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Villemontais walks
Les Monts de la Madeleine (Villemontais)
Visorando Member
5.62 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,148 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Villemontais (Loire)
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 hilly circular walk starting from Le Ménard
7.53 mi
+1,309 ft
-1,286 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire (Loire)
This varied walk offers some stunning views over the Roannaise plain and the Beaujolais hills.
The Monts de la Madeleine near Cherier
Association / Club / Walk leader
16.13 mi
+2,484 ft
-2,470 ft
4 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Cherier (Loire)
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.
Circular loop starting from Les Moulins Chérier
11.13 mi
+1,696 ft
-1,680 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Cherier (Loire)
A beautiful walk alternating between open views and paths along the Isable river.
The Gorge du Désert and the Châtelus from Saint-Alban-les-Eaux
4.32 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,161 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Alban-les-Eaux (Loire)
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.
The Gorge du Désert, starting from Saint-Alban-les-Eaux
2.72 mi
+636 ft
-614 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Alban-les-Eaux (Loire)
Starting from the village of Saint-Alban-Les-Eaux, known for its carbonated springs, this route passes via La Madone and the Montouse Dam before continuing on to the Gorge du Désert. It allows you to reach the waterfall without too much difficulty and then return to the village via Le Châtelus.
Roannaise coast and mountains
50.15 mi
+7,923 ft
-7,907 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from Cherier (Loire)
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.
From Point du Jour to Saint-Haon-le-Châtel
14.49 mi
+1,686 ft
-3,130 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Cherier (Loire)
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.
Isable Valley and Padègue Viaduct in Saint-Polgues
6.93 mi
+774 ft
-791 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Polgues (Loire)
A pleasant hike along the Isable river, passing by the Padègue viaduct.
Walk in Saint-Haon-Châtel via Saint-Haon-le-Vieux
3.83 mi
+636 ft
-607 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Haon-le-Châtel (Loire)
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.
Circular walk through the Cierve woods via the Pêt de l'Âne, starting from Dancé.
3.45 mi
+636 ft
-617 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Dancé (Loire)
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.
From Saint-Haòn-le-Châtel to leat
10.63 mi
+2,461 ft
-1,348 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Haon-le-Châtel (Loire)
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.
From the Loge des Gardes to Point du Jour
11.96 mi
+1,368 ft
-2,044 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Laprugne (Allier)
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).
Along the Loire in Roanne
6.55 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Roanne (Loire)
There is no significant elevation gain on this walk, which begins by following the Loire, a river always full of surprises, before continuing on the return route along the Digoin Canal to Roanne.
Between agriculture and heritage in Saint-Marcel-d'Urfé
11.77 mi
+1,969 ft
-1,978 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Marcel-d'Urfé (Loire)
A hike to an altitude of nearly 1,000 metres, through a farming landscape where you will encounter ancient heritage.
Along the Aix to Grézolles
5.23 mi
+495 ft
-469 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Grézolles (Loire)
Walk in Grézolles, along the Aix, to the Moulin du Gué, then back to the village after a visit to the Sainte-Barbe Chapel.
Circular Cornes d'Urfé starting from Saint-Marcel d'Urfé
9.92 mi
+1,883 ft
-1,893 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Marcel-d'Urfé (Loire)
Circular through the countryside and forest to discover Les Cornes d'Urfé.
La Verrerie-Le plateau
3.06 mi
+312 ft
-322 ft
2 hrs
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs (Allier)
A short route for a first taste of the Verrerie plateau on snowshoes.
Through the Matel gravel pits
4.13 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Roanne (Loire)
Along the path running alongside the Loire, you can spot wildlife; amongst other things, I came across a deer and a small, very calm snake before reaching the ponds. The route is well maintained.
A view of the Roannais region from the Croix du Sud
5.42 mi
+1,102 ft
-1,119 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ambierle (Loire)
Just above Saint-Haon-le-Vieux and Saint-Haon-le-Châtel. Starting from the Croix du Sud, a walk through beautiful woodland with views of the Roannais region at several points. The paths are generally easy, with a few stony sections. The walk climbs slightly for a quarter of the route, after the turning point at the quiet hamlet of Combejardin. It remains an accessible walk for amateurs, and can be shortened by taking a different route.
The GPX track may prove useful.
Between Ambierle and Les Servajeans
6.75 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,129 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Ambierle (Loire)
Enjoy a lovely walk above Ambierle through fields and forests. Discover its magnificent church with its polychrome tiles.
Le circuit de l'Aix par la campagne de Saint-Julien-d'Oddes
7.53 mi
+4,652 ft
-4,836 ft
7h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-d'Oddes (Loire)
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.
Tower of Mably Church
0.34 mi
+13 ft
-16 ft
0h 10
Easy
Departure from Mably (Loire)
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.
From Pierre Châtel to the Druidic Stone
12.38 mi
+2,664 ft
-2,671 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs (Allier)
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.
The wind turbines around Saint-Nicolas-des-leat
6.81 mi
+994 ft
-981 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs (Allier)
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.
Pierre Châtel - Allée des Sorcières
2.88 mi
+600 ft
-587 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs (Allier)
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.
Peat bog on the Verrerie plateau
4.34 mi
+476 ft
-453 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs (Allier)
This walk takes us through woods to the Verrerie plateau and its peat bog.
Banks of the Loire near Pinay and Saint-Jodard
4.90 mi
+830 ft
-827 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jodard (Loire)
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).
La Gravière aux Oiseaux in Mably
1.40 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Mably (Loire)
The Gravière aux Oiseaux estate covers nearly 30 hectares on the banks of the Loire. It comprises two ponds designed for walking, birdwatching and exploring the wetlands in all seasons.
From leats to Loge des Gardes
12.97 mi
+2,382 ft
-1,342 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Bonnet-des-Quarts (Loire)
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).