Dancé walks

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.

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

Ce circuit parcours la campagne de Saint-Julien-d'Oddes au milieu d'une végétation luxuriante. La Rivière l'Aix nous accompagne jusqu'à la centrale hydroélectrique de Chizonnet.

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).

Walk in the Monts de la Madeleine between Villemontais and Chérier. 15/05/2024: Route modified to avoid passing through private property at Ripouroux.

A beautiful walk alternating between open views and paths along the Isable river.

A hike to an altitude of nearly 1,000 metres, through a farming landscape where you will encounter ancient heritage.

Circular through the countryside and forest to discover Les Cornes d'Urfé.

A 4-day hiking tour from lodge to lodge in the Monts de la Madeleine (low mountain range) west of the town of Roanne. Immerse yourself in nature, often still wild, by taking as many small paths as possible.

Departure from a high point in the Monts de la Madeleine, in Cherier, at a place called Le Point du Jour (870 m, 14-bed stopover lodge with meals) to descend to the Côte Roannaise, cross its vine-covered hillsides and arrive at the medieval village of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel (14-bed stopover lodge with meals). This route gives priority to small paths with no motor vehicle traffic and beautiful views of the Roanne plain.

The walk takes you through Saint-Haon-le-Vieux along the Chemin Rouge, then on to the site of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel, a veritable open-air museum where you can relive ten centuries of civilisation with its remains of high walls, 17 towers and 4 gates. These fortifications were built in the mid-14th century to protect the town from bands of looters. A magnificent village where every street is worth exploring.

Morning: crossing the northern part of the Roanne coast vineyards, with little elevation gain, and two beautiful historic villages: Saint-Haon-le-Châtel and Ambierle, with a rich heritage open to visitors. The afternoon is more challenging with the climb to leat (altitude 765 m) through meadows and forest. Most of the route is on dirt tracks with no traffic.

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.

Departure from the Loge des Gardes sports centre. Start the day in the beautiful beech undergrowth of the Assise State Forest, above 1,000 metres altitude, before descending to the more open plateaus of La Tuilière and Cherier, with beautiful views. End at the Refuge du Point du Jour lodge (overnight stay and meals made with farm produce) (altitude 870 metres).

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.

A short route for a first taste of the Verrerie plateau on snowshoes.

The lodges or shepherd's huts, located on the Hautes Chaumes, were summer pasture buildings from May to October. To get to the start of the hike, after passing the hamlet of Nermond, 200 m away, in a straight line, at the crossroads of this road with the Route de la Combe on the right, turn more to the right and take a stony path, heading for the calvary. Park at the bottom or in the cornfields on the left-hand side of the uphill path.

From the top of Roc de l'Olme, a rock climbing spot, you can admire the view overlooking Chalmazel and the Lignon valley. The sound of streams will accompany your steps.

An ideal hike to do in the morning to enjoy the coolness of the undergrowth, sheltered from the rising sun. You will overlook the Chalmazelloise valley, the Haut Lignon valley and, in the distance, the summit of Pierre sur Haute. Your attention will be drawn to the numerous blueberry fields.