trails give thee opportunity of hiking for 1 or several days. Beginners or confirmed riders can follow 31 looped itineraries in the Pilat .

To organize day-trips, holidays and riding or hiking itineraries you can buy the guide books that are available in French only at the Maison du Tourisme, 2 rue Benay, 42410 Pélussin.

Of course, if you would like to taste some of the best local products, there are many traditional restaurants and country-inns. Now, if you prefer to stay a few days, you may find some accommodation in bed and breakfasts, hotels or holiday chalets.

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