Mornant is a small town in the Monts du Lyonnais, about twenty-five kilometres south-west of Lyon. It sits on a plateau among orchards, vineyards and farmland, with views east over the Rhône valley and, on clear days, all the way to the Alps. The town has a medieval core with a fortified church and remains of its old walls.
The area has deep Roman roots. The great aqueduct of the Gier, which carried water to Roman Lugdunum, passed through this country, and impressive remains of its arches survive at Chaponost and in other places along its route. It was one of the longest aqueducts in the Roman world, and an extraordinary piece of engineering.
As a start and fuel stop, Mornant is practical. There are service stations and shops in and around town, and it is a good place to top up before heading south into the Pilat or west into the Monts du Lyonnais, where services become sparse. The roads here climb and wind through hills, orchards and woods, with frequent bends and good views.
Surfaces are generally good, though some minor roads are narrow and patched. Traffic can be busy on the main roads towards Lyon and Givors at commuting times, but the back roads are quiet. The Monts du Lyonnais are known for their fruit, especially cherries, apples and pears, and in season you will see stalls selling fresh produce along the roads.