The Loire gorges, a natural destination in the heart of Auvergne Rhône-Alpes from Monistrol-sur-Loire, Aurec-sur-Loire to Saint-Just Saint-Rambert. In Haute-Loire (43), a few kilometers from its source, the Loire is still a wild river that alternates between steep terrain and extensive plains. As it enters the Loire department (42), the river becomes a lake: Grangent Lake. Its meandering steep hillsides shelter a nautical base and a marina.
Between invigorating valleys and volcanic plateaus, the Loire gorges offer an exploration easily accessible by train from Lyon and Saint-Etienne (only 1h15 from the Lyon area).
Find our suggestions for exploring the Loire gorges on foot, by canoe, by car circuit thanks to our road trips or even by boat cruise on Lake Grangent!
The castles and villages in the heart of the Gorges de la Loire
Leave in the Loire gorges, it's an opportunity to treat yourself to a nature break to disconnect. We promise you here to stay in a territory on a human scale, to meet people, to share simple and authentic moments, away from crowded sites.
- The first castles of the Loire seem to come straight out of the Middle Ages and proudly overlook the valley; the plateaus of Chalencon and the towns along the river are full of medieval nuggets.
- In Bas-en-Basset, the Château de Rochebaron can be visited all year round and offers impressive shows of birds of prey in flight!
- In Chambles, the Château d'Essalois offers a 360° view of Lake Grangent and houses an interpretation center of the Loire gorges (educational space dedicated to the heritage of this listed natural site and the Grangent dam below) .
- In Aurec-sur-Loire, castle life opens its doors to you at the stately castle. Fun and interactive activities line the many rooms of the castle.
- In the town of Saint-André-de-Chalencon, the hamlet of Chalencon is a medieval jewel that you must see! Its single lane will lead you to the chapel and the castle. Push your curiosity and take the cobbled cobblestone shaped by time to cross the Devil's Bridge... and enter its legend!
Castles of Aurec-sur-Loire, castle of the bishops in Monistrol-sur-Loire, small city of character of Saint-Pal-de-Chalençon, Romanesque church of Beauzac and its crypt, medieval-style villages of Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, Rooms, Saint-Didier-en-Velay et Aurec-sur-Loire…., our itineraries will lead you to these castles and typical villages. En route!
Hikes and walks in the Gorges de la Loire
The most famous route of our destination is of course the GR 3 “source & gorges de la Loire”. It is a long-distance hiking path which runs along the wild Loire and which offers completely customizable possibilities: stage on foot and/or by train, markings on the right bank and left bank. Follow our advice to prepare your hike on the GR 3.
And if you tried the adventure for a weekend or in excursionist mode?
If you are there for a day, try the experience of a hike on our many “PR” (small hikes) along the banks of the Loire or rivers.
Panoramas of the Loire gorges
Breathtaking views are available to you on the Loire and its gorges. Think of the camera to immortalize these moments that inspire serenity, calm: a real haven of peace!
- Loire department side (42), you overlook the meanders of the river and admire the chapels and hamlets on the edge of Lake Grangent, as well as the castles proudly enthroned on their rocky outcrops.
- On the Haute-Loire side (43), “land of volcanoes”, the plateaus above the river are close to 900 m in altitude! The view opens onto the famous juicesthese volcanoes oldest and most numerous in Auvergne. THE panoramas on the volcanic Velay and the Forez mountains are sublime. They are a host of observation sites for geologists!
Observe nature from an orientation table
Sail in the Loire gorges
Down the wild river in canoe, paddle in hand, is to immerse yourself completely in the heart of the Loire gorges. What a pleasure to experience this adventure with family, friends or to take on a sporting challenge. roaming.
- A Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, the marina is a peaceful place where it is possible to sail on a cruise ship From a simple one-hour commented tour of the lake and its grandiose landscapes, to a romantic dinner or a theme evening in costume, cruises in the Loire gorges offer a variety of possibilities for everyone!
- In Aurec-sur-Loire, you can rent an electric boat without a license by the hour. Hey sailor, put on your lifejacket and set sail!
Bathe in the gorges of
the Loire
Aurec-sur-Loire and Saint-Victor-sur-Loire are 2 sites where swimming in the Loire is supervised and authorized. Sandy beach, parasol… put down your towel and enjoy! Here idleness is highly recommended but not too long because it would be a shame not to try the very many nautical activities which are offered: canoe, paddle, pedal boat, sail, electric boat, rowing, catamaran...
Protected nature: Regional Nature Reserve around Grangent and Natura 2000 Zone
The river is alive, it is the place of life of a rich biodiversity, an important and specific fauna and flora which is protected. Natural, ornithological and biodiversity sites are to be discovered in the Loire gorges, individually or during our nature outings accompanied by specialist guides.
