Lyon: Self-Guided Hike off the Beaten Track (Train & Picnic)

Exploring the lesser-known trails around Lyon can be a rewarding experience. This self-guided hike takes adventurers off the city’s typical tourist path, offering a chance to immerse in the region’s natural beauty and history. With a scenic train ride, four hours of hiking, and a homemade picnic, the journey promises an unforgettable day in the great outdoors. Navigating with a geolocation app, hikers can discover picturesque landscapes, medieval castle ruins, and a refreshing natural pond – all for a reasonable price. Interested trekkers will want to learn more about this unique opportunity to step away from the crowds and experience Lyon from a fresh perspective.

Key Points

• Self-guided hiking tour in Lyon, France, priced at €1,880 per person with a duration of 1 day and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
• Includes a scenic train ride to Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, 4 hours of hiking in Villefontaine, and a homemade picnic with an optional summer swimming opportunity.
• Starts with a 30-minute welcome refreshment in Lyon, followed by a 20-minute train journey and 4 hours of self-guided hiking.
• Features an English and French audio guide with geolocation app, as well as tote bags and reusable water bottles for participants.
• Not suitable for children under 6, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels, and requires a charged smartphone for the geolocation app.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This self-guided hike in Lyon offers a full day of exploration, with prices starting from €1,880 per person.

The activity is designed to last 1 day, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also opt for the reserve now & pay later option.

The hike takes participants on a journey through scenic walking paths, with a train ride to Saint-Quentin-Fallavier and 4 hours of hiking in Villefontaine.

Along the way, hikers will enjoy a homemade picnic with local ingredients and have the opportunity to swim in a natural reserve pond during summer.

Itinerary Details

The self-guided hike begins at 5 Rue Bonnefoi in Lyon, where you will start with a 30-minute welcome refreshment.

Then, they’ll walk 20 minutes to the train station and take a 20-minute train to Saint-Quentin-Fallavier.

The hiking portion lasts 4 hours in Villefontaine.

Afterward, there’s 1 hour of free time before the 20-minute return train to Lyon-Jean-Macé.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights and Experience

Participants will be greeted with a complimentary hot beverage upon arrival, setting the tone for a local, immersive experience.

They’ll then board a regional train for a 20-minute journey to Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, where the self-guided hiking begins.

Along the scenic walking paths, they’ll encounter a river and medieval castle ruins. During the summer, they can even take a refreshing dip in a natural reserve pond.

Hikers will enjoy a homemade picnic featuring local ingredients. An audio guide, available in English and French, provides context and directions through a geolocation app.

This experience offers a unique mix of regional transportation, outdoor exploration, and local culinary delights.

Inclusions

The self-guided hike package includes a complimentary hot beverage upon arrival, setting the tone for a local experience.

Participants will enjoy regional train transportation to the trailhead. The self-guided hiking route provides points of interest along the way.

A homemade picnic featuring a sandwich, dessert, and fruit is included. Tote bags and reusable water bottles (not for children) are also provided.

However, the package excludes pick-up and return to the hotel, metro tickets to the railway station, tasting of local products, and a guide for the self-guided portion.

It’s important to note the fitness requirement and that the excursion may be canceled or modified in the event of train service failure.

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Exclusions

Despite the extensive inclusions, the self-guided hike package doesn’t cover pick-up and return to the hotel, metro tickets to the railway station, tasting of local products, and a guide for the self-guided portion.

Guests are responsible for making their own way to the meeting point and covering any additional transportation costs beyond the included regional train.

Plus, the package doesn’t include guided services during the self-guided hiking segment or opportunities to sample local culinary specialties.

Participants must be self-sufficient in navigating the route and bringing any desired snacks or refreshments beyond the provided picnic.

Important Requirements

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable self-guided hike, there are several important requirements to consider.

First, this activity isn’t suitable for children under 6, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with low fitness levels. Participants should be prepared to hike 8-12 km and have a good fitness level.

Plus, hikers should bring essential items such as a sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, water, rain gear, comfortable clothes, and sports shoes.

It’s also important to have a charged smartphone to access the geolocation app.

Contingency Plan

In case of train service failure, the tour operator arranges private transport for a minimum of 4 participants. Otherwise, the excursion is canceled, and participants receive full refunds. No refunds are provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

Scenario	Action
Train service disruption	Private transport arranged for groups of 4+
Train service failure	Excursion canceled, full refunds issued
Late arrival or no-show	No refunds provided

This contingency plan ensures participants can complete the self-guided hike even in the event of unexpected train service issues. The tour operator prioritizes providing suitable alternatives or issuing refunds to maintain a reliable and enjoyable experience.

Booking and Availability

As per the details provided, bookings for the self-guided hike in Lyon can be made directly through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

This activity is available throughout the year, subject to weather conditions. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

The key booking information includes:

1. Prices start from €1,880 per person.
2. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours prior to the start.
3. A "Reserve now, pay later" option is available.
4. Bookings can be made for individuals or small groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Self-Guided Hike?

The overview does not specify a maximum group size. However, the contingency plan mentions private transport being arranged for a minimum of 4 participants, suggesting the activity can accommodate small to medium-sized groups.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

There are no specific discounts mentioned for seniors or students. The pricing is listed as a flat rate of €1,880 per person, regardless of age or student status. Travelers should check with the provider for any potential discounts.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drink Instead of the Picnic?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks instead of the provided picnic, though the homemade picnic is included in the tour price. Bringing personal provisions would not result in a reduced tour cost.

Is There an Option to Extend the Hike Duration or Distance?

While participants cannot bring their own food and drinks, they can extend the hike duration or distance on their own after the planned 4-hour route. However, the self-guided hike is not suitable for those with low fitness levels.

Can the Meeting Point Be Changed to a Different Location in Lyon?

The meeting point can be changed to a different location in Lyon, but this may incur an additional fee and require adjustments to the itinerary. Participants should check with the provider for available options and associated costs.

Sum Up

Explore the captivating landscapes surrounding Lyon on this self-guided hike. Enjoy a scenic train ride, four hours of hiking, a homemade picnic, and a refreshing swim in a natural pond. With free cancellation and a geolocation app for navigation, this off-the-beaten-track adventure promises an unforgettable outdoor experience. Book now to discover the charm of Lyon’s picturesque countryside.

You can check availability for your dates here: