With an area of 490 hectares, the forest of Lespinasse located in the municipalities of Noailly, Saint-Forgeux-Lespinasse and Vivans, remains a pure happiness for nature lovers, with its dense and diverse flora and fauna. This forest is very popular with hikers, mountain bikers, joggers, fishermen and even mushroom pickers.
Several signposted circuits allow you to discover this large forest complex, on foot and by bike. Picnic tables and children's games provide a break. Do not miss the large Couvert, witness of the cultural and architectural heritage of Roanne. Formerly used for drying brick tiles, it now offers visitors temporary exhibitions.
Small or rather big story, since Julius Caesar already evokes it in his work "The Gallic War", a battle at a place called Aspinassia (Lespinasse). Subsequently, it was passed down from generation to aristocratic generation to finally become the property of the department in 1968.
The Lespinasse forest on the outskirts of the village of Saint-Germain-Lespinasse, is located 15 minutes from Roanne.
The green lung of the Loire
Spread over more than 490 hectares in the commune of Vivans, this forest is the largest in the Loire department. Did you know that a large part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is covered by forests, making it the third largest forest region in France with 2,5 million hectares, or 36% of the surface?
ENS qualified… quèsaco? A Sensitive Natural Area which promises a scarcity and richness of resources, threatened which must of course be preserved.
Upcoming events ...
Cultural activities
Sports activities
Sports activities
Cultural activities
Key number
Each year, the largest forest area in the Loire department welcomes more than 60 000 visitors.
![La forêt de Lespinasse]()
Lespinasse forest © Roannais Tourisme ![La forêt de Lespinasse]()
Lespinasse forest © Roannais Tourisme
Sports, family and fun walks in the heart of the Lespinasse forest
Young and old will find their happiness among the many marked walks offered by the forest from the car park. Among them, the President oak circuit, the most famous and the only one accessible to people with reduced mobility. A mountain bike course will delight lovers of two wheels.
A place that makes family days easier: freshness in summer or a breath of fresh air in winter.
After a walk or a bike ride, what better way than to meet around a tasty picnic? Lespinasse forest is full of beautiful places to eat in peace and in the heart of nature. In particular the large Couvert picnic area with tables and games for children.
Dense and diverse flora and fauna
Attentive is the key word for observing wildlife: deer, wild boar, squirrel, and birds live peacefully in this forest area. They rub shoulders with exceptional flora such as oak oaks. Kings of the domain, going up to 50 meters, they feed and keep this magnificent forest alive.
Pretty bodies of water will delight fishing enthusiasts with, among other things, trout and roach at will.
The President Oak Interpretation Trail
The route of 4 kilometers and without elevation allows to discover the ecological richness and the history of this place. After installation, people with reduced mobility have access to this path. The President Oak is huge in the middle of a clearing where there is a small amphitheater.
The large covered, witness of the cultural heritage of Roannais
Formerly used for drying old tiles and bricks, the Large Covered was restored in 2003 to become a meeting point of the Lespinasse forest. Ideal and privileged place to discover the forest, its history and the forest management methods put in place by man. But also their usefulness for the fight against climate change which for several years has taken on an importance humanly speaking and also for the safeguard of our planet. Younger generations can also discover the importance of natural wealth and the role of the forest in climate impact.
It also serves as a temporary and thematic exhibition according to the seasons.
Lespinasse forest, meeting place and summer activities
Every summer, the Loire department brings the Lespinasse forest to life with fun and free activities. The “Un Été à Lespinasse” program offers storytelling walks, sensory discoveries, exhibitions, workshops, rallies ... to explore the forest.
A place of resources, of appeasement, of a playground, of culture, of sporting escape and of relaxation: the call of the forest… of Lespinasse is already ringing out!
TOURIST INFORMATION
Lespinasse forest
Large Covered
42310
alive
Marion's opinion
Like the famous Robin Hood forest or that of the Knights of the Round Table, the Lespinasse forest will enchant you. It is an ideal place for bike rides or on foot and quite simply to take a breath of fresh air just 10 kilometers from Roanne. Beyond the walks, one activity reigns supreme in the forest of Lespinasse: the construction of huts! A real childhood rite, the construction of cabins is a magical experience. Dare to fall back into childhood!
