Fontanès: Walking Trails, Views and Heritage

Discover Fontanès from different perspectives: on a two-kilometre woodland discovery trail, with views along the Circuit panoramique, and via the circular path in the château park. Other highlights include the church, with its 15th-century portal, and the Croix des Hommes Morts, a sandstone memorial cross dating from 1538. Walks, panoramic views and heritage offer different ways to shape a stay here.

Trails, views and cycling

The Fontanès woodland discovery trail is 2 km long. This specific distance gives you a useful reference when planning a walk during your stay. At Rivollier, there is a reception area for walkers with picnic tables, dry toilets and parking. The trail length and the facilities at Rivollier are two practical points to consider for a stay outdoors.

The Circuit panoramique offers a different focus. This circular route starts in the centre of Fontanès and provides views of the Pilat, the Monts du Lyonnais, the Forez and the Agglomération stéphanoise. To compare the walks, you can look at their specific features: the woodland discovery trail is 2 km long, while the Circuit panoramique is defined by its starting point in the town centre and its views. A public transport stop is less than 500 m from the circuit. Check the latest public transport information before travelling.

Mountain bike loop No. 5 around Fontanès is listed in the “entre Forez et Jarez” guide. If you are also considering mountain biking when planning your trip, this gives you an additional, clearly identified cycling option.

Church and heritage

Fontanès church stands at the highest point of the village and is separated from the Château by a wall. Its 15th-century portal has a pointed arch made of coal sandstone from Saint-Étienne. Those interested in architecture can consider several specific features together: the church’s position in the village, its separation from the Château, and the shape and material of the portal.

In the château park, the “Entre le Ciel et l'Eau” circular route leads to a dovecote, a henhouse and the church, while also showcasing the park’s different tree species. The walk thus combines specific buildings with the diversity of the park’s trees. If you would like to explore architecture and the natural setting of the park together, this route offers a specific theme.

Above the hamlet of Laurisse stands the Croix des Hommes Morts, a sandstone memorial cross dating from 1538. Together with the church portal, it offers distinct points of cultural and historical interest: a memorial cross above a hamlet and a portal at the village church.

Fontanès as a destination for your hotel search

The trails and sights offer different focuses, so you can choose a hotel to suit your planned stay. Before setting out on the Circuit panoramique, check the latest trail conditions.

Discover more destinations: Savigneux, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Courreau, La Valla-sur-Rochefort, Saint-Michel-Sur-Rhône, Verrières-En-Forez, La Tuilière, Roisey, Saint-Romain-La-Motte

For the regional travel overview: Loire.