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Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or

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City
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Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or (France)
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Practical info — Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • For the best panoramic views of Lyon, head to the Route du Mont Cindre at sunrise or sunset.
  • The streets are quite steep and narrow; consider taking the TCL bus line 20 from Lyon.
  • Pay attention to the traditional 'pierres dorées' (golden stones) used in the older architecture.
  • If hiking the Monts d'Or trails in summer, bring plenty of water as shade can be scarce on the ridges.

🍽 Food

🍽
Saucisson de Lyon

A traditional cured sausage, find it at classic local charcuteries.

🍽
Quenelle de Brochet

Pike dumplings, best enjoyed in an authentic bouchon-style restaurant.

🍽
Tarte à la Praline

The pink praline tart is a must-try from a village bakery.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Sunday Market

Handy for fresh produce and local cheeses.

🛍
Artisan Shops

Discover unique handcrafted goods in the village center.

🧘
Mont Cindre

Hike up here for absolute tranquility and panoramic views.

🧘
Ermitage de Saint-Cyr

A historical, quiet spot away from the crowds.

Highlights of 2026

1

Perched high above the bustling metropolis of Lyon, Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or is an incredibly scenic and highly affluent commune renowned for its sweeping panoramic views and exceptional quality of life. Clinging to the slopes of the Monts d'Or hills, the town charms visitors with its old, warm-toned stone houses and narrow, winding alleys that retain a deeply rural, almost Mediterranean atmosphere. A truly unique and fascinating site to visit is Mont Cindre, where a dedicated hermit named Emile spent decades meticulously constructing an eccentric rock garden and miniature chapels (Ermitage du Mont Cindre) that continue to amaze visitors. The surrounding hills present a paradise for hikers, with numerous wooded trails leading past characteristic "cabornes", traditional dry-stone huts once used by local vineyard workers. Several scenic viewpoints offer wide-open vistas over the Rhône valley and the sprawling city of Lyon below. Gastronomically, the area is superb, featuring elegant restaurants where you can savor exquisite Lyonnaise cuisine while enjoying the serene, green surroundings far from the city heat.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2371115192221171273
Rain mm625061668471697460858773

Geography

Population
42,763
Coordinates
45.81440, 4.81810

Facts

  • The Saint-Cyr church was largely rebuilt in the 19th century.
  • Mont Cindre is one of the highest points in the town, reaching 469 meters.
  • The town is a key member of the Monts d'Or environmental protection group.
  • Numerous 'cabornes' (traditional dry-stone huts) dot the surrounding hillsides.
  • The National Police Academy has been located here since 1941.
  • The town covers a compact but hilly area of 7.29 square kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or (8)

Saint-Cyr Church⛪ religious

A 19th-century parish church standing in the village center, known for its elegant architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Mont Cindre🌿 nature

One of the peaks of the Monts d'Or range, offering wide-open views of Lyon and the distant Alps on clear days.

Hermitage of Mont Cindre⛪ religious

A unique historical site featuring small chapels and rock gardens created by hermits over several centuries.

Belle-Allemande Tower🏺 historical

A medieval defense tower that remains as a witness to the fortified past of this hilltop village near Lyon.

Parc du Grand Champ🌳 park

The Parc du Grand Champ is a public park located in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or.

Château-Perret🏰 castle

The Château-Perret is a notable castle located in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or.

Caborne📍 landmark

A Caborne is a traditional dry stone hut that serves as a tourist attraction in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or.

Église Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte⛪ religious

The Église Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte is a church located in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or worth visiting?
It features sweeping panoramic views of Lyon and, on clear days, even as far as the Alps.
Are there good hiking opportunities?
Yes, loops like the 'Sentier des Rapaces' offer nature experiences right at Lyon's doorstep.
What is special about the town's architecture?
The traditional houses are built from the famous 'Pierres Dorées' (golden stones) that glow warmly in the sunlight.
Where is a good place to eat here?
The village is known for its upscale gastronomy with terraces overlooking the city.
How do you get there from Lyon?
Take bus line 20 from Gare de Vaise metro station for a quick connection.
Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or: where is it located?
Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Cyr Church, Mont Cindre, Hermitage of Mont Cindre.
Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or: why is it worth visiting?
Perched high above the bustling metropolis of Lyon, Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or is an incredibly scenic and highly affluent commune renowned for its sweeping panoramic views and exceptional quality of life.
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