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Jonzieux walks
The Massardière circular in Saint-Just-Malmont
Visorando Member
5.03 mi
+538 ft
-515 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Just-Malmont (Haute-Loire)
A lovely, relatively easy walk starting from the hamlet of Les Gouttes, in Saint-Just-Malmont. A hilly route alternating between open landscapes and forest sections, at an altitude of around 900 metres.
History and landscapes of Marlhes
13.53 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,749 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Marlhes (Loire)
Enjoy a breath of fresh air in a part of Pilat that is full of valleys and rich in religious history.
Between the forest and the hamlet around Saint-Victor
8.14 mi
+702 ft
-712 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Victor-Malescours (Haute-Loire)
Starting from Saint-Victor-Malescours, a route through woodland, a small hamlet and a plateau offering a lovely view.
Tour of the Sapt dam
4.52 mi
+217 ft
-226 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
A pleasant Sunday walk, very popular and enjoyable in good weather.
The Sapt Dam in Saint-Genest-Malifaux
10.93 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,004 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
An easy hike in the Pilat Natural Park, through beautiful forests of tall trees and along the shores of Lake Sapt in a mid-mountain setting. Ideal in summer as the walk is refreshing. The village of Saint-Genest-Malifaux is located at an altitude of around 1,000 metres and many of the paths are shaded by century-old trees.
North-east of Saint Romain-Lachalm
11.84 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,184 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Romain-Lachalm (Haute-Loire)
A long but easy hike on the plateau towards Saint-Romain-Lachalm in a landscape alternating between meadows, forests and rivers. Beautiful farm buildings still in use or converted. Crossing the Bois des Cartaires with its oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Walk through the history of the Earth in Saint-Didier-en-Velay
2.91 mi
+374 ft
-285 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Didier-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
This is the story of a 4.7 km route representing the 4.7 billion years of our planet's history. One kilometre corresponds to one billion years and, therefore, one metre (one large step) to one million years. Based on this symbolism, 21 panels have been placed along the route. The location of each panel, and therefore the corresponding period, recounts a major event that changed the course of Earth's evolution. This route, which follows the paths of Saint-Didier-en-Velay, is designed to be fun, historical and original.
Crêt de Chaussitre via Saint-Régis-du-Coin
7.88 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,211 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Régis-du-Coin (Loire)
Set off to explore the Loire, starting from Saint-Régis-du-Coin and heading to Crêt de Chaussitre, which offers a magnificent view of Saint-Genest-Malifaux and its surroundings.
Tour of the Cotatay dam lake
2.13 mi
+351 ft
-351 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
This is an easy walk on the outskirts of Saint-Étienne, with a few short sections of steep inclines or slopes.
Located at the entrance to Pilat Park, the Cotatay dam is one of the dams that supplies water to the towns in the valley.
A pleasant, shaded walk that is refreshing in summer (but swimming is prohibited).
The Semène Valley from Lichemialle, at Saint-Pal-de-Mons
6.06 mi
+663 ft
-640 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Mons (Haute-Loire)
A lovely, easy walk through fields and woods in the Semène valley, with the option of picnicking by the river halfway along the route, at Le Prège.
In the Bois Farost
5.47 mi
+541 ft
-558 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Planfoy (Loire)
This is an easy, short hike, ideal for hot summer days as it is almost entirely in the woods. It allows you to discover the Bois Farost in the Pilat Regional Nature Park, with its many curiosities.
Neyranche Woods Circular Trail
2.21 mi
+230 ft
-226 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Planfoy (Loire)
A short, easy circular path, perfect for hot summer’s days as it’s entirely through the forest.
The Séauve-sur-Semène Water Trail
3.16 mi
+174 ft
-203 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from La Séauve-sur-Semène (Haute-Loire)
To mark World Water Day on 22 March, we suggest walking along the River Semène for half the route. You’ll notice a trout ladder along the way, allowing the fish to swim upstream to spawn at their birthplace. In Mathevard, on the site of a former weaving mill, you can also see a Napoleonic sundial with its decimal scale (a rare feature).
Water walk from La Séauve-sur-Semène, south-east loop
6.06 mi
+974 ft
-971 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from La Séauve-sur-Semène (Haute-Loire)
A short circular walk from La Séauve-sur-Semène, following the Semène river, with a return journey partly through the countryside and partly through ancient forest.
Circular route on the edge of the Pilat Regional Nature Park
8.24 mi
+1,604 ft
-1,578 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Le Chambon-Feugerolles (Loire)
This circular route starts at La Pouratte stadium in Chambon-Feugerolles and takes you to the Cotatay dam, which supplies the town with drinking water, before climbing to overlook the Ondaine valley.
Circular route around the Gaffard district in Firminy
3.41 mi
+535 ft
-561 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Le Chambon-Feugerolles (Loire)
A circular loop around the Gaffard neighbourhood, with no difficulty apart from a slightly steep climb in the first section.
Around the woods and the Ondenon dam
4.57 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,047 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Ricamarie (Loire)
This walk starts in the Ondenon valley and climbs twice to 900m, on both sides of the river.
It offers several panoramic views of the Ondaine valley, the city of Saint-Étienne and, in the distance, the Monts du Forez.
Tour of the Guizay plateau
4.35 mi
+735 ft
-719 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Planfoy (Loire)
Starting from the Croix du Guizay, this circuit in the Pilat Regional Nature Park offers some of the most beautiful views of Saint-Étienne. The belvedere allows you to take in the city's central street and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire urban area.
From Trois Croix to Chaussitre
8.22 mi
+866 ft
-843 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
Hike on the plateau from the Col de la République between Saint-Genest-Malifaux and Saint-Régis-du-Coin.
Boucle au départ du Col de la République
5.49 mi
+449 ft
-430 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
a peaceful walk with no difficult sections but not recommended for young children or pushchairs, through forest, alongside ponds and numerous fields in the Pilat Park.
Update 20/08/25: photos added and details provided for the fork at point (7)
Update 15/07/2025: route modified between points (5) and (7) due to the gradual disappearance of the path on the western edge of the pond.
From Le Grand Bois to Saint-Régis-du-Coin
11.44 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,529 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
An easy hike through the forests of Pilat. The route through the trees will take you to the Crêt de Chaussitre, where there is an orientation table offering a panoramic view of the nearby mountains and the Massif Central. The path takes you through the village of Saint-Régis-du-Coin, and further on, through the Gimel peat bogs. Near the end of the route, a second orientation table offers a superb view on a clear day, this time of the Alps.
Walk in the forest above Saint-Régis-du-Coin
11.68 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,224 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Versanne (Loire)
A long, pleasant walk in summer through beautiful forests between the Col de la République and Saint-Régis-du-Coin. Can also be done in winter with snowshoes or even cross-country skis.
Gouffre d'Enfer and Pas du Riot dams from Planfoy
5.98 mi
+781 ft
-781 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Planfoy (Loire)
Car-free route: depart from Saint-Étienne Bellevue station, accessible by tram from Chateaucreux, and take the L14 regional bus towards Jonzieux. Get off at Planfoy Route du Bourg, paying attention to the timetable, especially on weekdays outside school holidays. It is best to travel in the morning.
The Polish maquis monument
4.36 mi
+705 ft
-705 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from La Versanne (Loire)
This easy, short walk through the woods in the heart of the Grand Bois in the Pilat Regional Nature Park is a chance to remember a tragic event from the Second World War, around a small monument that has been somewhat forgotten as it does not appear on any maps.
Route updated on 18 July 2020.
Dams and forest around Planfoy
8.38 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,201 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Planfoy (Loire)
Circular hike to the Gouffre d'Enfer and Pas du Riot dams, built under Napoleon III using stone masonry.
Admire the height of the conifers growing in these forests. The nearby Col de la République, also known as Col du Grand Bois, lives up to its name.
The route is mainly through woodland and is not difficult. There is very little tarmac road (only at the start and finish).
On the edge of the Haute-Loire, starting from Fiminy-Vert
7.06 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,112 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Firminy (Loire)
A walk on the edge of the Haute-Loire region that will also allow you to discover Le Corbusier’s architectural heritage.
Between the undergrowth and the path from Saint-Pal-de-Mons
6.04 mi
+650 ft
-679 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Mons (Haute-Loire)
Walk in and around the village of Saint-Pal-de-Mons.
Walk through its forests, fields and streams
Ascent to Le Guizay via the Ondenon dam
5.78 mi
+1,325 ft
-1,306 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
This walk from Saint-Étienne will take you to Le Guizay via the Ondenon dam. It offers several panoramic views, including the Ondaine valley, Saint-Étienne and the Forez plain.
Ascent to Guizay from Saint-Étienne
3.19 mi
+771 ft
-771 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
This walk, which takes about 1½ hours, starts at the gates of Saint-Étienne and then follows a circular route that includes the remarkable Guizay viewpoint.
Route from the Firminy mine to Roche-la-Molière
7.63 mi
+833 ft
-817 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Chambon-Feugerolles (Loire)
A semi-urban route that follows part of the disused railway line connecting the mine shafts of Firminy and Roche-la-Molière. You will pass through two tunnels (bring a torch). Thesecond part takes you up to higher ground and the return journey is via the ridge road connecting Saint-Étienne to Firminy.
Moderator's warning on 15/02/2021: private property issue in (1), see comments at the bottom of the page.
The Gouffre d'Enfer
5.45 mi
+568 ft
-564 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
A walk at the gateway to the Pilat mountains to discover the Lac du Pas du Riot and two dams built under Napoleon III.
This walk is easy, suitable for families and without difficulty. The hardest part is climbing the 52 steps of the dam.
Gouffre d'Enfer circular, Pas du Riot and other infrastructure
7.25 mi
+1,414 ft
-1,421 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
This hike allows you to discover the infrastructure that supplies the city of Saint-Étienne with drinking water.
The hydraulic structures were built mainly to prevent flooding in the mid-19th century during the Second Empire.
A journey between a Canadian atmosphere, with the expanse of water and fir trees of the Riot dam, and the Great Wall of China with the ascents of the Gouffre d'Enfer dam.
Mostly forest trails.
Le Pas du Riot and Gouffre d'Enfer starting from Rochetaillée
9.52 mi
+1,732 ft
-1,729 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
A very beautiful, easy circular alternating between forest paths, magnificent landscapes and breathtaking views of the Château de Rochetaillée, the Roche Corbière (117 m high) and the Pas du Riot (1878) and Gouffre d'Enfer (1866) dams, whose surroundings have been converted into a very pleasant relaxation area for the end of this walk.
Rochetaillé - Dams, Gouffre d'Enfer and Pas du Riot
12.05 mi
+1,565 ft
-1,555 ft
6h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
The Gouffre d'Enfer dam is one of the most famous sites in the Rhône-Alpes region and a popular walk in the Saint-Étienne area. It was built in 1860 in the Furan valley, near Rochetaillé, and completed 17 years later by the Pas du Riot dam. We then continue along the dam trail to the Pont de Souvignet. The return journey takes us via Les Palais, Les Sagnes and La Croix de Givet before joining theGR®42to arrive at Le Plateau and Rochetaillé.
Les Sétoux-Tence
17.97 mi
+1,808 ft
-2,792 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Riotord (Haute-Loire)
Thirteenth stage of the Way of St James. This stage begins the long descent towards Le Puy-en-Velay. After crossing the Pilat and the Vivarais, the Velay region will now accompany you for the next few stages. This route, just over 25 km long, is a tribute to nature, both in atmosphere and scenery.
Dunières Gorges
6.01 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,329 ft
3h 55
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Mons (Haute-Loire)
A circular route that allows you to appreciate the Gorges de la Dunières. The paths are not always easy (unpaved, steep) but offer beautiful views of a place that is not very touristy and little known to the public. It is a place frequented by mushroom pickers, 4x4s, motorbikes and, in season, hunters.
Pertuiset Circular - Grangent Dam
14.44 mi
+2,615 ft
-2,638 ft
8h 55
Difficult
Departure from Unieux (Loire)
Located on the outskirts of Saint-Étienne, on the border between the Loire and Haute-Loire departments, the Loire Gorges, a 4,000-hectare nature reserve, charms visitors with its peaceful wooded landscapes, remarkable flora and fauna, rocky outcrops, beautiful Lake Grangent, medieval castles and traditional villages.
La Maumarcha and Le Grand Felletin
5.57 mi
+922 ft
-892 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Riotord (Haute-Loire)
The Maumarcha or the fantastic trail of northern Vivarais: over (more than) 1.2 km, behind a tree or a rock, you will encounter strange characters... let your imagination run wild and be amazed by the whimsical creations of nature...
Then return via the Grand Felletin, where, according to the elders, it is possible to see the three suns at dawn, when the latter is reflected on Mont Blanc.