Attractions and Places To See around Tarare - Top 20

Yes, Lac des Sapins is an excellent choice for families. It offers areas for swimming and picnicking, and is surrounded by forests, providing a great natural environment. Additionally, Croix de Paisselay is also listed as family-friendly, offering beautiful views and tranquility.

The region around Tarare is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Lac des Sapins, an artificial lake surrounded by forests, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. There are also several mountain passes like Col de la Croix de Mazieux and Col de la Croix des Fourches, which offer scenic views and forest atmospheres.

Absolutely. The historic village of Ternand is a must-see. It features ruins of a 12th-century castle and a church housing Carolingian frescoes. The village itself, with its old residences from the 14th and 15th centuries, offers a glimpse into the region's past as a stronghold of bishops and counts.

For easy hiking, consider routes like the 'View of Tarare – Chapelle de bel air loop from Tarare' (2.2 km) or the 'Tarare – Saint Andrew's Church loop from Tarare' (5.2 km). You can find more options and details on the Hiking around Tarare guide.

The area offers diverse cycling routes. For example, you can try the 'Lac des Sapins – Fir Lake loop from Tarare' (46.4 km) or the 'Tarare – Col des Cassettes (622 m) loop from Tarare' (51.0 km). More cycling options are detailed in the Cycling around Tarare guide.

Yes, Lac des Sapins is a popular spot for swimming. It features a sandy beach and a biological swimming pool, making it ideal for a refreshing dip, especially during warmer months.

Several spots offer magnificent views. Col de la Croix de Mazieux is a mountain pass known for its significant viewpoint. The village of Ternand also provides a pretty view of the Azergues valley from its dominant position. Additionally, Croix de Paisselay offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests.

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Many enjoy the tranquility and scenic views from spots like Croix de Paisselay and the refreshing atmosphere of the forests around Col de la Croix des Fourches. The opportunities for swimming and picnicking at Lac des Sapins are also highly rated.

While not entirely 'hidden,' the Croix de Paisselay offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a small, sacred monument, often providing great tranquility away from busier spots. The atmosphere in the forest around Col de la Croix des Fourches, especially in wet weather, is also described as a unique experience.

Yes, the region features several mountain passes. Col de la Croix de Mazieux is noted for its magnificent view. Col de la Croix des Fourches, while not offering a grand view at the very top, provides a great atmosphere within the forest, especially during the ascent from the St Just d'Avray side where landscapes are more present.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and picnicking at Lac des Sapins and general outdoor exploration, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. Hiking and cycling can be enjoyed throughout spring, summer, and autumn, with the forest atmosphere of the mountain passes being particularly refreshing in summer.

Many of the outdoor areas and trails around Tarare are generally dog-friendly, especially the numerous hiking and forest paths. Places like Lac des Sapins and the various mountain passes offer ample space for walks with your dog, though it's always advisable to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

For runners, there are several trails ranging from moderate to difficult. Examples include the 'Chapelle de Bel Air loop from Tarare' (5.7 km, moderate) or more challenging options like the '1st race – Chapelle de Bel Air loop from Tarare' (14.2 km). You can find detailed routes and distances on the Running Trails around Tarare guide.