Croizet-sur-Gand walks

A lovely, undulating walk leading to Château de l’Aubépin, a 13th-century feudal residence restored in the early 20th century. The route offers lovely panoramic views of the Beaujolais Vert and the Côte Roannaise.

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).

This route leads to the Grotte des Félines, which is directly inspired by the grotto at Lourdes, before continuing through the woods to the hamlet of Nérondet and then on to the village.

The route, which starts at the castle, winds through the Félino countryside, passing the Pont des Bonnets and the narrow-gauge railway line, then continues past the mill between the river and the forest.

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 walk along the paths of the small medieval village of Néronde offers some lovely sights, such as the Place du Pilori, the old railway line, the chapel and the orientation board, the lake, the wash house and the Tour Coton.

Starting from the medieval village of Néronde, this route takes us to the Hermitage of Saint-Marc, then to the Chapel of the Odiberts in Pouilly-lès-Feurs.

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.

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).

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.

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 walking route through the Grands Chambons countryside, as well as between the ponds and the banks of the Loire.

A walk with no particular difficulties. We are on a plateau here, so there is little elevation gain and some lovely panoramic views of the town of Roanne in the distance. There are some pretty little sections near beautiful, well-maintained but private ponds. The route is half on dirt tracks and half on small local lanes or tarmac paths. There are very few sections on main roads.

A hike of around ten kilometres ending with a walk around the Joux Dam. Suitable for mountain bikes. The start is an uphill stretch of just over 3 km, followed by a pleasant downhill path. Lovely views along the route.

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.

An easy hike offering beautiful panoramic views of the Monts du Lyonnais. The route alternates between woodland, hamlets and farmland.

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.

This route is recommended by the municipality of Cublize. It allows you to explore the eastern and western shores of Lac des Sapins. It is marked with two blue lines; this is Route A.

This route is one of three offered by the municipality of Cublize. It allows you to explore the eastern side of the municipality. It is signposted with two blue lines. This is Route C.

A walk aimed at a fairly experienced audience, not recommended for young children; a pleasant route through the woods, with lovely gentle climbs rewarded by 360° views!

Violay is a town with over 1,200 inhabitants and many shops! In the first part of the hike, you will pass by the Matagrin Tower (which you can visit). You will then follow theGR®7to Violay, before returning by another route. Most of the route is through the woods.

We wanted this new Milorando to be ‘modular’ There are several possible starting points as this walk is quite long. Thefirst option is to set off from the hamlet of La Rivière de Villechenève, which makes for a walk of nearly 20 km Thesecond option is to set off from the Croix Casard crossroads in Affoux (entrance to the village via the Route de Tarare); you can park in the car park. This makes for a walk of nearly 14 km. Thethird option starts a little higher up, heading towards Mont du Crépier, via a quarry to avoid a short climb – a route of nearly 13.5 km. A very beautiful walk through the woods, with pleasant paths and a good elevation gain.

A sheltered walk with a few views of the Monts du Lyonnais and a chance to discover the Matagrin Tower at the top of the highest peak in the Monts du Lyonnais. An ideal walk in hot weather as it is at altitude and mostly in the woods.

This walk, suitable for everyone, takes you through the hamlet of La Rivière with its imposing buildings, the Bois d’Azol with a slight incline, and offers views of the nearby Loire department from the Vilette area. On the way back, explore the gardens of La Rivière.

A route from Villechenève to Montrottier, taking different paths on the way there and back.

Route from Villechenève to Chambost-Longessaigne and back, via the footpaths. A lovely circular route!

Discover the village of Villechenève and its immediate surroundings on this easy walk, suitable for everyone. You’ll see, in particular, the two beautifully restored wash houses, as well as some of the fourteen crosses in the village. You can also admire the 360° panoramic view from the Madone site.

A pleasant circular route around the village of Villechenève, taking you through the hamlets and along country lanes. You’ll pass by one of the wash houses, the private site of Montlit, as well as several of the village’s wayside crosses, before finishing at the church and the town hall.

This walk, accessible to all, takes you south of Villechenève and around the village of Longessaigne. A lovely walk with a slight incline through beautiful countryside.

A slightly more challenging circular route than the previous suggested circular routes. From the Madone site, where you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the village, the Forez and the Massif Central, you’ll set off to explore the Souzy Chapel. The route passes through the hamlets of Le Lafay, Le Goutail, La Parollière, Le Souzy, La Renardière, Le Bertrand and Les Olmes.

There is no significant elevation gain on this walk, which begins by following the Loire, a river always full of surprises, before continuing on the return route along the Digoin Canal to Roanne.

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.

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.