Saint-Martin-en-Haut lives up to its name: it sits high in the Monts du Lyonnais, on a plateau around seven hundred metres up, about thirty kilometres west of Lyon. On a clear day, the views from the village stretch east over the Rhône valley to the Alps, with Mont Blanc visible on the horizon, and west over the rolling hills to the Monts du Forez.
The Monts du Lyonnais are a land of small farms, pastures, orchards and woods, with villages scattered along the ridges. The climate is cooler and wetter than in Lyon, and the landscape is greener. Dairy farming is important, and local cheeses and charcuterie are excellent. The area is also known for its fruit, especially apples, pears and cherries.
As a start and fuel stop, Saint-Martin-en-Haut has the basics, including a service station, shops and cafés. From here, the roads lead in every direction through the hills, with endless bends, climbs and descents, and wide views from the ridges. The routes towards Yzeron, Duerne and Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise are particularly fine.
Surfaces are generally good, though some minor roads are narrow and patched. Traffic is light, but watch for tractors, cyclists and livestock. In winter, the plateau can be snowy and icy, and fog is common in autumn. The cool air and green landscape make this a refreshing escape from the heat of Lyon in summer.