A stroll along the banks of the Loire and the lake at Iguerande

Start and finish at the greenway car park in Iguerande. Perhaps the most beautiful rest and activity area for miles around.

(S/E) Set off north-north-west along the greenway. A few dozen metres after setting off, heading north, you’ll pass the old passenger station (now converted into a private residence. In summer, the owner opens a small open-air café just opposite, where you can have a bite to eat, drink a fruit juice and relax on sun loungers). Carry on straight ahead and cross the road a few dozen metres further on. Continue along the greenway before leaving it at the sports complex.

(1) Turn left, pass the small building housing toilets and a washbasin (only open when the ground is not frozen), then take the path that runs alongside the tennis courts and past the sports hall.

(2) As you leave the sports complex, turn left and follow the banks of the Loire towards the bridge. Just before the bridge, follow the road for a few dozen metres, turning left, then immediately right to reach the bridge.

(3) Cross the Loire, follow the D9 and, at the bend by a car park, turn left towards the lake.

(4) At the lake, take the path on the right and walk round the ponds (a circular loop of 1,670 metres). You’ll come to the sculptures by international artists created during an arts biennial (about fifteen years ago, I think).

(5) Return to the road and cross the bridge again towards Iguerande. 

(3) At the end of the bridge, turn right towards the greenway car park (clearly visible signpost). You’ll reach the wildlife observation point, which has viewing points on the ground floor and a roof terrace.

(6) Continue for 300 m to reach the car park (S/E). 

Toilets, play areas, a fitness trail, picnic tables, and a large covered area where you can picnic sheltered from the rain or sun, with wooden reels serving as ‘high tables’. Everything you need is here.

There is a drinking fountain and toilets at the starting area, as well as near the stadium, although the drinking fountain is only available in summer.

Playground with a zip line, fitness trail, slide, volleyball court, pétanque court, large covered area for eating or shelter, electric bike hire either right next to the starting point (Le Clôt Fleuri guesthouse) or in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu (Bikez via the greenway).
In Iguerande, the 12th-century Saint-Marcel Church. Leblanc oil mill, near the Place du Bas. La Fabrique du Nouveau Monde (library and games library). L’Iguerandaise bakery (which took part in the ‘Best Baker in France’ competition on M6). Grocery shop. ‘Le Fiacre’ restaurant and pizzeria, 100 metres from the greenway, at the traffic lights.
Nearby: Marcigny, Semur-en-Brionnais, Anzy-le-Duc with its church featuring an octagonal bell tower.

A little further afield, Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais with its livestock market. Charolles, Paray-le-Monial, Digoin with its harbour and canal bridge spanning the Loire.

To the south, Roanne, Charlieu and its abbey, Briennon and its marina, all accessible via the “Véloire” cycle route.