Hiking - Heights Trail - Saint-Appolinard no. 2
The first part of the Heights Trail is shared with the Ste Blandine trail (no. 1).
From the Place de la Bascule, get to the Route du Tracol (D503) and follow it for thirty meters towards Saint-Julien Molin Molette. Take the Route du Vernat on the right, until you reach a cross. There, take the leftmost paved road, then continue straight on to the summit. At the signpost, the two trails split. Take the one on the right and continue the ascent along the dirt path until you reach a paved road. Cross it and take the Impasse du Verdier. Follow the dirt path to the directional sign. You have now reached the highest point of the hike. From here, you have a very beautiful view of the Rhône valley and the Alps to your right. To your left, you can see the Ternay dam, as well as the old tin mines of Eteize.
Begin the descent to the right until you reach the D34. Turn left for a few meters, then take the path on the left in the bend, which heads into the undergrowth. Cross the D34 again and continue down the path. At a directional sign, turn right, then 100 meters further on, you will find a second directional sign. At this intersection, you will join the Sentier des Hameaux (no. 3), which shares the route until the end of the hike. Continue the descent on the rightmost path to reach the Route de Pourzin, crossing a few intersections while keeping straight ahead. Once on the road, turn right to the bridge, then left to rejoin the Route du Tracol. Note that this bridge is a bat sanctuary. An information board is available for you to learn more about this mammal. Once on the main road, turn right, then after a few meters, turn left into the Rue de la Forge. This will take you to the Place du Piorard, then to the Place de la Bascule, bringing you to the end of the hike.
⚠️ Warning: This road has heavy traffic, be careful.
Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Therefore, you undertake these hikes at your own risk. Stay on the marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
A few recommendations:
- Check the weather forecast before you set off
- Some routes cross roads with heavy traffic: Be careful
- Keep dogs on a leash
- Do not light fires
- Take your litter home with you
- Enjoy the flowers, but do not pick them.
- Tick bites can cause serious illnesses; as a preventative measure: wear clothing that covers your skin, use repellent, check your body when you get back, remove ticks with a tick removal tool without applying any substance to them, and consult a doctor if you notice any redness, flu-like symptoms, or if you are in an at-risk group.
- For emergency services, dial 18 or 112.