Between the Saône and the Monts d'Or

Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or lies between the Saône and the Monts d'Or. Picturesque lanes and restored townhouses shape the village's character. At the same time, the now-disused yellow-stone quarries have shaped the landscape; north of the village, the quarry face is still clearly visible. The village and its stone quarrying offer two different ways to explore the destination. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether architecture, the landscape, or both should be the deciding factor.

A circular trail through the history of the landscape

The “De carrières en Fricoule” circular trail leads from the village centre to the Roman aqueduct, past old vineyards and to the quarries of the yellow “de Couzon” stone; it also passes Cabornes and Chirats. The route brings together different features of the Couzon landscape: the aqueduct, vineyards and traces of stone quarrying. As a circular trail, it offers a concrete focus for anyone wishing to discover these landscape features along a single route. The trail can be reached by bus routes 40 and 43, at the Couzon stop. Check the timetable before setting off.

By bike: a clearly defined section

The first completed section of the Voie lyonnaise 3 in Couzon is 900 metres long. It runs from the village centre to the northern edge of the village in the direction of Albigny-sur-Saône, is open to traffic in both directions, separated from the carriageway and three metres wide. While the circular trail is organised around specific landscape features, this cycling section can be understood in terms of its length and design. This lets you consider the two options according to different priorities: a route to named landmarks on the one hand, and a clearly described part of the cycling infrastructure on the other.

The church and the Madone

The Church of Saint-Maurice combines a distinctive architectural profile with a history of construction. It was built in 1855; its architecture is attributed to Pierre Bossan. Its imposing profile, austere design and strongly characteristic Bossan style define its appearance. The church is listed as a historic monument; the listing dates from 23 November 2021. The construction year and listing date mark two different milestones: 1855 for its construction, and 2021 for its protected status.

The Madone offers a different perspective. It is a three-metre-high painted bronze statue, cast from the model of the Lourdes Madonna by the Lyon sculptor Fabisch. It was erected at La Vénagère on 5 February 1888, where it overlooks the village. The church and the Madone therefore represent different cultural perspectives: Saint-Maurice can be understood through its construction date, attribution and architecture, while the Madone can be viewed through its material, form and location.

When looking for a hotel in Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, you can use your own priorities as a guide: the circular trail explores the landscape, the cycling section is described through its structural features, and the church and Madone give your stay a cultural focus.

Discover more destinations: Pierre-Bénite, Saint-Fons, Saint-Nizier-D'azergues, Feyzin, L'arbresle, Saint-Martin-en-Haut, Le Bois-D'oingt, Les Ardillats

For the main travel overview: Rhône.