Merle-Leignec walks

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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 circular walk takes in two sites not to be missed if you’re in the area: the Creux de l’Oulette and its waterfall, and the Volcan de Montpeloux, a former basalt quarry converted into an open-air geological museum. Towards the end of the walk, the route follows a lovely path along the River Ance.

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!

Rochebaron Castle is the emblematic site in the Bas-en-Basset and Monistrol-sur-Loire area. Beautiful views, first over the Loire and, on the return journey, over the Meygal massif.

This walk offers the chance to discover the natural and historical heritage around the village of Saint-Julien-d’Ance, particularly the Coulée de la Bourianne.This walk was organised as part of the ECHO project, which ended on 1 October 2023. It can still be undertaken to explore the local heritage.

The Bourianne lava flow is the result of an interesting geological phenomenon. Halfway through this hike, walkers will discover an imposing scree slope of basalt columns at their feet and, in the distance, the Forez Massif.

A linear walk along the “Chemin de Ter” between Bas-Monistrol and Aurec-sur-Loire stations, following theGR® de Pays des Gorges de la Loire trail – now reclassified asthe GR® 302 – with a few shortcuts. The return journey by train, which is very short (11 mins), offers the chance to discover a picturesque stretch of the Loire riverbank, such as around Le Chambon-sur-Loire, which was deliberately avoided on the outward journey. The author followed this route prior to the publication of the walk guide in issue No. 157 of *Balades Randos*.