On April 26, 2023 / Walks

This nature walk in Blyes, accessible to all, is only 30 minutes from Lyon! Forest, river and change of scenery will be there.

Blyes: an easy nature walk 30 minutes from Lyon

Spring is here, nature takes back its rights. But you, have you resumed good habits ? Don't lie to yourself, winter is going away and so are your good resolutions. Let's face it: you're still not psychologically ready to walk through the door to the gym. So let's be more realistic and start with something easier. And if we can take advantage of it to ventilate in kind, it's even better. What could be better then, than a little nature walk no pressure at the start from Blyès ? Come on, put on your sneakers, I promise, it won't be tiring.

Panneau de randonnée - balade Blyes, sur la plaine de l'Ain, à 10 min de Pérouges

The priory of Blyes as an appetizer

It all starts around Priory of Blyes all decorated with climbing roses and flowerbeds. Lovers of beautiful stones will be delighted to admire what remains of this building dating from the XNUMXth century. We still perceive the main building of the Benedictine nuns, the nave and a dovecote. But, do not get carried away too quickly, the place cannot be visited and only opens its doors during a few classical concerts. And then, we are not here for that. Remember, good resolutions.

Prieuré de Blyes, village de la plaine de l'Ain, à côté de Pérouges (10 min), à l'Est de Lyon, est un départ de balade bucolique.

Near the car park you will find a map of the route of the day. Here you go for a small loop in the forest, on the flat, to a duration of about 1h30. Are you reassured? Take the direction in the center of the two buildings and follow the path below the embankment in front of you.

A wild but welcoming forest

The first steps are taken peacefully along of a path that runs along the forest, then, the more we advance, the more we sink into the latter. Not the terrifying one of old tales. The one where we have the feeling ofbe cut off from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Printemps-fleurs-blanches
Balade Blyes - panneau plan des randonnées et balades sur la plaine et vers la rivière d'Ain
Chemin de forêt avec arbres en fleurs - sentier de balade Blyes
Panneau de randonnée - balade Blyes
Printemps-fleurs-blanches- balade Blyes

we breathe, we take advantage of the trees with emerging leaves and flowers which dot the flowerbeds here and there.

The sweetness of the Ain river

Rivière d'Ain, à l'Est de Lyon. Baignade non autorisée.

The rest of the walk leads you to reach one of the highlights of this hike: the banks of the Ain river. So dear to our hearts, this last offer a soothing stopover and refreshing. You are facing a natural environment to preserve 🌿. If this makes you want to take a dip, refrain for the moment, these areas are protected for the respect of biodiversity.

A false air of the Dombes

Get back on the road and away from the gurgling river to achieve poetic stillness of the Blyes lake. Here the wave offers a thousand reflections, it's the comfort after the effort (all relative). The vegetation is similar to that of the ponds of neighboring Dombes. Once again, swimming is not really recommended due to the quality of the water. You may as well finish the ride quietly taking the path that takes you back to your starting point.

Plan d'eau à voir durant la balade à Blyes, à côté de Pérouges, la cité médiévale et unique Plus Beau Village de France du département de l'Ain.

Tips for discovering Blyes and its surroundings after the walk

After the effort, gourmet comfort 🍽️

The little Broteaux guinguette

Restaurant- Terrasses de Blyes

The people of Lyon may have been challenged by the appellation Brottaux terraces the level of Blyes body of water. Former spelling of the word “brotteaux”, which today designates a famous district of Lyon, the term used to designate swamps with scrubby vegetation. The place serves meals on weekdays, lunch only.

L'Aincountournable

Lovers of word games will appreciate the slogan of this festive beer and tapas bar self-proclaimed “The place to Blyes”. In a wooded area, it is the ideal place for have a drink and enjoy a musical programming with the promise of having a good time with friends.

And around? 🏰

  • If you haven't already done so, you can also discover the medieval town of Pérouges. This must-see in the region is only 15 minutes by car from Blyes. You can stroll through its cobbled streets and taste a slice of sugar cake, the specialty of the village.
  • The more adventurous can follow in the footsteps of the chuck bandit in the underground route Balme caves. Again a 15 minute drive from Blyes.
  • And if you liked Blyes, why not come back in autumn ? Our tourist office invites you to discover a more unknown and frightening facet of the village through a theatrical visit entitled “The dark hours of Blyes”.

BONUS INFORMATION : This walk is particularly suitable for dog owners. The space is indeed the place of cani-cross competitions. As long as they are on a leash, they can stretch their paws and cool off in the water. Beware of ticks in the summer, and remember to throw your small bags in the bins provided for this purpose.

Jean-Julien Peraut

Published by

Jean-Julien

Web Editor

Lyonnais by adoption, he loves recharging his batteries in the surrounding nature. Ain, he particularly likes it because it allows him to get off the beaten track. He is also a great film buff, music lover and poet in his spare time.

 

Special sign : hates humor but loves irony.
Preferred country: New Zealand !
Absolute fan of: TheOffice.
Natural favourite: the Dombes.
Cultural favorite: the medieval festival of Pérouges.