Published 21 / 11 / 2023 Reading time: 4 min
If it's not paradise, it looks like it! How good it is to hike in Pays d'Urfé in this part of Roanne where you can feel, due to its proximity, the Forézian influences. In the heart of valleys or from the tops of small peaks, along the paths and trails, let yourself be lulled by the softness and tranquility of these beautiful regions. You will come across villages, chapels, ponds and streams in a radiant, multifaceted nature.
Circuit 21 – Once upon a path in Pays d’Urfé
A family tour for everyone
- Departure : Creams
- Distance: 3,3 km
- Duration: 1h
- Elevation: 90 meters
Departing from Croix des Seignolles (on the RD 45 Tourist route between Creams et Saint-Just-en-Chevalet), this family walk accessible to young and old, will help you discover the history of the paths thanks to reading tables placed throughout the marked circuit. You will take grass paths, cross the hamlet of Prory where you can contemplate a “monumental” stone cross from the XNUMXth centurye century.
A little extra
Discovering man and his environment
Around ten fun and explanatory panels guide you during your walk, from the starting point at the Croix des Seignolles, until your arrival. They will tell you the history of the paths through past activities and local originalities.
![Vue au sommet du Pays d'Urfé]()
360° view © Clovis Huet / RT ![Le Pays d'Urfé à l'automne]()
Autumn in Pays d’Urfé © Clovis Huet / RT ![Vue sur le Pays d'Urfé lors d'une randonnée]()
Hiking in Pays d’Urfé © Clovis Huet / RT
The new “Urfé rando” topoguide
A new topoguide was released in March 2023, with 4 new marked circuits of different levels.
In total, there are 34 routes of 3 to 35 kilometers, in the 11 municipalities of the territory.
On sale at Roannais Tourisme in Roanne and at the Communauté de Communes du Pays d'Urfé in Saint-Just-en-Chevalet at the price of €10.
Circuit 22 – The daybreak walk
A circuit for amateurs
- Departure : Sweetheart
- Distance: 14,5 km
- Duration: 4h
- Elevation: 527 meters
Here is an intermediate hike around the town of Chérier which will offer you remarkable views of the Roanne plain. Departing from the Eglise des Moulins, follow the marked trails to go up towards Vieux Chérier where you can admire the XNUMXth century Romanesque church.e century and its frescoes from the early Middle Ages. A small path will then take you to the Salette chapel and its magnificent environment which transforms with the seasons. Across hills, trails and rivers, this walk is an opportunity to recharge your batteries in the heart of preserved nature.
The wow spot
The chapel of La Salette
Located at an altitude of 815 meters on the Barbet hill, the Notre-Dame-de-la Salette chapel offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Roannais. Built in 1877 by Abbot Thévenet following a pilgrimage in the Alps, this heritage monument is accompanied by a Madonna and two shepherds erected on a megalith facing the view. An orientation table will allow you to identify the surrounding mountains and villages.
Circuit 6 – The 15 crosses
A circuit for athletes
- Departure : Champoly
- Distance: 16,2 km
- Duration: 5h
- Elevation: 700 meters
This hike will take you to the heart of the lovely Loire countryside.
You will cross hamlets and streams typical of the region, and a few sporty climbs will take you to the highest point of the walk, at Urfé castle. Located at an altitude of 927 meters, this medieval building will reward you with its spectacular belvedere.
This route, marked with 15 wayside crosses, will delight all those who love walking and the great outdoors.
A little bit of history
The crosses
To combat the numerous beliefs, divinities and sanctuaries erected during the ancient period, the Church had to, from the Middle Ages, transform these different places or monuments of worship by creating Christianization crosses. Of varied shapes, sizes and materials, they decorate towns and hamlets as well as country roads or crossroads. All symbolize divine protection, they guide the traveler and protect him from the unknown and bad encounters.
