We reveal to you the essential places to admire the Loire gorges, the most emblematic activities to experience emotions on the river, the beautiful walks near the Loire, the most beautiful viewpoints, the pretty villages and the first castles of the Loire.
By car, on foot, by bike/mountain bike, canoe, electric boat and cruise, or even by train: experience the wild Loire!
Where is the source of the Loire located?
The wild Loire has its source at Mont-Gerbier de Jonc in Ardèche. When it arrives in Haute-Loire, it is a tumultuous river.
Here, around Beauzac, Monistrol-sur-Loire, Bas-en-Basset, around fifty kilometers from the source, the river alternates between steep gorges and larger plains.
Between Aurec-sur-Loire and Saint-Just Saint-Rambert, the river enters the Loire department (42) and becomes lake of grangent : a vast expanse of water in the hollow of wooded hillsides retained by the Grangent dam.
Where to see the Loire Gorges by car?
La tourist route of the Gorges de la Loire is a departmental road which follows the river as close as possible to its bed (D103, D46). By car, this is the ideal route to flirt with the royal river, following its curves. You will see the first castles of the Loire: Arlempdes, Beaufort, Coubon, Volhac, Bouzols, Artias, Rochebaron, Aurec... a whole string of historic sites dominated from afar by the famous Fortress of Polignac and its square keep. You will ride in the middle of the volcanoes of Haute-Loire: the Sucs, which constitute a unique landscape in Europe!
At its entrance into the Loire department (42), continue the road towards Chambles, Saint-Just Saint-Rambert, Saint-Victor-sur-Loire and cross an area classified as a Regional Nature Reserve and which offers points of magnificent view towards Lake Grangent. Imperative: stop at the Château d'Essalois for the most Instagrammable view of the destination!
See the Loire Gorges by train?
La TER Saint-Etienne – Le Puy-en-Velay train line offers 12 trips per day.
The line is very beautiful, it was built as close as possible to the river and the structures are superb. From Lyon, then Saint-Etienne (Chateaucreux station), Firminy, then Aurec-sur-Loire station, Bas-Monistrol, Pont de Lignon, Retournac, etc., to Puy-en-Velay, you can travel by train and travel through the Loire Gorges, in harmony with the river, in the steep meanders, passing through tunnels, overlooking the waves...
We love this line which allows you to contemplate the landscapes in complete tranquility, where no other means of transport is possible! The best part: take your bike on the TER and then continue your journey in soft mobility.
See the Loire Gorges by boat?
An exit in cruise boat on Lake Grangent is a surprising and unusual way to discover the Loire Gorges. It is, in fact, possible to sail on Lake Grangent and spend a pleasant time in the very heart of the Gorges de la Loire.
It is also possible to rent electric boats without a license from Saint-Victor-sur-Loire and Aurec-sur-Loire. Accessible to everyone !
For the more sporty, venture into a descent of the wild Loire by canoe in total immersion with nature!
See the Loire Gorges by bike / mountain bike?
The cycling route la Wild Loire by bike runs along the Loire from Mont-Gerbier de Jonc to Aurec-sur-Loire.
Many MTB circuits of different levels are marked from our communes and are part of the VTT-FFC Gorges de la Loire area.
Where to see the Loire Gorges on foot?
Le GR3 “source and gorges of the Loire” is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in France. It runs along the wild Loire from its source to Saint-Just Saint-Rambert! The path is marked on the right bank and left bank, and it also follows the railway line.
From Lyon or Saint-Etienne, you can arrive at the Aurec-sur-Loire, Bas-Monistrol or Retournac station, bag on your back and try the adventure of a stage in 1 day, 2 or 3 days.
Where to admire the Loire Gorges?
Get up high to admire the Loire Gorges from the most beautiful points of view.
Where to see the Loire Gorges?
01
By foot
le GR 3 Source and gorges of the Loire guarantees great adventures to live in harmony with nature, just 1h15 from Lyon!
02
By bike
The wild Loire by bike! Let yourself be tempted by an intense pedaling of 300 km divisible on the picturesque roads of the Loire gorges.
03
By mountain bike
Discover the routes of the Gorges de la Loire mountain bike area.
04
By canoe
Go down by canoe on the Loire gorges, it's the best way to experience the wild river!
06
Electric boats
Renting an electric boat means taking the time to admire the Loire Gorges in a different way... Silent and license-free, these boats are ideal for discovering the joys of navigation in a fun and friendly way!
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Viewpoints towards the Loire Gorges
Set off to discover the views of the wild Loire and Lake Grangent.
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