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Saint-Didier-en-Velay walks
Walk through the history of the Earth in Saint-Didier-en-Velay
Visorando Member
2.91 mi
+374 ft
-285 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Didier-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
This is the story of a 4.7 km route representing the 4.7 billion years of our planet's history. One kilometre corresponds to one billion years and, therefore, one metre (one large step) to one million years. Based on this symbolism, 21 panels have been placed along the route. The location of each panel, and therefore the corresponding period, recounts a major event that changed the course of Earth's evolution. This route, which follows the paths of Saint-Didier-en-Velay, is designed to be fun, historical and original.
The Séauve-sur-Semène Water Trail
3.16 mi
+174 ft
-203 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from La Séauve-sur-Semène (Haute-Loire)
To mark World Water Day on 22 March, we suggest walking along the River Semène for half the route. You’ll notice a trout ladder along the way, allowing the fish to swim upstream to spawn at their birthplace. In Mathevard, on the site of a former weaving mill, you can also see a Napoleonic sundial with its decimal scale (a rare feature).
Water walk from La Séauve-sur-Semène, south-east loop
6.06 mi
+974 ft
-971 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from La Séauve-sur-Semène (Haute-Loire)
A short circular walk from La Séauve-sur-Semène, following the Semène river, with a return journey partly through the countryside and partly through ancient forest.
Between the forest and the hamlet around Saint-Victor
8.14 mi
+702 ft
-712 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Victor-Malescours (Haute-Loire)
Starting from Saint-Victor-Malescours, a route through woodland, a small hamlet and a plateau offering a lovely view.
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.
The Semène Valley from Lichemialle, at Saint-Pal-de-Mons
6.06 mi
+663 ft
-640 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Mons (Haute-Loire)
A lovely, easy walk through fields and woods in the Semène valley, with the option of picnicking by the river halfway along the route, at Le Prège.
The Massardière circular in Saint-Just-Malmont
5.03 mi
+538 ft
-515 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Just-Malmont (Haute-Loire)
A lovely, relatively easy walk starting from the hamlet of Les Gouttes, in Saint-Just-Malmont. A hilly route alternating between open landscapes and forest sections, at an altitude of around 900 metres.
Between the undergrowth and the path from Saint-Pal-de-Mons
6.04 mi
+650 ft
-679 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Mons (Haute-Loire)
Walk in and around the village of Saint-Pal-de-Mons.
Walk through its forests, fields and streams
North-east of Saint Romain-Lachalm
11.84 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,184 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Romain-Lachalm (Haute-Loire)
A long but easy hike on the plateau towards Saint-Romain-Lachalm in a landscape alternating between meadows, forests and rivers. Beautiful farm buildings still in use or converted. Crossing the Bois des Cartaires with its oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Dunières Gorges
6.01 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,329 ft
3h 55
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pal-de-Mons (Haute-Loire)
A circular route that allows you to appreciate the Gorges de la Dunières. The paths are not always easy (unpaved, steep) but offer beautiful views of a place that is not very touristy and little known to the public. It is a place frequented by mushroom pickers, 4x4s, motorbikes and, in season, hunters.
History and landscapes of Marlhes
13.53 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,749 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Marlhes (Loire)
Enjoy a breath of fresh air in a part of Pilat that is full of valleys and rich in religious history.
Circular route around the Gaffard district in Firminy
3.41 mi
+535 ft
-561 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Le Chambon-Feugerolles (Loire)
A circular loop around the Gaffard neighbourhood, with no difficulty apart from a slightly steep climb in the first section.
The Sainte-Reine Chapel in Aurec-Sur-Loire
9.92 mi
+1,542 ft
-1,542 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Aurec-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
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.
The Balconies of Malvalette
6.61 mi
+1,040 ft
-1,063 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Malvalette (Haute-Loire)
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.
Route from the Firminy mine to Roche-la-Molière
7.63 mi
+833 ft
-817 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Chambon-Feugerolles (Loire)
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.
Circular route on the edge of the Pilat Regional Nature Park
8.24 mi
+1,604 ft
-1,578 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Le Chambon-Feugerolles (Loire)
This circular route starts at La Pouratte stadium in Chambon-Feugerolles and takes you to the Cotatay dam, which supplies the town with drinking water, before climbing to overlook the Ondaine valley.
Tour of the Cotatay dam lake
2.13 mi
+351 ft
-351 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
This is an easy walk on the outskirts of Saint-Étienne, with a few short sections of steep inclines or slopes.
Located at the entrance to Pilat Park, the Cotatay dam is one of the dams that supplies water to the towns in the valley.
A pleasant, shaded walk that is refreshing in summer (but swimming is prohibited).
Around Saint-Maurice-en-Gourgois
6.97 mi
+843 ft
-850 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Maurice-en-Gourgois (Loire)
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.
Around the woods and the Ondenon dam
4.57 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,047 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Ricamarie (Loire)
This walk starts in the Ondenon valley and climbs twice to 900m, on both sides of the river.
It offers several panoramic views of the Ondaine valley, the city of Saint-Étienne and, in the distance, the Monts du Forez.