Bas-en-Basset walks

Rochebaron Castle is the emblematic site in the Bas-en-Basset and Monistrol-sur-Loire area. Beautiful views, first over the Loire and, on the return journey, over the Meygal massif.

A linear walk along the “Chemin de Ter” between Bas-Monistrol and Aurec-sur-Loire stations, following theGR® de Pays des Gorges de la Loire trail – now reclassified asthe GR® 302 – with a few shortcuts. The return journey by train, which is very short (11 mins), offers the chance to discover a picturesque stretch of the Loire riverbank, such as around Le Chambon-sur-Loire, which was deliberately avoided on the outward journey. The author followed this route prior to the publication of the walk guide in issue No. 157 of *Balades Randos*.

This short hike offers many views: Mont Mézenc, Monts du Pilat, and even Mont Blanc when the weather is clear. An orientation table at the highest point allows you to identify the many mountains around you. The circuit is largely open, with passages on dry hillsides. Particularly pleasant in spring and autumn, it is therefore best avoided in hot weather.

From Paulin, above Monistrol-sur-Loire, let’s set off to explore a former Cistercian abbey on the banks of the Semène, a tributary of the Loire, via a circular route combining twoPR®® trails: the Dames de la Séauve-Bénite and the Route de l’Ecureuil, developed by the Loire-Semène Tourist Office. The stretch of the Semène around the former abbey offers an attractive spot to stop off halfway along the route, with its picnic area, children’s play area and landscaped riverbanks.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-La-Valmitte, this hiking trail offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stone buildings, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-la-Valmitte, this walking trail offers a complete tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stones, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-La-Valmitte, this walking route offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stone buildings, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-La-Valmitte, this hiking trail offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stones, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue-Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-la-Valmitte, this hiking trail offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stone buildings, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

This is a very wooded route, reflecting the commune of Saint-Hilaire, which has more than 1,000 hectares of forest. From pine forests to beech woods, you will come across some curious rocks, such as the Pierre-Siège de Saint-Martin, reminiscent of a Druidic site. On the way back, stop at the village church, which houses a statue of Saint Hilaire under its porch.

This short hike takes you through a cave to reach the Madeleine volcanic plateau, which offers a 360° view. Views of the Loire Valley, the Mezenc, Meygal, Pilat and Forez massifs with three orientation tables.

Near the small medieval village of Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon, nestled at the bottom of the Andrable valley, the Saut du Bezan waterfall has long remained a well-kept secret, like the best mushroom spots. Share it with your friends!

A circular walk starting from Aurec-sur-Loire along the banks of the Loire and the footbridges at “Saut du Chien”, before heading uphill to reach the village of Malvalette via thePR®® “Le Pont d’Angelard”. The route passes through the Chapelle Sainte-Reine on theGR®® de Pays des Gorges de la Loire, which leads back to Aurec via the valley of the Rivoire stream.

A very easy route along forest tracks and then along the road through the hamlet of Leignecq, a picturesque spot perched on a rocky outcrop where the village and its church are situated. There are lovely views in a natural, rural setting, featuring a village typical of this region.

Created by the “Trails and Local Heritage” committee of the Merle-Leignec Municipal Council, this walk allows you to discover various little gems of the landscape and heritage along the route: Saint-Roch Chapel, the wash houses in the hamlets of Le Cros and L’Ebisaille, and the bread oven and pitch kiln at Reffiecq. You will also discover the village’s lake and its magnificent, unspoilt natural setting. The return to Leignecq is via the Chemin des Bergères, which winds its way up through the woods.

Created by the “Trails and Local Heritage” committee of the Merle-Leignec municipal council, this walk allows you to discover the superb site of the Saut du Bezan, as well as various little scenic and heritage gems along the route: the Saint-Roch Chapel, the wash houses in the hamlets of Cubelle, Eclune Haute, Le Cros and L’Ebisaille, the bread oven at Reffieq, and crosses bearing witness to the religious beliefs of the time. You will also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the commune’s lake and its magnificent, unspoilt natural setting. The path is signposted with customised “Sentier du Saut du Bezan” signs and supplemented by standard yellow and green markings, in the commune’s colours. Plexiglass plaques identify all the commune’s small-scale heritage sites.

Created by the “Trails and Local Heritage” committee of the Merle-Leignec local council, this walk allows you to discover various little gems of the landscape and heritage along its route: crosses, bachats, megaliths, a church and a listed cross. The trail’s main highlight is a working pitch kiln. A testament to the region’s former forestry activities, pitch was extracted using a specialised process to produce the pitch used for caulking boats. An information board is located on site. You’ll easily spot these little heritage treasures thanks to Plexiglas coats of arms in the town’s colours: yellow and green.

A short half-day walk along the edge of the Loire Gorges, overlooking Aurec-sur-Loire with sweeping panoramic views, returning via the plateau with views of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, the capital of pétanque.