In this article, I propose to you to live 4 stages and 3 nights in the Gorges de la Loire by walking on the GR 3 “source and gorges of the Loire”.
Left bank then right bank, we will go from discoveries to unusual nuggets. The opportunity to take on the challenge of hiking on a long-distance hiking trail just 1h15 from Lyon.
From Aurec-sur-Loire station to Bas-en-Basset
- From the station, cross the footbridge of the village of Aurec, then follow the Loire along the leisure centre.
- We take the metal footbridges at a place called “le saut du chien”.
- In the direction of the D46 and cross the road continuing to the hamlet of Mayol. We go back down towards the Loire and walk along the river again, then we cross the road again to rise towards Le Cortial.
- We arrive at Bas-en-Basset via the hamlet of Lamure, and we approach the wild river. This stage ends by crossing the ponds of Bas-en-Basset named "biodiversity park" which is home to many species of birds.
Points of interest along the way:
Overnight stay in Bas-en-Basset
To sleep, we recommend the Vissaguet stopover gite:
And the house of banana trees:
Or for camping enthusiasts, you can pitch the tent at La Garenne campsite or at La Camargue campsite:
Day 2: from Bas-en-Basset to Bransac to Beauzac
- The next day, we leave Bas-en-Basset towards Beauzac, country of Saint-Agur!
- We take the path that goes a little away from the river where the edges are very steep. We leave the town of Bas by Ancette where we cross the Ance river before arriving in Beauzac by Pirolles.
- The last kilometers of the stage go around the Mont “le Raide Mont” and we find wooded landscapes
- We arrive in Bransac to put our suitcases at the Barret bed and breakfast.
Points of interest on the way:
To sleep :
More:
Description: Former hotel-restaurant converted into guest rooms and table d'hôtes (building from the 1900s).
Ground floor: reception hall, professional kitchen (private space), toilets. Dining room where breakfasts and table d'hôtes (evening meals) are served. Library (many cookbooks) and board games.
1st floor: Private.
2nd floor: 5 bedrooms all with private bathrooms (basins on furniture, baths with shower screens and WC).
- PIN Room : 1 double bed. in 2×140 cm,
- FIR Room : 1 double bed. in 2×140 cm,
- TILLEUL Room : 1 double bed. in 2×180 cm (king size bed),
- OAK Room : 1 double bed. in 2×140 cm + 190 extra bed for 1 person. in 1×90 cm,
- BIRCH Room : 1 double bed. in 2×180 cm (king size bed).
Bed and bathroom linen included. Central heating (oil) with a radiator in each of the five bedrooms. WIFI (free and secure connection). Neat and personalized decoration. Hearty breakfast served in the dining room on the ground floor of the house. Table d'hôtes (evening meal) by reservation. Cooking classes by reservation: l’Atelier by Sandy Caire. Furnished and shaded courtyard and terrace (lime trees), garden furniture. Private parking near the structure and secure covered shelter. Shops, services and entertainment in Beauzac (3 km).
Numerous heritage visits: churches, chapels, medieval villages, castles, bridges, washhouses, bread ovens, etc.
One hour from cross-country ski trails and descents for children. Near a paragliding departure site.
Many outdoor activities: hiking (GR3 Sources and Gorges de la Loire), cycling/mountain biking (crossing the Haute-Loire), motorcycling, horseback riding, fishing, white water sports (descents by canoe on the Loire, paddle, …), walks with pack donkeys, …
With us, it is the Loire of the mountains that is offered to you, the picturesque and wild Loire which opens onto steep and granite landscapes, with viewpoints on the volcanic and verdant juices.
A natural and fragile area, the Loire benefits from the Natura 2000 network, which protects wild, plant and animal species. Both soothing and invigorating, the wild Loire encourages you to be discreet and respectful of the fauna, flora and the environment.
The town of Beauzac is located east of Velay, in the department of Haute-Loire in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Beauzac is equidistant (about 40 kilometers) from the towns of Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire) and Saint-Étienne (Loire).
Day 3: From Bransac to Monistrol-sur-Loire
For this 3rd day, we advise you to keep in shape because we are tackling the longest stage: a little over 20 km await us until the town center of Monistrol-sur-Loire!
The 1st kilometers lead us to Confolent and its famous suspension bridge, before following the Loire on the right bank via Nantet, Chazelles, Nant then Pierre Blanche and Gournier.
We reach the station of Bas-Monistrol then we continue towards Cheucle, the Pinet in Monistrol-sur-Loire.
To sleep in Monistrol-sur-Loire:
From Monistrol-sur-Loire to Aurec-sur-Loire
We cWe then proceed to the town of Monistrol-sur-Loire and cross the quiet little village of La Chapelle d'Aurec, before reaching Aurec-sur-Loire and its train station, for a quick return to our home.
This section offers beautiful views of the Monts du Forez.
To discover along the way
Download our ideas for stays on the GR3 “source & Gorges de la Loire”
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