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 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.

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.

This circular walk passes by two must-see sites in the area: the Creux de l'Oulette and its waterfall, and the volcano of Montpeloux, a former basalt quarry converted into an open-air geological museum. At the end of the itinerary, you'll find a beautiful path along the Ance River.

A beautiful trail with, halfway through the hike, the discovery of the Montpeloux volcanic crater and its many informative panels (geology, history of the volcano, fauna, flora, etc.), an undeniable bonus for curious children!

Created by the “Trails and Local Heritage” committee of the Merle-Leignec municipal council, this walk allows you to discover the superb site of the Saut du Bezan, as well as various little scenic and heritage gems along the route: the Saint-Roch Chapel, the wash houses in the hamlets of Cubelle, Eclune Haute, Le Cros and L’Ebisaille, the bread oven at Reffieq, and crosses bearing witness to the religious beliefs of the time. You will also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the commune’s lake and its magnificent, unspoilt natural setting. The path is signposted with customised “Sentier du Saut du Bezan” signs and supplemented by standard yellow and green markings, in the commune’s colours. Plexiglass plaques identify all the commune’s small-scale heritage sites.

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

Created by the “Trails and Local Heritage” committee of the Merle-Leignec Municipal Council, this walk allows you to discover various little gems of the landscape and heritage along the route: Saint-Roch Chapel, the wash houses in the hamlets of Le Cros and L’Ebisaille, and the bread oven and pitch kiln at Reffiecq. You will also discover the village’s lake and its magnificent, unspoilt natural setting. The return to Leignecq is via the Chemin des Bergères, which winds its way up through the woods.

A family walk along the old Estivarelle railway line, a path known as “L’aventure du Rail”, maintained by the regional council.

A very easy route along forest tracks and then along the road through the hamlet of Leignecq, a picturesque spot perched on a rocky outcrop where the village and its church are situated. There are lovely views in a natural, rural setting, featuring a village typical of this region.

Created by the Aigue-Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-la-Valmitte, this hiking trail offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stone buildings, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-La-Valmitte, this hiking trail offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stones, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-la-Valmitte, this walking trail offers a complete tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stones, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-La-Valmitte, this walking route offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stone buildings, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

Created by the Aigue Blanche walking association in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-La-Valmitte, this hiking trail offers a comprehensive tour of our local heritage. Between rivers, forests, hamlets and old stone buildings, discover the natural treasures of our region and immerse yourself in its biodiversity.

This is a very wooded route, reflecting the commune of Saint-Hilaire, which has more than 1,000 hectares of forest. From pine forests to beech woods, you will come across some curious rocks, such as the Pierre-Siège de Saint-Martin, reminiscent of a Druidic site. On the way back, stop at the village church, which houses a statue of Saint Hilaire under its porch.

Starting from Vieil Ecotay, this is a pleasant, family-friendly walk with no real difficulty, taking you to the hamlet of Montplaisir as you follow the Cotayet stream and then the Moingt.

This route crosses the River Cotayet twice and offers varied scenery: low stone walls, beech groves, paths lined with hazel trees, and views over the plain and the Alps.

You will discover the charms of Charavan, Bard and the Forez plain from an enchanting perspective.

After passing through Bellevue, you’ll walk alongside the vineyards and reach a plateau from where you’ll see the Vizézy Gorges and the village of Essertines to your right, and the tower of Old Ecotay and the Cotayet Valley to your left. You’ll cross the Cotayet and pass through beech woods. Following a steep path, you’ll reach the ‘end of the world’, near the ruins of an old hamlet. Taking a path through the valley, you’ll reach Vinols.

This route will take you from Vinols to Bard, featuring a few steep climbs. In Bard, you can enjoy a meal at the Auberge de la Grand Font. On the way back, a short detour via the Roman road will offer you a magnificent view of the Forez plain.

After passing through the hamlet of Celle, a pleasant hillside path descends to the Charavan river, then climbs back up to Quérézieux, surrounded by deciduous trees. The descent offers a splendid view of Bard, then of Vieil-Écotay nestled at the bottom of the valley, with its beautiful stone houses, castle, church, wash house, and two rivers that meet under a magnificent little stone bridge.

This route will allow you to discover the hamlet of Vinols from different angles. It crosses the Cotayet twice and winds its way through woods of Garoles and Fayards.

A walk, perhaps with the family, to discover the remains of the Viverols fortress and, in April, to marvel at the meadows covered with daffodils.

A mini-hike to discover a pretty village and the remains of its castle, beautiful houses and pretty street signs.

A short half-day walk along the edge of the Loire Gorges, overlooking Aurec-sur-Loire with sweeping panoramic views, returning via the plateau with views of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, the capital of pétanque.

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

Starting from the Place des Écureuils in Lérigneux, this route takes you across the River Cotayet twice, offering stunning views of the Forez plain and the village. PR® 14 trail

Go even further! It gets even more beautiful! This route combines sections of ourPR®15,PR®17andPR®16trails.

This route, starting from Lérigneux, will take you along the Roman road, with lovely views accompanying you all the way. On your return, you can enjoy a refreshing drink in the village at the Coin des Écureuils.

Route created by the “Chemins” committee of the municipality of Lérigneux. PR®15.

This route takes you to the highest point in the commune of Lérigneux, in the Hautes Chaumes, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of the local maquis. You’ll be able to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Alps and Mont Blanc. PR®19trail.

Starting from the LPO car park, after taking in the exceptional views, you’ll walk through pretty hamlets and beautiful forests. PR®17trail.

A walk offering the chance to discover the rich heritage of this small medieval village and explore the surrounding paths.

Near the small medieval village of Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon, nestled at the bottom of the Andrable valley, the Saut du Bezan waterfall has long remained a well-kept secret, like the best mushroom spots. Share it with your friends!

This circular route passes through the medieval site and Saint-Étienne Chapel, with the Source du Pic, which was once considered miraculous. The route then follows the river, before returning via the Bois d’Hérieux. A walk offering stunning views over the Vizézy valley.

Starting from the village of Essertines-en-Châtelneuf, this route, winding through woodland and countryside, passes through small hamlets and by the Trézaillette Waterfall.

This short hike offers many views: Mont Mézenc, Monts du Pilat, and even Mont Blanc when the weather is clear. An orientation table at the highest point allows you to identify the many mountains around you. The circuit is largely open, with passages on dry hillsides. Particularly pleasant in spring and autumn, it is therefore best avoided in hot weather.

An easy hike around the Prabouré ski resort.

A circular walk starting from Aurec-sur-Loire along the banks of the Loire and the footbridges at “Saut du Chien”, before heading uphill to reach the village of Malvalette via thePR®® “Le Pont d’Angelard”. The route passes through the Chapelle Sainte-Reine on theGR®® de Pays des Gorges de la Loire, which leads back to Aurec via the valley of the Rivoire stream.