Loire (42)
Population: 774,133
Prefecture: Saint-Etienne
Sub-prefectures: Montbrison, Roanne
Number of cantons: 21
Number of municipalities: 323
Area: 4,780 km²
Specialities: râpée du Forez (grated cheese), barboton (meat), sarasson (cheese), fourme de Montbrison (cheese), andouille de Charlieu (sausage), Brioches Pralus (pastries), Duculty sausage, Maison Troisgros (Roanne), Rigotte de Condrieu cheese and Charolais beef
Sports clubs: AS Saint-Etienne (football), Chorale Roanne Basket.
Competitions: SaintéLyon (night running race), Grand Prix de la ville de Saint-Etienne (cycling)
Festivals: Foreztival, Paroles & Musiques, Trax, Les Monts de la balle, Curieux Voyageurs, Roches celtiques, Saint-Etienne Book Festival, International Design Biennial, Pumpkin Festival in Andrézieux, BD’Art Festival in Rive-de-Gier, Rhino Jazz in Saint-Chamond.
Tourist attractions: Le Corbusier site, Pilat Regional Nature Park, Chalmazel ski resort, Château de la Bâtie d’Urfé, Prieuré de Pommiers, Couvent des Cordeliers, Charlieu Benedictine Abbey, La Cité du Design, Loire Gorges, Montbrison (France's most beautiful market in 2019), Montrond-les-Bains Thermal Baths, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, Château de la Roche, Château des Cornes d'Urfé, Renaison Dam, Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park.
Economy: steel industry, mechanical engineering, medical textiles, optics, design, mass retail (Casino).
Websites and social media: www.loire.fr / www.loiretourisme.fr
Km 2.7
Km 2.7 – Saint-Georges-Haute-Ville (Pop. 1,450)
The hamlet of Monsupt is a former castellany of the Counts of Forez. All that remains are the ruins of a 12th-century castle: a tower and a chapel.
Km 4.1
Km 4.1 – Saint-Roman-le-Puy (Pop. 4,140)
The most remarkable feature of the commune is the 80-metre-high basalt cone on top of which the priory is built. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Forez plain and its discreet Mediterranean flora (fig trees, aniseed, almond trees, etc.). Saint-Romain-le-Puy is home to the Parot mineral water company and the Olympique Cycles bicycle brand, founded in 1924, which distributes the Tour de France brand in partnership with Amaury Sport Organisation. The town is also home to one of Europe's largest glassworks.
Priory Church of Saint-Roman-le-PuyConstruction: 10th and 11th centuries.
Style: Romanesque.
History: the first Benedictine monks settled in Saint-Romain-le-Puy in the 6th century. Texts mention the construction of a church and a castle to protect the priory in the 10th century. The presence of the Counts of Forez in this stronghold is mentioned several times and in the 13th century they fought for control of the site with the priors of Ainay Abbey. A second enclosure was built in the 15th century during the Hundred Years' War. The castle then came under the control of the French crown and François I stopped at Saint-Romain in April 1536. The fortress was dismantled in 1633 on the orders of Richelieu. Sold as national property during the Revolution, it became the property of the municipality in 1885. Restoration work carried out between 1950 and 1960 slightly altered the building's original character.
Characteristics: the church of the priory of St-Romain-le-Puy is a masterpiece of Romanesque art. Its crypt, capitals and sculpted decorations reveal the refinement of this architecture, where aesthetics and symbolism are subtly intertwined. Particularly noteworthy are its 10th-century Carolingian nave, its 11th-century choir, its frescoes dating from the 10th to the 13th centuries, its crypt, its extremely varied carved capitals of Mediterranean inspiration and its chevet with a reticulated fresco protecting a series of carved panels.
Listed as: historic monument in 1862 and 1875.
Km 11.5
Km 11.5 – Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez (Pop. 5,120)
In the heart of the fortified village, the former residence of the castle captains (14th-15th centuries), now completely restored, houses a permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to Guillaume Revel's Armorial and the history of the strongholds of the Forez region. Not to be missed: the house of Guillaume Revel, herald of Duke Charles I of Bourbon. Inside the ramparts, discover the Romanesque church and the 15th- and 16th-century houses. Outside the village, the 12th-century Sainte Catherine chapel and the Colombier manor house (external visit only) add to the village's charm. A little further away: The Devil's Bridge, built in the 14th century, is a listed historical monument.
This is the birthplace of Benoît Faure, whom Henri Desgrange nicknamed "the mouse" because of his small stature and his dexterity in the mountains. He competed in seven Tours de France between 1926 and 1935, won a stage in 1929 between Cannes and Nice, and finished 8th overall in 1930. His greatest success remains his victory in the Tour de Suisse in 1935.
Devil's BridgeConstruction: 14th century.
Characteristics: this is a tall, narrow bridge with two arches spanning the Mare. It seems to lead nowhere. It is thought to have facilitated the passage of mules laden with lime extracted in Sury-le-Comtal, heading towards Velay. There is no other explanation for the presence of a bridge that was not really necessary for crossing a river of this size, except during periods of flooding. Its height may indicate the level of flooding in the past.
Listed as: historic monument in 1921.
Km 38.2
Km 38.2 – Saint-Paul-en-Cornillon (Pop. 1,350)
The origins of Saint-Paul-en-Cornillon date back to the Middle Ages, when a monastery was established on the banks of the Loire. A testament to the past, Château de Cornillon, whose first walls were erected in the 11th century, stands atop the rock. Towards the end of the 14th century, it was partially rebuilt by the Lords of Laire. Then wings, buildings and roofs were added according to the whims of its successive owners until the 18th century. The chapel, listed as a historic monument, still bears the marks of the different periods of its construction. Nestled around the castle is the village of Cornillon, separated by the departmental road from the village of Saint-Paul, which lies in a bend of the Loire.
Cornillon CastleConstruction: 11th to 17th century.
History: the first walls were erected in the 11th century at the top of the rock. Towards the end of the 14th century, it was partly rebuilt by the Forezian seigneurial family of Laire. It then passed under the control of several noble families of Forez, the Lévis-Ventadour and the Jacquier, before being sold during the Revolution to a family of merchants, the Bayons.
Characteristics: the castle is built directly into the rock. Remains of the first crenellated enclosure still exist. The first courtyard, covered with pebbles, is sloped, with a gate that allowed horses to be mounted directly from a balcony. Inside, the kitchen retains its monumental fireplace and French ceiling. A spiral staircase leads to the upper floors and ends in a palm tree core. The rooms still feature wallpaper, French ceilings, corbels with human figures, fireplaces, wood panelling and frescoes. In the dining room, the fireplace is carved with arabesques and figures supported by caryatids. The upper part still has the keep with the remains of window seats and latrines. There are two dovecotes in the garden. The old guard path has also been preserved.
Listed as: historic monument in 2007.
Haute-Loire (43)
Population: 228,654
Prefecture: Le Puy-en-Velay
Sub-prefectures: Brioude, Yssingeaux
Area: 4,977 km²
Specialities: Green lentils from Le Puy, Verveine du Velay tea, Artisou de Haute-Loire cow's milk cheese, Perles rouges des Monts du Velay cheese, Fin Gras du Mézenc beef, mountain charcuterie, lace.
Sports clubs: Le Puy Foot 43 (CFA), ASM Basket Le Puy (Men's National 2)
Sporting events: 15 km international race in Le Puy-en-Velay, Grand Trail du Saint-Jacques, La Pierre Chany cycle race, Traversée des Sucs (mountain biking)
Festivals: Festival de la Chaise-Dieu, Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l’Oiseau and Le Puy de lumières show in Le Puy-en-Velay, Festival Country Rendez-vous in Craponne-sur-Arzon, Interfolk, Festival Celte en Gévaudan, Festival du Rire in Yssingeaux, Festival du Monastier.
Main tourist attractions: Le Puy-en-Velay, La Chaise-Dieu, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, Mézenc/Les Estables resort, Allier Gorges, Wild Loire, Château de Chavaniac Lafayette.
Economy: industrial activities of excellence, plastics, mechanics, textiles, agri-food, wood industry, tourism, agriculture, crafts.
Websites and social media: www.hauteloire.fr / http://www.auvergnevacances.com/ / http://www.respirando.fr/ / https://www.facebook.com/haute.loire.tourisme / https://www.youtube.com/user/tourisme43
Km 41.9
Km 41.9 – Aurec-sur-Loire (Pop. 6,160)
Aurec-sur-Loire preserves several medieval remains, such as the castle of the sacristan monk, which now houses the tourist office and a wine museum, as well as the stately castle of Aurec, a listed building set in beautiful public grounds.
Aurec CastleConstruction: 12th, 15th and 18th centuries.
History: the original castle was probably built around 1100 by the Counts of Forez. The current castle was mainly built in the 15th and 16th centuries. One of the most important fortresses in the region due to its size, strategic position and historical role, it underwent numerous transformations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Interior decoration (woodwork, stucco and paintings) from the 18th century.
Listed as: historic monument in 1996.
Mur d'Aurec-sur-Loire
Featured for the first time in the 2019 Tour de France, Mur d'Aurec-sur-Loire, rated as a first category climb, is formidable with its 3.1 km at 10.8% and sections at 20%. In 2019, Tiesj Benoot was leading at the top.
Km 54.8
Km 54.8 – La Séauve-sur-Semène (Pop. 1,460)
La Séauve-sur-Semène was part of the commune of Saint-Didier-en-Velay, which was then called Saint-Didier-la-Séauve. It was only established as an independent commune in 1925. Its history is closely linked to that of the Cistercian abbey, which was the main lord of the lands of the current commune in the 16th century. In the 19th century, several factories developed around the site of the former Abbey of La Séauve, including a ribbon factory.
La Sauve-Bénite AbbeyConstruction: 12th and 18th centuries.
History: the abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century. Initially a simple priory, the monastery was elevated to the status of an independent abbey in 1255. The abbey was deeply affected by the Wars of Religion and was burned down in the early 17th century. Sold during the Revolution, its church was demolished and it was converted into a spinning mill, known for its inhumane working conditions. The complex was bought by the town council in 1970.
Listed as: historic monument in 1993.
Km 70.3
Km 70.3 – Montfaucon-en-Velay (Pop. 1,160)
This is the village where international football defender Willy Sagnol (58 caps) grew up, winner of a Champions League and five German league titles with Bayern Munich. He also played in the 2006 World Cup final with France against Italy. After retiring in 2009, he became a coach and is currently the manager of Georgia, whom he led to the final stages of Euro 2024.
The city is known for its Notre-Dame Chapel, which houses the work of Flemish painter Abel Grimmer (16th and 17th centuries). It is a series of twelve paintings illustrating the twelve months of the year.
Ardèche (07)
Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Population: 334,231
Prefecture: Privas
Sub-prefectures: Largentière, Tournon-sur-Rhône
Number of municipalities: 339
Area: 5,529 km², including 172,000 ha of forest (31 pc of the department).
Specialities: chestnuts in all their forms (AOC), Picodon cheese (AOC), Maoche cheese, Bombine cheese, Caillette cheese, olives, Mézenc fine fat beef (AOC), potatoes (Violine, Truffole, Échamps de l'Eyrieux), blueberries, raspberries, honey and wine, including some ancestral grape varieties such as Chatus.
Sports clubs: Aubenas Cycling Union (national division), Aubenas-Vals Rugby Club (Federal 1), US Aubenas Basketball (Men's N2), Nord Ardèche Basketball Club (Men's N2), Pouzin Handball (Women's N1)
Competitions: Ardèche Classic (end of February), L’Ardéchoise (cycling race, June), Tour cycliste féminin international de l'Ardèche (September), Rallye Monte Carlo (passes through during certain editions), Historic Rallye Monte Carlo (January), International Marathon des Gorges de l'Ardèche (canoeing and kayaking - November), Triathlon des Gorges de l'Ardèche (early July), Pont d'Arc nature raid (Vallon pont d'arc, April), etc.
Cycling in Ardèche: The Viarhôna from Sarras to Bourg St Andéol, along the Rhône, shared between Drôme and Ardèche. The Dolce Via, 77 km of gentle trails from La Voulte-sur-Rhône along the Eyrieux. The Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche mountain bike trail. The 13 routes of the Sur les Routes de l'Ardéchoise.
Festivals: Aluna (mid-June), L'Art de l'envol, hot air balloon festival (June), Alba la Romaine circus festival (clowning and circus arts, July), European Cinema Encounters (Aubenas, November), États généraux of documentary films (Lussas, August), Humourists Festival (Tournon, August), Labeaume en musiques (South Ardèche, July-August), Equiblues (Saint-Agrève, August), Castagnades (October-November), Fascinating Wine and Discovery tours (October).
Economy: 22,663 businesses (excluding agriculture), of which 29 pc are service providers (excluding information and communication), 24 pc are shops, car and motorbike repairers, 19 pc are construction companies (4,176), 12 pc are accommodation and catering providers, 5 pc are manufacturers of industrial products (excluding food and equipment), 4 pc are in the extractive industries, energy, water, waste management and pollution, 3 pc food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturers, 2 pc information and communication, 2 pc transport and storage. Agriculture (source: Agreste): 4,713 farms, including 34 pc livestock, 22 pc viticulture, 20 pc fruit. Tourism: 18.1 million overnight stays from April to October and 2.2 million visits.
Websites and social media: www.ardeche.fr / www.ardeche-guide.com / https://www.facebook.com/ardeche.saga, https://www.facebook.com/cgardeche, https://twitter.com/ardecheguide, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardeche_tourisme (#ardeche and #emerveillesparlardeche)
Km 83.3
Km 83.3 – Saint-André-en-Vivarais (Pop. 210)
Saint-André is home to the oldest holiday camp still in operation. It was founded in 1906. The pretty Château de Montivert (13th to 19th century), a privately owned property listed as a historic monument in 2007, is also worth noting.
Km 105.5
Km 105.5 – Lalouvesc (Pop. 410)
Lalouvesc is a place of pilgrimage. The first pilgrimage is dedicated to Father Jean-François Régis, protector of the poor, who died of cold in the town on 31 December 1640. In his memory, a basilica was built on the site in 1877. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it is the work of Lyon architect Pierre Bossan, who designed the Basilica of Ars in 1862 and the Basilica of Fourvière in 1884. Another pilgrimage is now dedicated to Saint Thérèse Couderc, who created the Cenacle in 1826 to welcome pilgrims. Until 2000, Lalouvesc was the finish line for the Ardéchoise, the world's largest Gran Fondo race.
Km 118.7
Km 118.7 – Saint-Félicien (Pop. 1,120)
The starting point for the Ardéchoise, the world's largest Gran Fondo event with 15,000 participants at the start, Saint-Félicien is also famous for its goat's cheese, the ancestor of the current Saint-Félicien cheeses produced in other regions. Saint-Félicien soft curd is a soft goat's cheese with a bloomy rind, made using rennet. It should not be confused with Saint-Félicien cow's milk cheese.
Saint-Félicien ChurchConstruction: 12th, 17th and 19th centuries.
Style: Romanesque.
History: Monks from Saint-Barnard de Romans-sur-Isère founded an abbey and a church in the 10th century, built a church and placed the relics of Saint Félicien there. The current church is the result of different periods of construction: second half of the 12th, 17th and 19th centuries. Renovated in the 1970s, it is now listed as a historic monument.
Listed as: historic monument in 1982.
Km 134
Km 134 – Boucieu-le-Roi (Pop. 240)
The village owes its name to the fact that it was the seat of a bailiwick established by King Philip IV of France, who founded this bastide in 1291. The town contains many historic monuments, including a local museum located in a former seigneurial castle. In 2008, the village was awarded the Villages and Towns of Character label. The commune, which has a railway station, is located on the Ardèche tourist train line, which runs Mallet steam locomotives, classified as historic monuments and restored in 2013 by the Chemin de fer du Vivarais workshops.
The bailiff's house and the king's bridge, dating from the 15th century, have been listed as historic monuments since 1927.
Pierre Vigne MuseumHistory: missionary priest Pierre Vigne (1670-1740) settled in Boucieu-le-Roi in 1712, where he saw a topographical similarity with Jerusalem. He built a Way of the Cross with 39 stations-chapels throughout the village and the countryside. In 1715, he founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The nuns welcome visitors to this museum, which houses objects bearing witness to the missionary's work and faith, all year round by appointment.
Characteristics: the museum is housed in the imposing 13th-century seigneurial castle that dominates the village.