Monts du Forez walks

This is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain, but the beautiful panoramas and views of this little-known region are well worth the effort.

This circuit allows you to discover the feudal castle of Chalencon (Baronnie des Chalencon), perched on a promontory, nestled in the Ance valley, in the heart of a 25-hectare protected site At its feet lies the feudal village, and spanning the Ance are two bridges: the Pont du Diable with its two arches, one of which is 15 metres high and certainly dates from the 12th century, and the 15th-century Bounery bridge.

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 beautiful circular walk starting from the Fossat valley.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

An open-to-the-sky Sunday stroll in the sun Canal du Forez.

The circular route starts in Aurec-sur-Loire, following the banks of the Loire and the footbridges of the "Saut du Chien" before climbing up to the village of Malvalette via thePR® "Le Pont d'Angelard". Pass by the Sainte-Reine Chapel on theGR® de Pays des Gorges de la Loire, which takes you back to Aurec via the Rivoire stream valley.

This is an easy hike that we did with children aged 7 and 10. Maximum duration: 2 hours.

An easy hike around the Prabouré ski resort.

A walk through Forez on waymarked trails.

This route through the Loire Gorges offers beautiful panoramic views.

An easy walk through fields and woods to discover a beautiful rock formation, the Autel de la Baronnie, with its wobbly stone, armchairs and potholes, followed by a large majestic oak tree at the Ferme de la Gilbernie.

A pleasant short hike in the countryside around Saint-Genest-Lerpt.

A beautiful walk to the high pastures, passing by the shepherd's hut de Garnier and the beautiful Chorsin waterfall.

An easy, mostly shaded walk with beautiful views of Lake Grangent at the start and the rest in the forest. The route is dotted with informative and entertaining signs about the flora and fauna. The site is currently being restored to a natural forest after being planted with Douglas firs in the last century. Ideal for family walks and/or hot weather.

Hike not far from Vichy in the rolling countryside bordering the Sichon Valley, in the foothills of the Livradois-Forez Massif.

A pleasant walk in summer due to its coolness. The stream is well known to fishermen and, for the lucky ones, a few chanterelle mushrooms can be found. This is the domain of wild boars and deer... Pass through old villages such as La Terrasse (very old house on the right), which was very important at the beginning of the 20th century. A victim of rural depopulation, Montolas is now in ruins!

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!

Hike in the northern foothills of Livradois, known as the Bois Noirs, starting from Châteldon, a village with some beautiful medieval houses.

Circular starting from the village of Chambles with beautiful views of the Loire Gorges, passing by the medieval Essalois Castle, the Monts du Lyonnais, the plain and the Monts du Forez.

Hidden in the heart of the Bois Noirs, the Pierre aux Deux Yeux (Two-Eyed Stone) watches over the unwary hiker. If you escape it, the majestic old oak tree will grant you some of its serenity. Then take a break at the foot of the Roc du Guet rock formation, a place conducive to meditation.

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

A circular route in Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert that runs along the Loire to the Grangent Dam with breathtaking views of the Loire Gorges.

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.

A lovely walk for those who enjoy combining walking with nature observation. Starting from Saint-Yorre, walk through the pleasant undergrowth following the course of the Andraux stream, then around the Coupe-Gorge and Fonts de Fer stream basins. Open views over the Monts Dômes, the Vichy plain and the Vernet hill.

A short family route offering a chance to explore the heights of Champdieu with unobstructed views of the Forez plain.

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.

A very pleasant route in all seasons. You will walk through wooded areas at the bottom of the valley, accompanied by the sound of the babbling brook, but also through open areas offering views of the Monts Dômes to the west and the Montagne Bourbonnaise to the east. The passages near the monument to the 11 Martyrs of Goutte Grandval and the Château de Busset give this route a historical appeal.

A gentle hike to start your holiday in the Forez mountains.

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

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.

Day hike with little elevation gain in the Monts du Forez and the wild Hautes Chaumes. It is advisable to climb to the summit of Montiallier for the view. This can be done in winter with snowshoes and even cross-country skis. Great spot for snowkiting at the Col des Supeyres.

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.

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.

Thiers is a city of challenges. In this grandiose and isolated location in the heart of Auvergne, the inhabitants of Thiers have had to contend with a turbulent river, the Durolle, and the steep slopes of its gorges. Over time, thanks to numerous developments, this partially tamed river has ensured the industrial prosperity of the town, which is known as the cutlery capital of France.

On snowshoes or on foot, from the Col du Béal to the summit of Pierre-sur-Haute through the forest. Return via the ridges, still on theGR®3or a variant thereof.

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.

A magnificent walk, classic in the Monts du Forez, offering a change of scenery on the high pastures at altitude, but with fairly gentle gradients.

A pleasant, mostly shaded walk leading to a magnificent panorama from the summit (granite chaos at an altitude of 1,260 metres).

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.

For much of this route, it is clear why we are walking through the Bois Noirs, as the light sometimes struggles to penetrate the foliage. In other places, however, tree felling has opened up the view, and the number of logs stacked along the paths is impressive.

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.

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.

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.

A very pleasant walk to do alone or with the family. If you enjoy observing nature and listening to its calm, you will be in your element. You will walk at varying distances from the course of the River Allier and its former meander, skirting a magnificent stretch of water with a variety of flora and fauna. Part of the route runs through cultivated land. There is no tarmac except for a few metres at the finish.