Saint-Genis-Laval, the door to the stars

Just a dozen kilometres to the south-west of Lyon, at the beginning of an area known for its lônes (former branches of the river Rhône) and hilly countryside, Saint-Genis-Laval is one of the greenest towns in the metropolitan area, which also makes it one of the most sought-after.
As early as the sixteenth century, members of Lyon’s affluent bourgeoisie chose it as a location to build richly decorated countryside mansions, surrounded by magnificent gardens, some of the remains of which are still visible today. Among them was Thomas Gadagne, a native of Florence, who ordered the construction of the Château de Beauregard. Some of the original parts of this château have been preserved, including the gardens, five terraces and the nymphaeum, an ornamental pond fed by a source that was thought to be sacred. Of Italian inspiration, these remains provide the ideal backdrop for a romantic Sunday walk in the park of Beauregard.
A dozen minutes’ walk away, at the fort of Côte Lorette, begins a walking path named ‘La Clef des Champs’, which is a bucolic 2-kilometre loop. You can stop at the interactive augmented reality terminals placed along the route, to learn about local farming practices and all the richness of the plateau overlooking the Rhône valley, through quizzes, photo albums and sketches. The path will also take you to the site of the old observatory of Lyon, where astronomy introduction evenings are held. You can also turn off onto the Sentier de Sacuny, another walking path through fields, or follow a 3.5-km loop that runs from the bottom of the Chemin des Oliviers to Chemin de Bernicot. Lastly there is the Sentier du Pressin, a 4-km countryside path through the northern part of the plateau, featuring pastures, groves and fields of wheat. All three paths are easily accessible and will take you through a variety of landscapes, offering something to please kids and adults alike, particularly those who are keen on photography!