Croix-Rampau, Mountain summit in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or, France.
Croix-Rampau is a mountain summit in the Monts d'Or range northwest of Lyon, rising about 464 meters above sea level. An orientation table at the top helps visitors identify distant views across the Alps, Dombes, Saône Valley, Beaujolais, and Bresse on clear days.
The area received protected status in 1941, establishing its importance as a natural landmark in the Rhône region. This designation has preserved the landscape for visitors ever since.
The name comes from a cross that once marked the landscape as a waypoint for travelers passing through the region. The ruins of an old windmill nearby recall the farming heritage of this area in the Monts d'Or.
The hike to the summit is accessible for most visitors and includes rest spots along the path. Best visited in clear weather to fully enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
A paragliding launch site opened here in 2009 and has grown popular despite challenging conditions that demand real skill. The narrow takeoff area combined with northern wind patterns means only experienced pilots feel fully at home.
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