Between the plains of Forez and Roannais, the Loire has cut through this volcanic barrier and shaped the landscape. Sometimes turbulent, it remains discreet and can only be seen at the edge of the gorges. The territory appears as a succession of verdant hills where streams have carved wooded valleys. The hedgerows form a mosaic of varied environments: meadows, rocks, moorlands, dry grasslands, vineyards, copses…
A variety of sites are dotted throughout the territory. Villerest and its medieval alleyways overlook the dam of the same name. Saint-Maurice is an old village standing sentinel above the gorges. Le Pet d'Âne offers a viewpoint over the largest meander of the Loire. Near the priory of Pommiers-en-Forez, the Gothic bridge was abandoned by the river. The tower of Cleppé stands proudly in the Forez plain. The Château de la Roche emerges above the waters…
It should be noted that the gorges of the Loire are a meeting point between water and dry zones, between Mediterranean species and those from the north, resulting in a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Under the designation "gorges de la Loire aval", the site has been classified as Natura 2000, as 47 species of rare birds have been recorded there.
Main features
- 150 km of GR trails
- 10 walks
