Things to see in Loire: castles, medieval villages, and must-visit natural landscapes

This small medieval village surrounded by ramparts retains a city gate, towers, and half-timbered houses. A timeless walk through the hills of Roannais.

14th-century religious monument with a Gothic cloister, chapel, and chapter house adorned with medieval sculptures and murals.

Between mountains and forests, this regional nature park is the green lung of the Loire. The ridges offer views of the Alps, valleys, and plateaus of the Forez. A paradise for hikers.

Founded in the 9th century, this Benedictine abbey features a notable Romanesque portal and ancient sculptures. A landmark of the Ligurian religious heritage.

Design capital and city with a strong industrial history, Saint-Étienne impresses with its museums, former manufacturing sites, and modern cultural spaces. A blend of heritage and creation.

Religious building constructed in the 15th century featuring Gothic architecture with medieval stained glass and a Flemish altarpiece from the 15th century.

Ski resort located in the Monts du Forez offering 12 alpine ski slopes between 1100 and 1640 meters altitude.

This 11th-century monastery is charming for the tranquility of its cloister and the purity of its Romanesque church. A place imbued with calm and history.

Perched on a rocky outcrop at 750 meters above sea level, this 11th-century castle overlooks the Lignon valley. Its round towers and walls tell of a time when Forez formed a border between rival powers.

Between cliffs and forests, the Loire gorges stretch over several kilometers, a protected site where nature reclaims its rights, suitable for hiking and bird watching.

Renaissance Jewel of Forez, this 16th-century castle is distinguished by its shell cave and French-style gardens. A refined and unusual place.

Town of water and gastronomy, Roanne hosts an active riverside port and a rich heritage. A lively stop along the northern route of the Loire.

This artificial lake offers areas for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Developed trails allow doing laps around the lake.

Perched on its hill, this medieval town charms with its Gothic collegiate church, carved houses, and views over the Forez mountains.

Situated on an ancient volcano, this village houses a 12th-century priory built in black basalt. The view of the Forez plain is spectacular.

From this summit of Pilat at 1370 meters, the Mont Blanc can sometimes be seen in clear weather. An iconic viewpoint for outdoor enthusiasts.

Built on a rock in the middle of the river, this castle appears to float on the Loire. During the blooming season, its reflection in the water creates one of the most photographed landscapes in the department.

Facing the Grangent dam, this medieval fortress overlooks the Loire gorges. The site offers a striking view of the river's bends.

Unique in France, this monastery founded in the 13th century became a real village after the Revolution. Its cloisters and church bear witness to a peaceful religious life today in the heart of Pilat.

Two reservoirs of drinking water in the Madeleine mountains. The Chartrain dam dates from 1888, that of Grands Murcins from 1976.

Former capital of the Forez with its Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame from the 15th century, medieval streets, and Friday cheese market.

Hidden within the Pilat massif, this 32-meter waterfall attracts walkers. The waterfall and the trail leading to it provide a spectacular natural escape.

In the heart of the Forez mountains, this mountain village preserves the memory of jasseries, ancient summer farms. Its museum narrates the tradition of the fourme.

Natural 8-hectare pond surrounded by meadows and woods, a place for fishing and walking in the Lyonnais mountains.

A masterpiece of modern architecture, the site includes a church, a housing unit, and a cultural center designed by Le Corbusier. A prominent symbol of the creative and forward-thinking Loire.

Fortified village from the 12th century, Saint-Haon retains its medieval alleys and stone houses. A charming stop on the route of notable villages.

Typical village in Forez with its Romanesque priory, city walls, and old houses. A visit between spirituality and medieval history.

Village established on a basalt peak with a medieval priory at the top, a Romanesque church, and fortification remains.

Village of 1000 inhabitants built around a 16th-century post relay that served as a stage on the Paris-Lyon route.

Industrial center of 35,000 inhabitants in the Gier valley, known for its former textile factories and metallurgical plants.

Town of 10,000 inhabitants situated on the right bank of the Loire, featuring a medieval castle and an industrial zone.