Regional park of wooded ridges, moorland and viewpoints; the Crêt de la Perdrix (1,432 m) offers views to Mont Blanc on clear days, with marked hiking trails and villages such as Pelussin and Bourg-Argental.
The Parc naturel regional du Pilat is a regional park in the Loire department of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France, about 60 km south-west of Lyon. Its wooded ridges, moorland and viewpoints are the main draw, and the Crêt de la Perdrix, at 1,432 m the park's highest point, offers views toward Mont Blanc on clear days. The park's information centre, the Maison du Parc at the Moulin de Virieu in Pelussin, is the best starting point for maps and trail advice. A car is by far the best way to travel: the A7 to Condrieu and then the D1086 to Pelussin takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with parking at the Crêt de la Perdrix. Without a car, a TER train to Saint-Etienne or Givors and a local bus take about two hours, and services are limited on Sundays, so check transports.auvergnerhonealpes.fr. A good day begins early with the drive to the Crêt de la Perdrix for a morning hike on marked trails, then a visit to Pelussin or Bourg-Argental for lunch at a village restaurant serving regional dishes, local cheeses and charcuterie. The afternoon could include a walk to the Saut du Gier waterfall area, followed by a drive back to Lyon before dark. Because the trails involve climbs and the transfer without a car is long, the trip is classed as hard for those who combine hiking with public transport. The best season is May to October; summer days are warm in the lower valleys, and the ridges can be windy and cool, so layers are useful. Winter can bring snow and icy paths. Visitors can find trail information on parc-naturel-pilat.fr.
| Distance | 60 km south-west of Lyon |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour 15 minutes by car; train to Vienne or Saint-Etienne plus bus |
| Getting there | Car (A7 to Condrieu then D1086 to Pelussin, about 1 hour 15 minutes; parking at Crêt de la Perdrix) or train (TER Lyon to Saint-Etienne then regional bus, check transports.auvergnerhonealpes.fr) |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Address | Maison du Parc, Moulin de Virieu, 2 Rue Benaude, 42410 Pelussin, France |
How to get there
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Notes
- Best option to reach the Crêt de la Perdrix, Pelussin, Bourg-Argental and the Saut du Gier.
- Mode
- Train and bus
- Duration
- About 2 hours
- Notes
- TER to Saint-Etienne or Givors then local bus; services are limited on Sundays.
Location
Maison du Parc, Moulin de Virieu, 2 Rue Benaude, 42410 Pelussin, France
45.3731, 4.5942 View on map
Highlights
- Crêt de la Perdrix summit at 1,432 m
- Marked hiking trails across wooded ridges
- Pelussin and Bourg-Argental villages
- Saut du Gier waterfall area
- Views toward Mont Blanc on clear days
Tips for visiting
- Drive if possible: the A7 and D1086 reach Pelussin in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Pick up maps and trail advice at the Maison du Parc in Pelussin.
- Bring layers and water, because ridge weather differs from the valley.
- Check bus times in advance if using public transport, especially on Sundays.
- Start early so the hike finishes before the afternoon.
When to visit
May to October, starting early in the morning. Clear days give the best views.
Accessibility
Hiking trails are uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs. Some viewpoints near car parks have shorter, easier approaches.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can the Pilat be reached without a car?
Yes, by TER to Saint-Etienne or Givors then a regional bus, but it takes about two hours and services are limited on Sundays.
What is the highest point?
The Crêt de la Perdrix reaches 1,432 m and has views toward Mont Blanc on clear days.
When is the best time to hike?
May to October is the usual window. Winter conditions can be snowy or icy.