Discover Bourg-Argental in the Pilat Regional Natural Park

Bourg-Argental lies in the Pilat Regional Natural Park, at the foot of the Col de la République and the Col du Tracol. Three rivers—the Déôme, Riotet and Argental—flow through the town. Its location in the Pilat Regional Natural Park provides a scenic setting; the medieval old town adds architectural history and art. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bourg-Argental, you could consider whether to focus your stay on cultural attractions, the rose garden or long-distance trails.

History and art in Bourg-Argental

The main construction phase of the church in Bourg-Argental took place in the first half of the 12th century; 1140 is recorded as its year of construction. Another historical layer concerns the portal, including its side columns, which is partially protected as a Monument historique. It was designated by list in 1840 and additionally by decree on November 19, 1947. The recorded year of construction and the protection dates refer to different aspects: 1140 is part of the building’s history, while 1840 and 1947 relate to the designation of the portal area.

The Espace Louis Bancel is on the first floor of the Maison du Châtelet, in the heart of Bourg-Argental’s medieval old town. It displays sculptures in bronze, marble and onyx, as well as sketches and drawings in pencil, pen and charcoal. The themed tour offers insights into how a sculpture is created, Louis Bancel’s artistic development and his ongoing search for new forms. The collection and tour complement each other: the works and drawings showcase materials and working methods, while the tour focuses on the process of creation and artistic development.

Rose garden and landscape

The Grande Roseraie at Pépinières Paul Croix, created by Jacques Ranchon in 2003, contains more than 20,000 roses. They are arranged in beds of around 130 plants each. The total number and approximate bed size describe the collection at two scales: its overall size and the approximate size of each bed. The garden features creations by Paul Croix as well as more recent varieties by Dominique Croix and Jacques Ranchon.

The “Tortue” on the Sentier d'interprétation de la Tortue also has a shell that is several thousand years old. Those interested in long-distance trails will find two different route connections: the GR®42 reaches the centre of Bourg-Argental, while the GR®65 branches off there towards Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue. Bourg-Argental is therefore the destination reached by one trail and the point where the other branches off in a particular direction.

Market and getting there

The Bourg-Argental market takes place on Thursday and Sunday mornings on Rue de la Déôme and inside the market hall. Exact times may change, so check them before your visit.

The Bourg-Argental Tourist Office can be reached on bus route L17 via the Le Bourg stop; the route was previously known as TIL 122. Check current bus services before travelling. The market and bus connection are practical starting points for planning, while the church, old town, art and hiking trails appeal to different interests during a stay in Bourg-Argental.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Haon-Le-Vieux, Montrond-Les-Bains, Le Bessat, Saint-Marcellin-En-Forez, Planfoy, Villerest, St. Alban Les Eaux, Saint-Polgues.

For the broader travel overview: Loire.