Lyon and Monts d'Or, the must-do motorcycle outing

Leaving Lyon for the Monts d'Or is a bit like pressing the pause button in a fast-moving city. Barely ten minutes from the center of town and you're on winding roads, calm, bathed in light, with panoramic views that unfold bend after bend. This is one of the most accessible motorcycle outings, and yet one of the most memorable in the Lyon region.

If you rent a motorcycle from Lyon, you've got a clear advantage: the area is compact, the passes are close by, and the variety of landscapes means you can have fun in 1 hour or half a day. The Monts d'Or is a sure bet. A loop that ticks all the boxes: clean roads, golden stone villages, panoramic breaks, a "little piece of the countryside" atmosphere just a stone's throw from town.

A perfect playground within easy reach of Lyon

The Monts d'Or starts very soon after Lyon, making it one of the smoothest spots to ride. From Vaise, Caluire or Croix-Rousse, you quickly reach the first curves.

The massif is not huge, but it is dense:
- narrow but well-maintained roads
- regular curves perfect for building confidence
- wooded passages, open ridges, authentic villages
- very few straight lines (so zero boredom)

This area is ideal for:
- warming up before a longer ride
- an evening ride after work
- a Sunday morning outing
- a "discovery" ride for those returning to motorcycling.

The most beautiful passages of the Monts d'Or

1. The Mont Verdun pass: the emblematic climb

It's the best-known, and for good reason: the road is well-paced, the tarmac is good, and the view at the top rewards every bend.
You alternate between wooded areas and open curves, perfect for finding your bearings.

2. Poleymieux and its clean curves

Poleymieux-sur-Saône offers a road with less traffic, alternating tight bends and small, more rolling stretches. Very pleasant for "clean", pressure-free riding.

3. Golden stone villages

Although technically outside the heart of the Monts d'Or, Chasselay, Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or and Limonest offer charming alleyways, a very "Southern" atmosphere, and a few cafés perfect for a quick break.

4. The Mont Thou ridge

It's a narrower road, but the reward is magical: a bird's-eye view of Lyon, Fourvière, and sometimes as far as the Alps on a clear day.

Itinerary idea: the simple, effective loop

Here's a loop that works for everyone, beginners and advanced alike:

Departure: Lyon (Vaise or Croix-Rousse)
→ Limonest
→ Chasselay
→ Poleymieux-sur-Saône
→ Mont Verdun
→ Mont Thou
→ Return via Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or

It's accessible, fast and varied enough to be memorable even if you've only got 1 h 30 to spare.

Where can I rent a motorcycle for a trip to the Monts d'Or?

For a simple, no-fuss rental, you can go through Good Motors.
The platform is entirely digital, available for self-service 24 hours a day, which is convenient for early morning or late evening departures. Motorcycles are available from the age of 18, and the One Way option even lets you pick up the bike in one city and return it in another if you're planning a longer loop.

You can book directly here:

What if you want to pick up a motorcycle right in the neighborhood?
Models are available for self-service:
🔗https://goodmotors.agency

And the page dedicated to Lyon is available here:
🔗https://goodmotors.agency/villes/lyon

The models available in Lyon cover a wide range of profiles, from 125cc bikes for short trips to A2s and big bikes for more dynamic riding. Helmets and gloves are available for hire if required, so you can set off immediately even if you're not equipped.

When is this outing?

The Monts d'Or can be ridden almost all year round. Each season has its own charm:
- Spring: clean roads, mild temperatures
- Summer: ideal in the morning or at the end of the day
- Autumn: incredible colors, "movie road" atmosphere
- Winter: rideable, but beware of shady areas

If you want to avoid traffic, aim for:
- a departure between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- a weekday outing
- or an evening ride around 7 p.m. in summer

Tips for making the most of your time

- Manage your pace on the tight switchbacks (some passages are narrow)
- Take a panoramic break at Mont Thou
- Check the weather forecast: the wind can be strong on the ridges
- Bring hydration with you in summer, even for a short outing
- Keep an eye out for cyclists, of whom there are many in the area.

FAQ - Everything you need to know before you leave

What's the best motorcycle route in the Monts d'Or from
Lyon?

The climb to Mont Verdun is the most emblematic. It combines clean tarmac, regular curves and a panoramic view from the summit.

Are the Monts d'Or suitable for beginners?

Yes, totally. The roads are even, the traffic moderate, and the curves gradual. It's perfect for getting your bearings.

How long does the classic loop last?

Generally between 1 h and 1 h 30, depending on whether or not you stop to enjoy the views.

Where can I rent a motorcycle near Lyon?

Straight to the point: Good Motors offers 100% digital rental, with 24-hour self-service pick-up.

Can we do this in the evening?

In fact, it's one of the best times: softer light, little traffic, calm atmosphere on the ridges.

Conclusion

Lyon offers one of the most direct access routes to a mountain range perfectly suited to motorcycling. The Monts d'Or is a concentrate of pleasure: quick access, varied roads, superb panoramas and an authentic atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick break or a longer loop, the Monts Or is a must for all bikers, whether they're from Lyon or just passing through.

If you want to enjoy it without any constraints, you can reserve a self-service motorcycle from Lyon, 24 hours a day, at Good Motors. Simple, flexible, efficient.

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