Saint-Alban-les-Eaux walks

Starting from the village of Saint-Alban-les-Eaux, known for its sparkling mineral springs, this route passes via La Madone and the Montouse Dam to reach the Gorges du Désert and the waterfall. Views from Le Châtelus and the viewpoint on the way back.

Walk in the Monts de la Madeleine between Villemontais and Chérier. 15/05/2024: Route modified to avoid passing through private property at Ripouroux.

A very varied route linking two villages, climbing to the highest point (1,155 m), alternating between long, steady climbs and flat, rolling sections at altitude, with stunning views. Red mountain bike markings on a white background.

A beautiful walk alternating between open views and paths along the Isable river.

A 4-day hiking tour from lodge to lodge in the Monts de la Madeleine (low mountain range) west of the town of Roanne. Immerse yourself in nature, often still wild, by taking as many small paths as possible.

Departure from a high point in the Monts de la Madeleine, in Cherier, at a place called Le Point du Jour (870 m, 14-bed stopover lodge with meals) to descend to the Côte Roannaise, cross its vine-covered hillsides and arrive at the medieval village of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel (14-bed stopover lodge with meals). This route gives priority to small paths with no motor vehicle traffic and beautiful views of the Roanne plain.

The walk takes you through Saint-Haon-le-Vieux along the Chemin Rouge, then on to the site of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel, a veritable open-air museum where you can relive ten centuries of civilisation with its remains of high walls, 17 towers and 4 gates. These fortifications were built in the mid-14th century to protect the town from bands of looters. A magnificent village where every street is worth exploring.

Morning: crossing the northern part of the Roanne coast vineyards, with little elevation gain, and two beautiful historic villages: Saint-Haon-le-Châtel and Ambierle, with a rich heritage open to visitors. The afternoon is more challenging with the climb to leat (altitude 765 m) through meadows and forest. Most of the route is on dirt tracks with no traffic.

Departure from the Loge des Gardes sports centre. Start the day in the beautiful beech undergrowth of the Assise State Forest, above 1,000 metres altitude, before descending to the more open plateaus of La Tuilière and Cherier, with beautiful views. End at the Refuge du Point du Jour lodge (overnight stay and meals made with farm produce) (altitude 870 metres).

Enjoy a lovely walk above Ambierle through fields and forests. Discover its magnificent church with its polychrome tiles.

A short route for a first taste of the Verrerie plateau on snowshoes.

A pleasant hike along the Isable river, passing by the Padègue viaduct.

This hike takes us through the woods of Pierre Châtel (Saint-Nicolas-des-leat) to the Druidic Stone (Loge des Gardes). The return journey takes us through isolated hamlets and farms.

Test route to learn how to use Visorando. The aim is to train walkers in the use of the app so that they can manage independently during club walks. This is not a geographical exploration but a personal training session to help walkers learn how to use all the functions properly.

This hike takes us on a journey between modernity (the wind turbines) and the past (the old glassmakers' village, the Château des Hormières) and offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.

This short hike takes you past two remarkable sites: the Pierre Châtel with a beautiful view from its summit and the mysterious "Allée des Sorcières" (Witches' Alley) with its twisted beech trees.

This walk takes us through woods to the Verrerie plateau and its peat bog.

Starting from Dancé church, head for the Pêt de l'Âne, a magnificent viewpoint over the longest meander of the Loire. Here you will find the marked hiking trails along the banks of the Loire. You can return via the Cierve woods, which have beautiful undergrowth. From the path leading to La Madone, there is a beautiful panoramic view: to the east, the Monts du Lyonnais; to the south, the Monts du Pilat; and to the west, the Monts du Forez with Pierre-sur-Haute and the Monts de la Madeleine.

An easy walk from Noailly to Abbaye de la Bénisson-Dieu, passing Château de la Motte on the way back.

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

This stage crosses the highest villages in the Monts de la Madeleine, at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, and allows you to visit two major tourist attractions in St-Nicolas-des-Leat (03): the Allée des Géants and the Pierre Châtel. Most of the route is through deciduous forest, home to mushrooms. The stage ends at the Loge des Gardes sports resort, where accommodation is available (hotel-restaurant).

Circular through the countryside and forest to discover Les Cornes d'Urfé.

This hike will allow you to discover the Cascade de la Pisserote waterfall on the Barbenan.

A beautiful walk offering views of the Loire upstream from the Villerest Dam, with a glimpse of the Château de la Roche. It is not particularly difficult, but half of it is along the road, especially between Pinay, Saint-Jodard and the return to La Vourdiat. The banks of the Loire offer some good spots for a picnic and a quiet break (so please respect the fishermen who are also enjoying the same setting).