Queyrières: Hiking, Geology and Suchaillou

Queyrières lies at the western foot of the Meygal massif. The northwestern flank of Testavoyre belongs to Queyrières; at 1,436 m, Testavoyre is the highest point in the Meygal. The area is characterized by trails focused on botany and geology, the Suchaillou art refuge, and a seasonal cross-country skiing area nearby. If you are looking for a hotel in Queyrières, these features can help you choose a destination: the key is whether you are most interested in hiking, geology, art, or a seasonal cross-country skiing option.

Volcanic formations and the Rocher de Queyrières

The Col de Raffy in Queyrières offers panoramic views of the Sucs landscape. The Sucs around the pass are volcanic cones without craters, dating back to the region’s volcanic past. The Rocher de Queyrières is a different kind of geological formation: it is the remnant of a former volcanic vent, exposed by the erosion of the surrounding deep rock. Craterless cones and an exposed vent remnant help distinguish the different geological formations in the area.

At the Rocher de Queyrières, a hike of about 30 minutes loops around the village by the rock. Information panels explain how the rock formed and describe various uses of the stone. The Rocher is accessible via the access road to the village.

Suchaillou on the Way of St. James

Suchaillou is an art refuge in Queyrières, located on the Way of St. James. It is made of dry stone masonry and a cantilevered structure made of phonolite; local craftspeople contributed their expertise to its construction. A cantilever is a projecting structural element; dry stone masonry describes the building method. This art refuge brings together the construction, stone and local craftsmanship.

Suchaillou is intended as a place for hikers and pilgrims to rest or spend the night. It has an outdoor water point, an orientation board and dry toilets. Its role as an art refuge and its intended function on the Way of St. James combine cultural and practical aspects.

Botanical trail and hike at the Rocher

The botanical trail starts in Fournial and comprises two paths that loop around Mézères over a distance of 4 km. Information panels along the trail introduce the local flora and fauna. Compared with the hike at the Rocher, the focus shifts from geology and the uses of stone to plant and animal life. The planning details also differ: the botanical trail covers 4 km, while the hike at the Rocher takes about 30 minutes.

More trails and seasonal cross-country skiing

From Queyrières, the GR®65 heads towards the hamlet of Raffy. The Meygal Nordic area is 2 km east of Queyrières, at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,450 m. It offers 44 km of groomed trails for classic and skating styles. Availability is seasonal and may vary; check before your trip if you plan to go cross-country skiing.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Vincent, Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Géron, Langeac, Saint-Maurice-De-Lignon, Puy-En-Velay, La Chaise-Dieu, Montregard.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Loire.