Refine your search for walks in Loire
Loire walks
Loop on the heights of Mont Pilat
Visorando Member 
6.00 mi
+659 ft
-653 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from La Valla-en-Gier (Loire)
An easy walk to enjoy as a family. Very popular in summer, it is worth the detour to admire the panoramic view over the Alps and the summits of Mont Blanc, the Lyonnais mountains and the Giers valley, the Vercors massif and those of northern Vivarais. With a wealth of flowers in spring, you can gather bilberries in August and raspberries in September. Unless you choose to go ski touring or cross-country skiing here in winter.
Les Trois Dents from Véranne
Visorando Member 
8.75 mi
+2,323 ft
-2,339 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
This hike allows you to discover the Trois Dents rocks, which give this area of Pilat an alpine character and offer magnificent views. As an option, the Saint-Sabin chapel offers a beautiful view of the Véranne area. The Pilat Natural Park's signposts and directional signs will be a great help in following the route.
From Crêt de l’Oeillon to Crêt de la Perdrix
Visorando Member 
4.22 mi
+669 ft
-669 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
An easy hike along the ridges of Pilat linking three major summits, via trails through forests and moors. Along the way we discover magnificent views of the Alps, the Massif Central and the Rhône Valley.
The medieval village of Malleval and the diversity of its surroundings
Visorando Member 
4.59 mi
+965 ft
-965 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Malleval (Loire)
Start by exploring a botanical cactus trail, then climb up to the cemetery and enjoy the view.
Follow the cool Épervier stream upstream.
Discover wooded paths followed by sunny trails with superb 360° views, then descend through the vineyards.
Finish by discovering the Saut de Laurette.
Return via the old village (church, salt storehouse, former commandery) and the trails.
Loire Gorges and Plateau de la Danse from Saint-Victor sur Loire
Visorando Member 
5.04 mi
+886 ft
-906 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
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.
The Chartreuse de Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Visorando Member 
7.64 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,299 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Châteauneuf (Loire) (Loire)
Hike in the Pilat Massif with views of the Rhône Valley.
The Gouffre d'Enfer
Visorando Member 
5.45 mi
+568 ft
-564 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
A walk at the gateway to the Pilat mountains to discover the Lac du Pas du Riot and two dams built under Napoleon III.
This walk is easy, suitable for families and without difficulty. The hardest part is climbing the 52 steps of the dam.
Variation around the Pilat ridges
Visorando Member 
5.69 mi
+1,063 ft
-1,040 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
This is a lovely hike for exploring the Pilat ridges, with superb panoramic views of the entire Alpine range. The route takes you through a variety of landscapes, from scree slopes to coniferous forests and heathland covered with heather and broom. In season, you can pick wild raspberries and blueberries.
This route offers a return via a less frequented path through a deciduous forest.
The Dentillon hut from Pelussin
Visorando Member 
7.32 mi
+2,018 ft
-2,024 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Pélussin (Loire)
This walk starts from Pelussin (in the heart of Pilat) and involves a slight climb (just under 600 m) to keep you in shape, which rises continuously. You will arrive at the Dentillon hut, with its arboretum and orientation table. You can then continue on to the 3 dents, which will add another 45 minutes and 250m of elevation gain.
Tour of Mont Ministre and Mont Monnet
Visorando Member 
10.10 mi
+1,785 ft
-1,808 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Chuyer (Loire)
The hike combines the Odouard and Jean-Jacques Rousseau trails, starting from Chuyer. The first part, to the south-east, on the Odouard trail, offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley. At the Col de Grenouze, the small loop takes you up to Mont Monnet: orientation table, beautiful view in good weather over the valley, the Vercors and the Alps (Mont Blanc). Forest paths then follow the Jean-Jacques Rousseau trail to the Col de Pavezin, and return via the Odouard trail.
Pilat - From Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez to Longes
Visorando Member 
10.27 mi
+1,654 ft
-1,657 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez (Loire)
This hike takes us to Les Roches de Marlin, which is somewhat overgrown with broom and other vegetation, and the beautiful flower-filled village of Longes. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful views of the Gier valley and the crosses at almost every crossroads.
Couzon dam
Visorando Member 
5.35 mi
+548 ft
-558 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Châteauneuf (Loire) (Loire)
This is a beautiful hike that allows you to see different landscapes: lake, forest, path and, finally, the river bed as you pass over a pretty aqueduct. This hike is a shorter variation in the opposite direction to the hike I found on this website, called 'Around the Couzon Dam'.
The Mont Pilat loop from Doizieux
Visorando Member 
10.75 mi
+3,163 ft
-3,146 ft
7h 40
Moderate
Departure from Doizieux (Loire)
A long route along the panoramic ridges of Mont Pilat.
The southern Pilat from Graix to La Perdrix
Visorando Member 
8.56 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,644 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Graix (Loire)
The Pilat massif on its southern slope with a passage at its highest point, the Crêt de la Perdrix.
From Chavanay to Malleval
Visorando Member 
9.20 mi
+1,371 ft
-1,388 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chavanay (Loire)
Walk through the orchards of Chavanay. Best done in April when the fruit trees are in bloom. As a bonus, you'll see the charming village of Malleval and the Epervier valley.
Please note: read carefully at marker No. 8
Rochetaillé - Dams, Gouffre d'Enfer and Pas du Riot
Visorando Member 
12.05 mi
+1,565 ft
-1,555 ft
6h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
The Gouffre d'Enfer dam is one of the most famous sites in the Rhône-Alpes region and a popular walk in the Saint-Étienne area. It was built in 1860 in the Furan valley, near Rochetaillé, and completed 17 years later by the Pas du Riot dam. We then continue along the dam trail to the Pont de Souvignet. The return journey takes us via Les Palais, Les Sagnes and La Croix de Givet before joining theGR®42to arrive at Le Plateau and Rochetaillé.
Tour of the Sapt dam
Visorando Member 
4.52 mi
+217 ft
-226 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
A pleasant Sunday walk, very popular and enjoyable in good weather.
Trail around Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoo
Visorando Member 
5.90 mi
+525 ft
-541 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Martin-la-Plaine (Loire)
On the heights of Saint-Martin-la-Plaine, a lovely walk through the fields. The last part takes you past a zoo where you can see a few animals (ostriches, wolves, goats).
From Trois Croix to Chaussitre
Visorando Member 
8.22 mi
+866 ft
-843 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
Hike on the plateau from the Col de la République between Saint-Genest-Malifaux and Saint-Régis-du-Coin.
The Polish maquis monument
Visorando Member 
4.36 mi
+705 ft
-705 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from La Versanne (Loire)
This easy, short walk through the woods in the heart of the Grand Bois in the Pilat Regional Nature Park is a chance to remember a tragic event from the Second World War, around a small monument that has been somewhat forgotten as it does not appear on any maps.
Route updated on 18 July 2020.
Le Crêt de Marcoux
Visorando Member 
4.58 mi
+837 ft
-820 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from La Terrasse-sur-Dorlay (Loire)
A walk to discover beautiful views of the Dorlay valley, an opportunity to explore an old Roman road and an old railway line.
The Crêt de la Perdrix from Chaubouret
Visorando Member 
7.79 mi
+1,224 ft
-1,204 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
Long snowshoe hike on the Pilat ridges.
Can also be done on foot if there is no snow.
From the Couzon Dam to Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Visorando Member 
6.47 mi
+955 ft
-932 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Châteauneuf (Loire) (Loire)
Discover Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez and its Chartreuse in the Pilat region, starting from the dam on the Couzon.
Salvaris and the Sapey woods
Visorando Member 
4.63 mi
+420 ft
-423 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Étienne (Loire)
A pleasant walk for summer days, as it is almost entirely in the shade. A spectacular finale with a unique and magnificent view of the city of Saint-Étienne.
Discover the beech forests in the municipality of Pavezin
Visorando Member 
6.03 mi
+1,119 ft
-1,109 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Pavezin (Loire)
Most of this hike takes place in beech forests. It is perfect on sunny or windy days. It overlooks the village of Pavezin.
On the heights of Condrieu, starting from Vérin
Visorando Member 
8.25 mi
+1,033 ft
-1,030 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Loire
An easy walk in the countryside on the heights around Condrieu. This hike offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley and the Pilat mountains.
Montarcher: a church and a village perched in the heart of the Forez region.
Visorando Member 
5.81 mi
+912 ft
-909 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Estivareilles (Loire) (Loire)
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.
Tour of the Crêt de l'Aireiller
Visorando Member 
6.57 mi
+1,329 ft
-1,329 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Graix (Loire)
A short, varied tour in the Pilat Massif around the Crêt de l'Aireiller, with a 360° view from the Crêt de la Perdrix as the grand finale.
Boucle au départ du Col de la République
Visorando Member 
5.49 mi
+449 ft
-430 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
a peaceful walk with no difficult sections but not recommended for young children or pushchairs, through forest, alongside ponds and numerous fields in the Pilat Park.
Update 20/08/25: photos added and details provided for the fork at point (7)
Update 15/07/2025: route modified between points (5) and (7) due to the gradual disappearance of the path on the western edge of the pond.
The Chemin du Tacot to the east of Pélussin
Visorando Member 
9.15 mi
+1,647 ft
-1,650 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Pélussin (Loire)
At the start and end of the route, this circuit follows the Tacot, a local railway line that connected the two sides of the Pilat Massif, the Loire and the Rhône, until 1930. Magnificent views of the Pilat Massif, but above all of the Rhône Valley and the Alps, with Mont Blanc visible on the left when the sky is clear. Most of the circuit is in the forest.
Marols loop in Montarcher
Visorando Member 
9.58 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,450 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Marols (Loire)
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).
The secrets of the Grand Bois
Visorando Member 
4.93 mi
+571 ft
-558 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
An easy walk in the forest, refreshing on summer days, in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, to discover the somewhat secret sites of the Grand Bois.
Crêt de l'Oeillon from Saint-Sabin
Visorando Member 
6.71 mi
+1,378 ft
-1,358 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
A lovely hike in the Pilat hills offering 360° views of Pilat, the Alps, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Monts du Forez.
Loop between Valfleury and Chavanne
Visorando Member 8.82 mi
+1,539 ft
-1,539 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Valfleury (Loire)
This circuit starts in Valfleury, a charming village nestled at the bottom of a valley, and mainly follows ridges offering numerous views towards Saint-Chamond, Saint-Étienne, Pilat and, further afield, Forez and Auvergne. Don't miss a visit to Valfleury church.
The Saut du Gier from the Col de la Croix du Planil
Visorando Member 
5.28 mi
+1,867 ft
-1,864 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Valla-en-Gier (Loire)
This is a fairly strenuous hike with beautiful views. If you wish, between (1) and (2), you can take a slightly easier route. The waterfall is worth the detour.
Around Saint-Christo-en-Jarez on the Sabot Bleu circuit
Visorando Member 
3.16 mi
+325 ft
-302 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Christo-en-Jarez (Loire)
The route passes through different areas in the countryside around Saint-Christo-en-Jarez (wetlands, forest and meadows). Along the way, themed information boards provide details about the local wildlife. On a clear day, two-thirds of the way along the route, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the Alps.
Plat de l'Orme via Bardonnanche
Visorando Member 
2.68 mi
+259 ft
-243 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from La Tour-en-Jarez (Loire)
Starting from La Tour-en-Jarez, this is a gentle walk along quiet roads and paths, ideal for families.
Bénisson-Dieu Abbey from Noailly
Visorando Member 
6.22 mi
+361 ft
-361 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Noailly (Loire)
An easy walk from Noailly to Abbaye de la Bénisson-Dieu, passing Château de la Motte on the way back.
The Saint-Sabin chapel from Saint-Appolinard
Visorando Member 
7.61 mi
+2,182 ft
-2,182 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Appolinard (Loire) (Loire)
Another original way to get to this beautiful viewpoint that is the Saint-Sabin chapel on a small bluff in the heart of the Pilat Park, pouring into the Rhône Valley, with some of the best views of the Alps and pre-Alps (especially across the south). At the chapel, many signs and indications tell the story of the place and its flora.
The Chirol Cross in Burdignes
Visorando Member 
4.24 mi
+410 ft
-427 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Burdignes (Loire)
A relatively easy walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Rhône valley, the Pilat and Ardèche mountains, and a superb view of the Alps on clear days.
Maisonette - the Rivollier via the relay antennae
Visorando Member 
5.35 mi
+584 ft
-607 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Héand (Loire)
Family-friendly walk in the hills of Saint-Héand among the horses and cows.
Rochettes loop
Visorando Member 4.34 mi
+407 ft
-407 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
A hike starting from Le Bessat, in the Pilat Regional Nature Park, offering unobstructed views of the Mont Blanc massif and then the Mézenc.
N.B. Hike not accessible in winter (area reserved for skiing).
Between the Rhône and Loire rivers in Saint-Joseph
Visorando Member 
4.44 mi
+653 ft
-679 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (Loire)
Straddling the Loire and Rhône rivers, near Rive de Gier, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Maurice-sur-Dargoire, this is a very pleasant walk along the river.
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.
From the village of Malleval to the village of Roisey
Visorando Member 
8.81 mi
+1,066 ft
-1,053 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Malleval (Loire)
This is an easy hike between the village of Roisey and Malleval. At the start of the hike, you can see the Saut de Lorette waterfall when there is water in winter and, on the way back, before arriving in Malleval, you will pass through the woods along the Ruisseau de l'Épervier stream, which will provide welcome refreshment if you are hiking in summer.
(!) Please note: access is prohibited along the stream at (8) due to a municipal by-law. Reported on 31 July 2025.
The Pierres circuit
Visorando Member 8.36 mi
+899 ft
-922 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-la-Valmitte (Loire)
This is a very wooded route, reflecting the commune of Saint-Hilaire, which has more than 1,000 hectares of forest. From pine forests to beech woods, you will come across some curious rocks, such as the Pierre-Siège de Saint-Martin, reminiscent of a Druidic site. On the way back, stop at the village church, which houses a statue of Saint Hilaire under its porch.
Stroll along the Canal du Forez
Visorando Member 
6.25 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert (Loire)
An open-to-the-sky Sunday stroll in the sun Canal du Forez.
The Valfleury Aqueduct
Visorando Member 
10.95 mi
+1,831 ft
-1,854 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Valfleury (Loire)
A very varied hike in the Loire, alternating between open landscapes with meadows, valleys, deciduous forests and numerous apple and cherry orchards. The walk also allows you to discover a curious underground aqueduct. In good weather, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range.
This hike can be enjoyed in all seasons, but it must be magnificent in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom.
Around Saint-Bonnet-Les-Oules
Visorando Member 
3.58 mi
+440 ft
-440 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules (Loire)
A walk along wide, easy paths through meadows above Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules.
The Pilat ridges from the shepherd's hut
Visorando Member 
8.72 mi
+1,591 ft
-1,591 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Valla-en-Gier (Loire)
Enjoy the atmosphere of northern Ardèche with this exceptional hike in the heart of Pilat. Pass through the main ridges of Pilat to discover breathtaking views and small steep paths.
More walks in Loire
Select an area below:
- Aboën
- Ambierle
- Andrézieux-Bouthéon
- Arcinges
- Bard
- Bellegarde-en-Forez
- Bessey
- Boisset-Saint-Priest
- Bourg-Argental
- Burdignes
- Cellieu
- Chalmazel
- Chambles
- Champdieu
- Châteauneuf (Loire)
- Châtelneuf (Loire)
- Châtelus (Loire)
- Chausseterre
- Chavanay
- Chazelles-sur-Lyon
- Cherier
- Chuyer
- Colombier (Loire)
- Coutouvre
- Cuzieu (Loire)
- Dancé
- Dargoire
- Doizieux
- Écotay-l'Olme
- Estivareilles (Loire)
- Farnay
- Fontanès (Loire)
- Genilac
- Graix
- Grézolles
- Jas
- La Chapelle-Villars
- La Fouillouse
- La Ricamarie
- La Talaudière
- La Terrasse-sur-Dorlay
- La Tour-en-Jarez
- La Valla-en-Gier
- La Versanne
- Le Bessat
- Le Chambon-Feugerolles
- Lérigneux
- Mably
- Maclas
- Malleval
- Maringes
- Marlhes
- Marols
- Merle-Leignec
- Montrond-les-Bains
- Noailly
- Noirétable
- Panissières
- Pavezin
- Pélussin
- Périgneux
- Planfoy
- Roanne
- Roisey
- Sail-sous-Couzan
- Saint-Alban-les-Eaux
- Saint-Appolinard (Loire)
- Saint-Bonnet-des-Quarts
- Saint-Bonnet-le-Courreau
- Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules
- Saint-Chamond
- Saint-Christo-en-Jarez
- Saint-Cyr-de-Valorges
- Saint-Étienne
- Saint-Forgeux-Lespinasse
- Saint-Galmier
- Saint-Genest-Lerpt
- Saint-Genest-Malifaux
- Saint-Haon-le-Châtel
- Saint-Héand
- Saint-Hilaire-Cusson-la-Valmitte
- Saint-Jodard
- Saint-Joseph
- Saint-Julien-d'Oddes
- Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
- Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert
- Saint-Marcel-d'Urfé
- Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez
- Saint-Martin-la-Plaine
- Saint-Martin-Lestra
- Saint-Maurice-en-Gourgois
- Saint-Paul-en-Jarez
- Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf
- Saint-Polgues
- Saint-Régis-du-Coin
- Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand
- Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
- Salt-en-Donzy
- Salvizinet
- Sauvain
- Tarentaise
- Unieux
- Usson-en-Forez
- Valfleury
- Véranne
- Villemontais