Coutouvre walks

A route in the commune of Coutouvre, allowing you to discover Notre-Dame de Prompt-Secours and the Chapel of Armont. The route offers panoramic views of the Roanne region as you follow the Trambouzan.

Along the path running alongside the Loire, you can spot wildlife; amongst other things, I came across a deer and a small, very calm snake before reaching the ponds. The route is well maintained.

An easy walk alternating between woodland and open spaces, paths, tracks and roads. Numerous vantage points offering views of the surrounding landscape, stretching as far as the Monts de la Madeleine and the Monts du Forez. Please note that part of the route, from (3) to (5), follows a main road, though it is not very busy. Between (1) and (5), the route is in open country: bring water and a hat in hot weather. The rest of the route is mainly under the cover of the forest.

Test route to learn how to use Visorando. The aim is to train walkers in the use of the app so that they can manage independently during club walks. This is not a geographical exploration but a personal training session to help walkers learn how to use all the functions properly.

A hike of less than 3 hours, without any major difficulties. Around Mont Pinay, the ascent and descent are a little steeper. Mostly in the woods, with more open passages and views of the surrounding landscapes of the Beaujolais Vert. This is a longer version of the "Circular in the Foupeysson forest, at the foot of Mont Pinay" route. Note: part of the route, from the hamlet of Les Rousselles to Mont Pinay and Les Petites Fayes, is on tarmac, but these are small roads with very little traffic.

A short hike with no significant elevation gain or difficulty. Varied landscapes of the Beaujolais Vert, often in the woods but also in open areas with views of the surrounding countryside. Note: a large part of the route, from Mont Pinay to Les Petites Fayes, is on tarmac, but these are small roads with very little traffic.

Starting from Saint-Vincent-de-Reins station, follow in the footsteps of Marie-Louise, the locomotive that used to run between Amplepuis and Saint-Vincent via Cublize and Magny. Then climb up to the heights of Magny to return to Saint-Vincent via La Madone.

Hike near a beautiful lake that is very popular in summer (with a beach, water sports, horse riding centre, tree climbing, etc.) and in the Mollières woods.

Northern part of the Cublize Azure Route; take thePR®®7ato complete the circular route. A peaceful walk through the woods, far from the hustle and bustle of Lac des Sapins. View of Magny Castle, which belonged to Vauban's brother, and, on a clear day, the Alps, including Mont Blanc.

A circular loop around Lac des Sapins, taking about an hour and presenting no difficulties, allowing you to admire the lake from a perfectly maintained path.

Starting from Ranchal on the border of the Loire department, this is a beautiful route in the upper Azergues valley.

An easy walk, mostly on gentle paths. A few climbs, but nothing too strenuous. The route passes through woodland but also offers sweeping views of the region’s countryside.

This short loop will take you to the heights of La Nuizière, passing isolated farms (Bert, Le Chollet, Giraud) and crosses (Nuizière, Aliziers and Bert), between dirt tracks and small country roads.

A peaceful walk through the forest and meadows around Meaux-la-Montagne.

This loop starts in the village of Meaux-la-Montagne and follows roads and paths that take you to the peaks of La Nuizière via the Col de la Cambuse, the Croix du Villard and the Croix de la Nuizière, through fields and pine forests.

An easy walk from Noailly to Abbaye de la Bénisson-Dieu, passing Château de la Motte on the way back.

10km route around Saint-Bonnet-le-Troncy, through the woods.

A short, easy walk in the woods around Saint-Bonnet-le-Troncy.

With shaded paths and splendid panoramic views, treat yourself to a break in the countryside. Discover the Mussy-sous-Dun Viaduct, the Romanesque Chapel of Chassigny, and La Madone for a breathtaking view. A short detour to the Chapel of Dun, along the route, will allow you to enjoy one of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints.

A walk through a key site in the history of southern Brionnais, with varied panoramic views towards the Morvan to the north, the Monts de la Madeleine to the west, and the entire Beaujolais Massif to the south. .

On this route, you’ll enjoy splendid scenery: the Forêt du Roannais plain and its hills, the Monts de Tarare and Monts du Lyonnais along theGR®7, and Rochefort Castle to your right, plus a section along parts of the Route Napoléon. A challenging route due to its length and elevation gain. See the ‘Practical Information’ section.

A magnificent hike around the countryside of Machézal and Amplepuis. The views of the Roanne and Haut-Beaujolais regions are breathtaking.

An easy walk leading to one of the highest points in the Rhône with a beautiful unobstructed view.

The valleys and foothills south of Montagne de Dunet (736m) and Dun (709m) through the bocage and forests.

This circuit with pleasant trails allows us to admire views of Amplepuis and its surroundings, the Château de Rochefort and splendid views of the Monts du Lyonnais, Tarare and its surroundings. Not to be missed. Following work to install wind turbines, the French Hiking Federation has significantly modified the route at point (8) to divert theGR®7. I have redrawn the route as indicated by the FFR, so please follow this modification to complete the circuit.

A very beautiful hike starting from the car park at the bar in Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges. You will travel through the Saint-Cyr and Violay countryside, passing by the Échanssieux dam and then Violay, returning via Les Crêtes (GR®7) where you will enjoy two magnificent landscapes: on your right, the Monts du Lyonnais (and, on a clear day, the Alps and Mont Blanc); on your left, the Monts du Forez, Auvergne and Cantal.

Starting from Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges, this route runs along the ridges surrounding this small village in the Montagnes du Matin. The first ridge is open. The second part, on theGR®7, is in the forest. Located halfway along the route, the Lac de Saint-Cyr, which is more of a pond, is ideal for a break in the shade. The return journey offers beautiful unobstructed views of the plain and the Monts du Forez.

This circular route, which starts in Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand, follows an old railway line through countryside and forest, finally crossing the vertiginous Pont Marteau bridge, which is 320 m long and 50 m high. This route follows the signs for "Sur les traces du tacot" (In the footsteps of the old train) and, in the forest, the yellow and red markings ofthe GRP® "Terre de tisseurs en forêt" (Land of weavers in the forest).

Route around a village listed among the most beautiful villages in France. After enjoying the rolling countryside through meadows, a visit to the historic village square is a must:10th-century castle (the oldest in Burgundy), Saint-Hilaire Collegiate Church. To preserve the authentic character of the village, it is recommended that you park in one of the car parks (see Practical Information).

A beautiful walk offering views of the Loire upstream from the Villerest Dam, with a glimpse of the Château de la Roche. It is not particularly difficult, but half of it is along the road, especially between Pinay, Saint-Jodard and the return to La Vourdiat. The banks of the Loire offer some good spots for a picnic and a quiet break (so please respect the fishermen who are also enjoying the same setting).

A varied route starting from a village ranked amongst the most beautiful in France, offering easy walking along gentle paths. At the end of the walk, a visit to the village with its rich heritage is a must (medieval castle, Romanesque church, etc.)

Hike around a village listed among the most beautiful villages in France. This route, which follows hiking trails and slightly stony paths, offers beautiful panoramic views and allows you to enjoy the Brionnais countryside. Before or after your walk, a visit to the historic village square is a must (10th-century castle, St Hilaire Collegiate Church, etc.).

A walk starting from a village listed among the most beautiful villages in France. This route through the woods will take you to a small, peaceful hamlet where a pretty little renovated chapel stands (ideal for a picnic break). At the start or end of the walk, a visit to the square in the historic village of Semur-en-Brionnais is a must (10th-century castle, Saint-Hilaire Collegiate Church, etc.).

A walk starting from a village listed among the most beautiful villages in France. This route through the woods will take you to the hamlet of Montmegin, where a pretty little renovated chapel stands (picnic spot available). Before reaching the village of Sainte-Foy and the woods that follow, you’ll be treated to lovely views of the Brionnais countryside. At the start or end of your walk, a visit to the square in the historic village of Semur-en-Brionnais is a must: the 10th-century castle, Saint-Hilaire Collegiate Church, etc.

Starting from Dancé church, head for the Pêt de l'Âne, a magnificent viewpoint over the longest meander of the Loire. Here you will find the marked hiking trails along the banks of the Loire. You can return via the Cierve woods, which have beautiful undergrowth. From the path leading to La Madone, there is a beautiful panoramic view: to the east, the Monts du Lyonnais; to the south, the Monts du Pilat; and to the west, the Monts du Forez with Pierre-sur-Haute and the Monts de la Madeleine.

An easy walk between the peaceful banks of the Loire and the towpath of the Roanne Canal to Digoin, where nature and tranquillity invite you to savour every step. This walk starts in Artaix and passes through Les Brenons before returning along the Roanne Canal to Digoin.

I recommend this hike when nature is waking up in mid-April, to enjoy the green meadows and bright yellow dandelions. There are unobstructed views over much of the route. The ridge offers beautiful views of the Loire and Rhône departments. Picnics by the pond are very enjoyable and peaceful. The return trail near the river (Turdine) is very wild and quiet.

A pleasant hike along the Isable river, passing by the Padègue viaduct.