Discover Cherier

If you are planning a stay in Cherier, hiking, local history and a farm visit can each offer a different focus. Nine permanently marked circular walks, historic religious buildings and visits to the Les Montagnes de Jaya farm give you specific themes to consider when planning your trip.

Hiking and guided walks

A municipal guide lists nine permanently marked circular walks. In addition, the “LES CHEMINS DE TRAVERSE” association organizes a free themed guided walk in Cherier on the first Saturday of every month, open to everyone. The schedule may change, so check the date before you arrive.

For planning purposes, the formats differ: the circular walks are permanently marked, while the guided walk is a themed activity held on a recurring schedule. On the “La marche du Point du jour” hiking route, the trail crosses the Isable at Blanchardon via a small bridge and, near its source, at a ford.

Churches, history and views

Vieux Cherier lies away from major roads and overlooks the entire Roanne plain. The Eglise Ste Marie du Vieux bourg de Cherier is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries and is listed as a historic monument.

For cultural planning, the points of interest differ: the church is notable for its Romanesque style, date of construction and listed status, while the Chapelle de la Salette is associated with pilgrimage, the initiative launched in 1877 and its dedication in 1883. The chapel stands on the 815 m-high Barbet hill. Its story began with an initiative by Abbé Thévenet in 1877, after a pilgrimage with his parishioners to La Salette in the Alps; it was dedicated on August 16, 1883.

A walking path to the chapel passes the Grotte du Poyet megalith. From the chapel, the view extends across the Roanne plain; according to the description, you can count 58 church towers, and Mont Blanc and the Alpine range are often visible too.

Farm visits and other places to visit

At Les Montagnes de Jaya in Cherier, guided farm tours are available by appointment. Activities include walks with goats, feeding the poultry, meeting donkeys and alpacas, and pony rides. The farm is home to almost 200 animals; the number may change over time. The program can also vary. Arrange your visit in advance and check before arriving whether tours are available at your preferred time.

The Aire de pique-nique des 4 tilleuls is shaded and equipped with tables, benches and parking spaces; these facilities may change. The 3 km “Le petit tour de la Salette” trail also starts there.

The Roches Ste Agathe paragliding launch site is in Vieux Bourg de Chérier. It is not a flight school; pilots must be licensed and insured to fly. Check site management and flying conditions before use.

Discover more destinations: Changy, Le Bessat, Malleval, Sury-Le-Comtal, Saint-Julien-D'oddes, Coutouvre, Saint-Michel-Sur-Rhône, Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté

For the broader travel overview: Loire.