Leaving Lyon to reach the Monts d'Or is a bit like pressing “pause” in a fast-paced city. In just ten minutes from the center, you find yourself on winding, quiet roads, bathed in light, with panoramas that unfold turn after turn. It is one of the most accessible motorcycle outings and yet one of the most striking in the Lyon region.
If you rent a motorbike from Lyon, you clearly have an advantage: the territory is compact, the passes are close, and the variety of landscapes allows you to enjoy yourself in 1 hour or half a day. The Monts d'Or is The safe bet. A loop that ticks all the boxes: clean roads, golden stone villages, panoramic breaks, a “small piece of countryside” atmosphere close to the city.
A perfect playground quickly accessible from Lyon
The Monts d'Or start very quickly after Lyon, making it one of the most fluid 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, clear ridges, authentic villages
• very few straight lines (so zero boredom)
It is an ideal area for:
• a warm-up before a longer ride
• An evening wrinkle after work
• a Sunday morning outing
• a “discovery” ride for those who take up motorcycling again
The most beautiful passages in the Monts d'Or
1. The Mont Verdun pass: the iconic climb
It's the best known, and for good reason: the road is rhythmic, the asphalt is good, and the view at the top rewards every turn.
You alternate between wooded areas and open curves, perfect for finding your bearings.
2. Poleymieux and its clean bends
Poleymieux-sur-Saône offers a road that is less busy, with an alternation of tight turns and smaller, more rolling sections. Very pleasant to drive “clean”, without pressure.
3. The villages of golden stones
Even if you technically leave the heart of the Monts d'Or, Chasselay, Saint-Germain-au-Mont-d'Or or Limonest offer charming streets, a very “Southern” atmosphere, and a few cafes perfect for a quick break.
4. The peak of Mount Thou
It's a smaller, 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 and efficient loop
Here is a loop that works for everyone, beginners and advanced alike:
Departure: Lyon (Vaise or Croix-Rousse)
→ Limonest
→ Chasselay
→ Poleymieux-sur-Saône
→ Mount Verdun
→ Mount Thou
→ Return via Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or
It's an accessible, fast outing, and varied enough to be memorable even if you only have 1 hour and a half ahead of you.
Where can I rent a motorbike to go to the Monts d'Or?
For a simple and hassle-free rental, you can go through Good Motors.
The platform is fully digital, available in self-service 24 hours a day, which is convenient for leaving early in the morning or late in the evening. Motorbikes are accessible from the age of 18, and the One Way option even allows you to take the motorcycle in one city and return it to another if you plan a longer loop.
You can book directly here:
What if you want to pick up a motorcycle directly in the neighborhood?
The models are available in 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 several profiles, from 125cc for short outings to A2 and large cubes motorcycles for a more dynamic ride. Helmet and gloves are available for rent if needed, so you can leave immediately even if you are not equipped.
When to do this outing?
The Monts d'Or can be ridden almost all year round. Each season has its charm:
• Spring: clean roads, mild temperatures
• Summer: ideal in the morning or at the end of the day
• Fall: incredible colors, “movie road” atmosphere
• Winter: passable, but watch out for areas in the shade
If you want to avoid traffic, aim for:
• a departure between 7 am and 10 am
• a weekday outing
• or an evening ride around 19:00 in summer
Tips for getting the most out of it
• Manage your pace in tight bends (some passages are narrow)
• Take a panoramic break at Mont Thou
• Check the weather: the wind can be strong on the ridges
• Provide hydration in summer, even for a short outing
• Keep an eye on cyclists, who are numerous in the area
FAQ — Everything you need to know before you go
What is the best motorcycle route in the Monts d'Or since
Lyon?
The climb to Mont Verdun is the most emblematic. It combines clean asphalt, regular turns and a panoramic view from the top.
Are the Monts d'Or suitable for beginners?
Yes, totally. The roads are regular, the traffic is moderate, and the curves are gradual. It's perfect for getting started.
How long does the classic loop last?
Generally between 1 am and 1 am 30 am, depending on whether or not you stop to enjoy the views.
Where to rent a motorbike near Lyon?
Straight to the point: Good Motors offers 100% digital rental, with 24-hour self-service pick-up.
Can we do this evening outing?
It is even one of the best moments: softer light, little traffic, calm atmosphere on the ridges.
Conclusion
Lyon offers one of the most direct accesses to a massif perfectly suited to motorcycling. The Monts d'Or is a concentrate of pleasure: access roads, varied roads, superb panoramas, authentic atmosphere. Whether for an express break or a longer loop, it is an essential outing for any motorcyclist from Lyon or passing through.
If you want to enjoy it without constraints, you can book a self-service motorbike from Lyon, 24 hours a day, on Good Motors. Simple, flexible, effective.
