Attractions and Places To See around Montrottier - Top 20

This guide focuses on attractions around the village of Montrottier in the Rhône department, located within the Monts du Lyonnais region. There is also a famous Château de Montrottier near Annecy in Haute-Savoie, which is a different location.

The historic village of Montrottier in the Rhône department offers several historical sites. You can explore the old village with its spiral layout, see the 15th-century Priory Portal, and visit the Market Halls from the reign of Louis XIV. The Church of Montrottier features 15th-century panels, and the Chapel St Martin les Périls dates back to the 10th century. Don't miss the historical crosses like the Croix de Mazieux (1517) and a hidden 'traboule' within the old ramparts.

The Montrottier area is nestled within the scenic Monts du Lyonnais. You can find several mountain passes offering panoramic views, such as Malval Pass (732 m), Col de la Croix de Mazieux, and Croix-de-Part Pass. From Croix-de-Part Pass, at 811 meters, you can sometimes see Lac du Ronzey on clear days. The most popular attraction is The Route des Crêtes, which offers fantastic panoramas of Lyon and the Monts du Lyonnais.

Yes, the region offers family-friendly options. Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid Castle and Church is listed as family-friendly and provides a panoramic view. The Malval Pass (732 m) also offers family-friendly routes, though some can be challenging. Additionally, the nearby Parc animalier de Courzieu is a wildlife park that can be a great family outing.

The Monts du Lyonnais region around Montrottier is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and cycling on the various mountain passes like Col de la Croix-de-Part, Col de Malval, and Col de la Croix de Mazieux. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, including Road Cycling Routes, General Cycling Routes, and Gravel Biking Routes.

For panoramic views, head to The Route des Crêtes, which offers extensive vistas of Lyon and the Monts du Lyonnais. Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid Castle and Church also provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. Additionally, the Malval Pass (732 m) and Croix-de-Part Pass offer clear views, with the latter sometimes allowing sight of Lac du Ronzey.

The Circuit des Fermes is a specific itinerary in the Montrottier area designed for visitors to discover typical regional farms, offering a glimpse into local agricultural life and products.

The village of Montrottier is unique for its historic spiral layout of houses built around a former priory castle. This distinctive organization, along with its ancient structures like the 15th-century Priory Portal and the 10th-century Chapel St Martin les Périls, gives it a rich historical character.

The Monts du Lyonnais region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities during spring, summer, and early autumn. However, be aware that in winter, the climate at higher elevations like Croix-de-Part Pass can become harsh, with patches of ice, so plan accordingly.

Yes, the area features several significant religious buildings. The Church of Montrottier contains 15th-century panels classified as historical monuments, along with notable paintings and stained glass. The Chapel St Martin les Périls, with its oldest parts dating back to the 10th century, is listed as a supplementary historical monument. There is also the Chapel de Souzy, dedicated to Saint Antoine, and the Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid Castle and Church.

Visitors particularly enjoy the panoramic views offered by scenic routes and mountain passes, such as The Route des Crêtes and Malval Pass (732 m). The historical significance of sites like Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid Castle and Church and the opportunity for hiking and cycling in the Monts du Lyonnais are also highly appreciated.