Sathonay-Camp is a commune in the Rhône, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a few kilometers north-east of Lyon. It was not created until 1908, the other part of the locality becoming Sathonay-Village: the two municipalities then located in the department of Ain did not integrate the department of Rhône until 1970 to allow the foundation of the urban community of Lyon which would later become Greater Lyon.
The territory of Sathonay-Camp is modest in area (a little less than 2 km²), being located with Caluire and Rillieux-la-Pape on a plateau bordered by the courses of the Saône and the Rhône.
The locality owes its name to a military maneuver ground established in 1853 which occupied a large part of its territory until 1997. Urbanization until then limited to the outskirts of the camp can now "invest" a part of this hold.
With nearly 6,000 inhabitants, Sathonay-Camp has a wide range of leisure activities and still has a partly green environment, which will delight hikers in particular. A center of interest a few minutes from the city of Lyon...
Due to its history long linked to that of the military camp, the town does not have any notable heritage element except for its church dedicated to Saint-Laurent: it is in fact a crypt dating from 1934, on which was to be erected a real church thereafter. Construction never took place. Previously, worship took place in the soldiers' chapel…
Culturally, activities are regularly offered at the library. Information on +33 4 78 23 71 13.
With regard to "nature" sports and leisure activities, the Haut de la Combe municipal park is intended to be both a place of relaxation and activities for all generations. In addition to its paths and green spaces, there are playgrounds for young children, football and basketball courts, fitness equipment, a skate park and a tennis court.
Other tennis courts can be reserved with the local club: call +33 6 71 21 80 45. For cycling enthusiasts, the association "Velocio 69" programs outings in a friendly atmosphere. Information on +33 6 01 63 08 60.
We must also mention the Pony Club of Val de Saône which offers horseback rides or pony rides for the youngest. Information on +33 4 78 22 60 17.
For hiking enthusiasts, in addition to the Haut de la Combe park, Santhonay-Camp is one of the ends of a 5 km long greenway which joins Caluire (the two-wheelers are also welcome). It takes part of the old Lyon-Croix-Rousse - Trévoux railway line. This greenway is also connected to a cycle path which joins the Boulevard des Canuts in Lyon.
Other routes are possible: the Rhône Department has thus created two loops of 13 and 9 km, starting from the town, dotted with fields and wooded areas on the plateau. Maps and information on +33 4 72 77 69 69 or +33 4 78 98 98 30.
