Marols walks

Marols and Montarcher are two villages in the south of the Forez region, classified as "Villages and Towns of Character" by the Loire Departmental Council. Both have well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly their fortified churches. Montarcher is a small village perched on a promontory and offers a magnificent panoramic view from Mont Blanc to Mont Mézenc. The hike is mainly through forest and partly follows the "Chemin des Brigands" (Brigands' Trail).

A variation on the ADTHF 6.1 route which avoids the descent towards the Moulin de la Grave, which is stony and slippery in winter. There is still a slightly steep climb of 100 m before Brouilloux. The route takes you through the hamlets of Chenereilles, with lovely views over the plain and the Monts du Lyonnais.

This hike takes you along sunken paths in the heart of the forest, old paved trails and tracks across meadows, culminating in a view of Montarcher standing on its rocky spur. Magnificent crosses dot this circuit.

A walk along good paths in the countryside with a few animal encounters.

A lovely little walk with no particular difficulty.

A lovely walk, partly through woodland in the Monts du Forez, passing by the Saut du Diable waterfall.

A walk in the Forez region along well-marked paths.

A circular route through the very first foothills of the Monts du Forez, which partly follows the old railway line. Until the 1970s, a railway line linked Bonson to Sembadel. Today, you can follow this old railway line – mainly by bike but also on foot – from Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez to Estivareilles. Throughout this ‘Rail Adventure’, you can admire the architectural remains left behind by the railway.

Created by the “Trails and Local Heritage” committee of the Merle-Leignec local council, this walk allows you to discover various little gems of the landscape and heritage along its route: crosses, bachats, megaliths, a church and a listed cross. The trail’s main highlight is a working pitch kiln. A testament to the region’s former forestry activities, pitch was extracted using a specialised process to produce the pitch used for caulking boats. An information board is located on site. You’ll easily spot these little heritage treasures thanks to Plexiglas coats of arms in the town’s colours: yellow and green.

A walk starting from Merle-Leignec, passing through Saint-Hilaire and the Reffiecq lake, returning via Leignecq and Alpinac. This is a walk with no major difficulties in terms of elevation gain, mostly through woodland and in shaded areas. There are several places to stop, and the lake is the perfect spot for a picnic. Be sure to follow the GPX track closely (the Visorando app is recommended) as, otherwise, you may get confused by the various signposts. Beautiful scenery, lovely countryside, a lovely region. I hope you enjoy this little trip; please do share your thoughts with me.

Circular route starting from Aboën with very little tarmac and lovely views of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château and the surrounding countryside. Suitable for all, although there are two fairly steep hills to tackle at your own pace.

A pleasant walk through the woods leading to the Montsupt Chapel, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Plaine du Forez.

A lovely walk through countryside and woodland in the Monts du Forez.

An easy hike that shortens the PR®4 (yellow markings) and offers shaded trails rising above Usson en Forez. It is not particularly difficult and offers beautiful shaded sections. The climbs are not particularly difficult and are mostly in the woods. The few sections on roads are in areas with little traffic

From the car park at the Col de Baracuchet, situated 6 km from the village of Lérigneux via the D113, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the peaks of the Haute-Loire and Mont Mézenc. This walk (PR®20) will take you past the Pierre aux Sept Trous and close to the Grande Pierre Bazanne. PR® 20 trail