Refine your search for walks in Retournac
Retournac walks
On the slopes of Artias
Visorando Member
7.70 mi
+1,273 ft
-1,296 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Retournac (Haute-Loire)
This route runs beneath the watchful eye of the Château d'Artias, perched on its rocky spur. From its ruins, you will discover a unique view of the loops of the Loire as it flows through the dome-shaped hills typical of the region, known as knolls.
Les Trois Poteaux starting from Retournac
6.25 mi
+630 ft
-627 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Retournac (Haute-Loire)
During this walk, you will pass near Mercuret Castle and enjoy a panoramic view of Retournac at a place called Les Trois Poteaux. You will then follow the botanical trail. Along part of the route, information boards will introduce you to common local plant species in an engaging way, through stories, symbolism or the uses our ancestors made of them.
The Madeleine Plateau, accessed via the Saint-Régnier Cave
2.26 mi
+397 ft
-374 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from Retournac (Haute-Loire)
This short hike takes you through a cave to reach the Madeleine volcanic plateau, which offers a 360° view. Views of the Loire Valley, the Mezenc, Meygal, Pilat and Forez massifs with three orientation tables.
The Rocher de Costaros and the knoll de Barthou
4.23 mi
+1,214 ft
-1,217 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Chamalières-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
A fairly short hiking route but offering, at the summit of Rocher de Costaros and Suc de Barthou, a magnificent view of Meygal, the Monts du Velay and the Loire Valley.
From the Miaune forest to the remains of a bygone era in Roche en Régnier
5.61 mi
+1,099 ft
-1,076 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Roche-en-Régnier (Haute-Loire)
This hike combines a walk through the beautiful beech forest of Miaune with its views of the Loire Valley, the Monts du Vivarais and Mézenc, with the discovery of Roche-en-Régnier and its few richly decorated houses, remnants of a bygone era.
The Chapel of Glavenas and a short detour to La Galoche
7.15 mi
+863 ft
-869 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Pinet (Haute-Loire)
An easy hike but rich in discoveries and surprises: the small hilltop chapel of Glavenas, the surprising site of the Moulin du Pinard and the history of the old La Galoche railway line.
Rosières and the Étang de la Plaine
4.51 mi
+630 ft
-633 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Rosières (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
This walk is an opportunity to discover the natural and historical heritage around the village of Rosières, particularly the Étang de la Plaine lake.
This hike was created for the ECHO project, which ended on 1 October 2023. It is still possible to do the hike to discover the heritage.
⚠️ 13 October 2025: GPS strongly recommended for this hike.
The Corbœuf Ravine
3.54 mi
+397 ft
-397 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Rosières (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
The first part of the route follows an old railway line that has been converted into a very wide carriageway. It continues with a tour of the small heritage sites (old bread oven and wash house) in the hamlet of Chastel. Finally, at the end of the route, when the trees open up, there is a view over the unusual Corbœuf ravine.
Knolls of Velay, La Galoche, Corbœuf ravine and Glavenas chapel
11.12 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,253 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Pinet (Haute-Loire)
A beautiful, unmarked, cultural and romantic nature walk in the wild Auvergne, far from the crowds. Best done in May when the flowers are in bloom or from September to November, in the wild Suissesse valley. Visit the Corbœuf ravine, the Colorado of Auvergne, then walk among a dozen knolls, the small, pointed volcanoes that are specific to the Velay region. Pass through the village of Saint-Julien-du-Pinet, then on to the chapel of Glavenas, located in a small citadel built on a knoll.
Mont Recours in Beaulieu
3.30 mi
+591 ft
-597 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Beaulieu (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
This short route takes you to Mont Recours in the commune of Beaulieu, north of Le Puy-en-Velay. From the summit of this ancient volcanic vent, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Emblavez hills.
Chalencon, a feudal village in the heart of the Ance valley
6.95 mi
+1,611 ft
-1,631 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André-de-Chalencon (Haute-Loire)
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.
Chamblas Castle and the two Huches
10.32 mi
+1,732 ft
-1,722 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-Lardeyrol (Haute-Loire)
This very pleasant route, enjoyable in all seasons, alternates between sections through the forest and across meadows, whilst offering the chance to discover hamlets and villages typical of the region. It takes you through the Domaine de Chamblas with its château and grounds, and ends at the two ‘huches’: the Huche Plate and the Huche Pointue. A climb to the Huche Pointue completes the route.
The Lignon circulars, the footbridge and the Greenway near Grazac
13.43 mi
+2,228 ft
-2,241 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Grazac (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
A winding hike near the magnificent Lignon Gorges, crossed by a Himalayan footbridge, with beautiful landscapes over the knolls of the Pays d'Yssingeaux. The path on the Greenway to the south will reveal the beautiful landscapes of the Lignon Gorges.
The Himalayan footbridge over the Lignon Gorges
5.65 mi
+1,089 ft
-1,093 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Grazac (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
A Cluniac site thanks to its priory and church, Grazac has been famous for some time as one of the two access points to the largest Himalayan footbridge in France. This route will take you there via a short walk through this wooded valley.
Rochebaron Castle
5.70 mi
+1,276 ft
-1,293 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Bas-en-Basset (Haute-Loire)
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.
The villages of La Blache and Le Riou
4.26 mi
+525 ft
-525 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Malrevers (Haute-Loire)
This route takes you on a discovery of the villages of Riou, with its wash house, and La Blache, with its bread oven. It also offers beautiful views of the Emblavez plain and the rounded or slightly pointed hills known locally as "les knolls".
The Bourianne lava flow
3.71 mi
+653 ft
-653 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-d'Ance (Haute-Loire)
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.
Saint Quentin, a renovated hamlet overlooking the Loire Gorges
6.57 mi
+853 ft
-853 ft
3h 45
Easy
Departure from Chaspinhac (Haute-Loire)
This tour of part of the Chaspinhac plateau offers numerous views of the Puy en Velay basin, Mont Bar and the Loire Gorges. It is an opportunity to discover Saint Quentin, a hamlet abandoned for more than fifty years that enthusiasts have restored and brought back to life in the summer months with exhibitions, shows or simply by sharing a drink.
The Andrable Valley and the Saut du Bezan
5.22 mi
+1,224 ft
-1,220 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon (Haute-Loire)
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!
Queyrères - Le Puy-en-Velay
17.34 mi
+1,096 ft
-2,867 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
Fifteenth stage of the Way of St James. In the heart of the Meygal, Queyrières, a village in the Haute-Loire department, stands beside its basalt rock. From there, you begin the descent towards Le Puy-en-Velay, passing through Saint-Julien-Chapteuil and its mills that once lined the Sumène. A gentle end to the route with a leisurely finish as you arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay, a major pilgrimage site.
Walk along the Auze river in Araules-Saint-Jeures
3.79 mi
+656 ft
-663 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Araules (Haute-Loire)
A short route to include as an alternative on your local walks that pass through Vareille and then the road, providing access to the Auze up to a little-known waterfall at the bottom of almost impassable gorges.
The paths not shown on the IGN map are nevertheless passable; the Auze is crossed via two large steps (requiring a bit of a jump) at one of the only possible points, regardless of the river’s level.
Loop between Le Meygal and Queyrières
5.24 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,004 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
Short loop starting from the Meygal Forest. After crossing the forest, a balcony path with beautiful views of the surrounding knolls leads you to the village of Queyrières, which is topped by a remarkable basalt dyke. After crossing the village of Monedeyres, you climb back up through pleasant undergrowth.
Séauve-Bénite route
9.06 mi
+1,010 ft
-1,004 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Monistrol-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
From Paulin, above Monistrol-sur-Loire, set off to discover an old Cistercian abbey on the banks of the Semène, a tributary of the Loire, via a circular route combining twoPR® trails: Les Dames de la Séauve-Bénite and Le Circuit de l'Ecureuil, developed by the Loire-Semène Tourist Office. The Semène lake, around the former abbey, is an attractive place to stop halfway with its picnic area, children's playground and landscaped banks.
Via Gebennensis - Pic du Lizieux - Knoll des Testavoyre
11.73 mi
+2,402 ft
-2,398 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Araules (Haute-Loire)
The route follows the Via Gebennensis (GR®65-GR®430) to near Les Araules.
Next, discover the Pic du Lizieux and its orientation table, which offers a 360° panorama.
The hike continues along the Bonas discovery trail, then joins Arnissac to pass through Pic Testavoyre and ends with the forest road to Chalet Raffy.
The Meygal tour
8.14 mi
+1,257 ft
-1,253 ft
4h 50
Easy
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
This hike, in the heart of the Meygal forest, is ideal in the heat of summer. It offers beautiful views, especially from the summit of Testavoyre, where you can look out over the Meygal mountains.
Le Meygal and Pic du Lisieux from Monedeyres
14.28 mi
+3,074 ft
-3,058 ft
9h 15
Difficult
Departure from Queyrières (Haute-Loire)
This route is a pleasant way to spend a hot summer's day, with numerous viewpoints (Forez, Pilat, Alps, Mézenc) and climbs through the forest. In particular, it allows you to fully enjoy the unique relief of the massif, with its very numerous knolls. A refreshing stop in Recharinges (fountain, bar) allows you to tackle the final climb in the best possible conditions.
The Pic du Lizieux via the "chemin des écoliers"
6.41 mi
+1,325 ft
-1,312 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Araules (Haute-Loire)
A route exploring little-used paths and points of interest, an alternative to the marked trails.
The Pic du Lizieux via the Mounier
7.83 mi
+1,243 ft
-1,257 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jeures (Haute-Loire)
A variation on the climb up Lizieux that takes you to Mounier, a little-known peak overlooking Freycenet and the menhir above Monbuzat-La Chieze.
Suc du Mounier from Saint-Jeures
4.38 mi
+732 ft
-741 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Jeures (Haute-Loire)
Starting from the pretty village of Saint-Jeures, this short, easy circular route will take you to the summit of the Suc du Mounier. Although less famous than its larger neighbour, the Lizieux, it nevertheless offers superb panoramic views.