Saint-Germain-Laval walks

Ce circuit parcours la campagne de Saint-Julien-d'Oddes au milieu d'une végétation luxuriante. La Rivière l'Aix nous accompagne jusqu'à la centrale hydroélectrique de Chizonnet.

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 magnificent and fairly easy circuit. Shaded in its first section, it allows you to discover the beautiful Chorsin waterfall and then reaches the plateau of tall grasses before quickly returning to its starting point. The circuit is well signposted with information panels.

A beautiful circular walk starting from the Fossat valley.

I recommend this hike when nature is waking up in mid-April, to enjoy the green meadows and bright yellow dandelions. There are unobstructed views over much of the route. The ridge offers beautiful views of the Loire and Rhône departments. Picnics by the pond are very enjoyable and peaceful. The return trail near the river (Turdine) is very wild and quiet.

This circuit with pleasant trails allows us to admire views of Amplepuis and its surroundings, the Château de Rochefort and splendid views of the Monts du Lyonnais, Tarare and its surroundings. Not to be missed. Following work to install wind turbines, the French Hiking Federation has significantly modified the route at point (8) to divert theGR®7. I have redrawn the route as indicated by the FFR, so please follow this modification to complete the circuit.

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.

Hike near a beautiful lake that is very popular in summer (with a beach, water sports, horse riding centre, tree climbing, etc.) and in the Mollières woods.

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.

This short loop will take you to the heights of La Nuizière, passing isolated farms (Bert, Le Chollet, Giraud) and crosses (Nuizière, Aliziers and Bert), between dirt tracks and small country roads.

This is a large loop offering several views of the Lyon area and, on a clear day, even Mont Blanc and the Alps. You will also discover the Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées (Oingt, Le Bois d'Oingt, Moirée, etc.) and part of the Tarare Mountains. No major difficulties to expect, the route passes along forest tracks, trails and a small section of tarmac (D629, very little traffic).

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

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).

This loop starts in the village of Meaux-la-Montagne and follows roads and paths that take you to the peaks of La Nuizière via the Col de la Cambuse, the Croix du Villard and the Croix de la Nuizière, through fields and pine forests.

A walk through Forez on waymarked trails.

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

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.

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!

This loop will take you over hill and dale around Grandris. Don't miss: The memorial to the woodcutters who lost their lives in the storm of 1999 near the hospital and, a little further on, when you reach the calvary, you can admire the whole valley and the village before setting off on a series of picturesque little paths.

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.

Family-friendly walk in the hills of Saint-Héand among the horses and cows.

Beautiful route along the ridges around the village of Fontanès. Free parking in the castle grounds.

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.

A circuit primarily on small paved and sunny roads.