Refine your search for walks in Chamalières-sur-Loire
Chamalières-sur-Loire walks
The Rocher de Costaros and the knoll de Barthou
Visorando Member
4.23 mi
+1,214 ft
-1,217 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Chamalières-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
A fairly short hiking route but offering, at the summit of Rocher de Costaros and Suc de Barthou, a magnificent view of Meygal, the Monts du Velay and the Loire Valley.
On the slopes of Artias
7.70 mi
+1,273 ft
-1,296 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Retournac (Haute-Loire)
This route runs beneath the watchful eye of the Château d'Artias, perched on its rocky spur. From its ruins, you will discover a unique view of the loops of the Loire as it flows through the dome-shaped hills typical of the region, known as knolls.
Les Trois Poteaux starting from Retournac
6.25 mi
+630 ft
-627 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Retournac (Haute-Loire)
During this walk, you will pass near Mercuret Castle and enjoy a panoramic view of Retournac at a place called Les Trois Poteaux. You will then follow the botanical trail. Along part of the route, information boards will introduce you to common local plant species in an engaging way, through stories, symbolism or the uses our ancestors made of them.
From the Miaune forest to the remains of a bygone era in Roche en Régnier
5.61 mi
+1,099 ft
-1,076 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Roche-en-Régnier (Haute-Loire)
This hike combines a walk through the beautiful beech forest of Miaune with its views of the Loire Valley, the Monts du Vivarais and Mézenc, with the discovery of Roche-en-Régnier and its few richly decorated houses, remnants of a bygone era.
The Madeleine Plateau, accessed via the Saint-Régnier Cave
2.26 mi
+397 ft
-374 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from Retournac (Haute-Loire)
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.
Mont Recours in Beaulieu
3.30 mi
+591 ft
-597 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Beaulieu (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
This short route takes you to Mont Recours in the commune of Beaulieu, north of Le Puy-en-Velay. From the summit of this ancient volcanic vent, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Emblavez hills.
Rosières and the Étang de la Plaine
4.51 mi
+630 ft
-633 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Rosières (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
This walk is an opportunity to discover the natural and historical heritage around the village of Rosières, particularly the Étang de la Plaine lake.
This hike was created for the ECHO project, which ended on 1 October 2023. It is still possible to do the hike to discover the heritage.
⚠️ 13 October 2025: GPS strongly recommended for this hike.
The Corbœuf Ravine
3.54 mi
+397 ft
-397 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Rosières (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
The first part of the route follows an old railway line that has been converted into a very wide carriageway. It continues with a tour of the small heritage sites (old bread oven and wash house) in the hamlet of Chastel. Finally, at the end of the route, when the trees open up, there is a view over the unusual Corbœuf ravine.
The Chapel of Glavenas and a short detour to La Galoche
7.15 mi
+863 ft
-869 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Pinet (Haute-Loire)
An easy hike but rich in discoveries and surprises: the small hilltop chapel of Glavenas, the surprising site of the Moulin du Pinard and the history of the old La Galoche railway line.
Chalencon, a feudal village in the heart of the Ance valley
6.95 mi
+1,611 ft
-1,631 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André-de-Chalencon (Haute-Loire)
This circuit allows you to discover the feudal castle of Chalencon (Baronnie des Chalencon), perched on a promontory, nestled in the Ance valley, in the heart of a 25-hectare protected site
At its feet lies the feudal village, and spanning the Ance are two bridges: the Pont du Diable with its two arches, one of which is 15 metres high and certainly dates from the 12th century, and the 15th-century Bounery bridge.
Knolls of Velay, La Galoche, Corbœuf ravine and Glavenas chapel
11.12 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,253 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Pinet (Haute-Loire)
A beautiful, unmarked, cultural and romantic nature walk in the wild Auvergne, far from the crowds. Best done in May when the flowers are in bloom or from September to November, in the wild Suissesse valley. Visit the Corbœuf ravine, the Colorado of Auvergne, then walk among a dozen knolls, the small, pointed volcanoes that are specific to the Velay region. Pass through the village of Saint-Julien-du-Pinet, then on to the chapel of Glavenas, located in a small citadel built on a knoll.
Chamblas Castle and the two Huches
10.32 mi
+1,732 ft
-1,722 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-Lardeyrol (Haute-Loire)
This very pleasant route, enjoyable in all seasons, alternates between sections through the forest and across meadows, whilst offering the chance to discover hamlets and villages typical of the region. It takes you through the Domaine de Chamblas with its château and grounds, and ends at the two ‘huches’: the Huche Plate and the Huche Pointue. A climb to the Huche Pointue completes the route.
The villages of La Blache and Le Riou
4.26 mi
+525 ft
-525 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Malrevers (Haute-Loire)
This route takes you on a discovery of the villages of Riou, with its wash house, and La Blache, with its bread oven. It also offers beautiful views of the Emblavez plain and the rounded or slightly pointed hills known locally as "les knolls".
From the Coulée de la Bourianne to Saint-Julien-d’Ance
2.33 mi
+636 ft
-640 ft
1h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-d'Ance (Haute-Loire)
This walk offers the chance to discover the natural and historical heritage around the village of Saint-Julien-d’Ance, particularly the Coulée de la Bourianne.This walk was organised as part of the ECHO project, which ended on 1 October 2023. It can still be undertaken to explore the local heritage.
The Bourianne lava flow
3.71 mi
+653 ft
-653 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-d'Ance (Haute-Loire)
The Bourianne lava flow is the result of an interesting geological phenomenon. Halfway through this hike, walkers will discover an imposing scree slope of basalt columns at their feet and, in the distance, the Forez Massif.
Saint Quentin, a renovated hamlet overlooking the Loire Gorges
6.57 mi
+853 ft
-853 ft
3h 45
Easy
Departure from Chaspinhac (Haute-Loire)
This tour of part of the Chaspinhac plateau offers numerous views of the Puy en Velay basin, Mont Bar and the Loire Gorges. It is an opportunity to discover Saint Quentin, a hamlet abandoned for more than fifty years that enthusiasts have restored and brought back to life in the summer months with exhibitions, shows or simply by sharing a drink.
Walk along the Chemin de César in Chomélix
6.47 mi
+315 ft
-331 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chomelix (Haute-Loire)
Easy walk on small roads and gravel paths, through the meadows and woods around Chomélix.
Views of the Château de Lavoûte-sur-Loire and the Fortress of Polignac
8.25 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,047 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Blanzac (Haute-Loire)
This beautiful hike offers, in turn, a bird's eye view of the Château de Lavoûte-sur-Loire along the banks of the Loire, a distant view of the Château de Polignac and, finally, the discovery of two shepherd's huts in the heart of a vineyard that has almost disappeared.
The Knoll du Ranc and Knoll de Jorance trails
11.46 mi
+2,316 ft
-2,316 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Hostien (Haute-Loire)
This walk makes extensive use of two trail routes in the Meygal massif. These are the routes:
- Trail No. 2 from the Suc du Ranc
- Trail No. 3 from the Suc de Jorance
The climbs are quite challenging and the landscape varies greatly, taking in forests, hamlets and meadows. A common feature of the walk is the succession of beautiful panoramic views over the Haute-Loire.
Rochebaron Castle
5.70 mi
+1,276 ft
-1,293 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Bas-en-Basset (Haute-Loire)
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.
The Andrable Valley and the Saut du Bezan
5.22 mi
+1,224 ft
-1,220 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon (Haute-Loire)
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!
Queyrères - Le Puy-en-Velay
17.34 mi
+1,096 ft
-2,867 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
Fifteenth stage of the Way of St James. In the heart of the Meygal, Queyrières, a village in the Haute-Loire department, stands beside its basalt rock. From there, you begin the descent towards Le Puy-en-Velay, passing through Saint-Julien-Chapteuil and its mills that once lined the Sumène. A gentle end to the route with a leisurely finish as you arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay, a major pilgrimage site.
A circular walk around Le Puy-en-Velay starting from Polignac
6.33 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,020 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Polignac (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
If you want to avoid the traffic and paid car parks in Le Puy-en-Velay, why not set off from the pretty village of Polignac? The journey towards Le Puy is pleasant, with lovely views of Polignac Fortress and then of the town of Le Puy and its iconic monuments. The route through the town can be adapted to suit your interests. The return journey along the steep streets of Aiguilhe can be a bit of a slog in hot weather, but you’ll finish on a high note with a quick tour of the village of Polignac.
The Saint Joseph sanctuary via the Chemin de la Borne
7.74 mi
+909 ft
-919 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
A walk up the right bank of the Borne to reach the monumental statue of Saint Joseph, at the foot of which you will be utterly surprised to discover the panoramic view of the town of Le Puy-en-Velay and its surroundings.
The Polignac Fortress
8.27 mi
+1,165 ft
-1,142 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
This loop between Aiguilhe and the village of Polignac, classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", combines sustained climbs, flat sections and fast descents. As you climb, it offers beautiful views of the town of Le Puy-en-Velay and the Polignac Fortress perched on its volcanic hill. Return via the path along the Borne.
The Meygal tour
8.14 mi
+1,257 ft
-1,253 ft
4h 50
Easy
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
This hike, in the heart of the Meygal forest, is ideal in the heat of summer. It offers beautiful views, especially from the summit of Testavoyre, where you can look out over the Meygal mountains.
Loop between Le Meygal and Queyrières
5.24 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,004 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
Short loop starting from the Meygal Forest. After crossing the forest, a balcony path with beautiful views of the surrounding knolls leads you to the village of Queyrières, which is topped by a remarkable basalt dyke. After crossing the village of Monedeyres, you climb back up through pleasant undergrowth.
Le Meygal and Pic du Lisieux from Monedeyres
14.28 mi
+3,074 ft
-3,058 ft
9h 15
Difficult
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
This route is a pleasant way to spend a hot summer's day, with numerous viewpoints (Forez, Pilat, Alps, Mézenc) and climbs through the forest. In particular, it allows you to fully enjoy the unique relief of the massif, with its very numerous knolls. A refreshing stop in Recharinges (fountain, bar) allows you to tackle the final climb in the best possible conditions.
Le Puy-en-Velay - Saint-Privat-d'Allier
15.52 mi
+2,172 ft
-1,270 ft
9h 00
Difficult
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
Sixteenth stage of the Way of St James. From Le Puy-en-Velay to the picturesque village of Saint-Privat-d’Allier, don’t forget to look back and admire the view of the Marian city. Once you arrive in Saint-Privat-d’Allier, you’ll look out over the impressive Gorges de l’Allier and its still-wild river.
Crossing the Velay region and its fields of lentils, as well as the Devès mountain range, is on the itinerary for this stage.
Le Puy-en-Velay, a City of Art and History
4.64 mi
+702 ft
-699 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
Le Puy-en-Velay is a crossroads for several long-distance hiking trails such as theGR®70, the Stevenson Trail, theGR®3Loire Trail, theGR®700, the Regordane Trail and, of course, the Way of St James. As soon as you arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay, you can already sense the significant influence that religion has had on the town.
Le Puy-en-Velay marks my first rest day after 15 days of walking on my Way of St James
I discovered a town of Art and History, famous for its lace, its green lentils, its verbena, but above all for its incredible religious heritage.
Via Gebennensis - Pic du Lizieux - Knoll des Testavoyre
11.73 mi
+2,402 ft
-2,398 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Araules (Haute-Loire)
The route follows the Via Gebennensis (GR®65-GR®430) to near Les Araules.
Next, discover the Pic du Lizieux and its orientation table, which offers a 360° panorama.
The hike continues along the Bonas discovery trail, then joins Arnissac to pass through Pic Testavoyre and ends with the forest road to Chalet Raffy.
The forgotten paths of Meygal
6.02 mi
+1,316 ft
-1,289 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-Chapteuil (Haute-Loire)
Discover the Meygal massif via little-used, unmarked paths, some of which are not shown on maps. The route runs mostly through woodland and skirts the hamlets of Monedeyres and Boussoulet without entering them.
A physically easy hike, but only suitable for walkers who can find their way and recognise at least the main tree species (fir, conifers, beech, hazel).
