Marcoux between culture and the Forez landscape

Marcoux lies on the slopes of the Forez, linking the plain with the Forez Mountains. At the Vaux Dam, the town borders the Lignon, a major river in the Pays d’Astrée. The landscape, architectural history and walking trails give this destination a range of different highlights. If you are considering a hotel stay in Marcoux, you can decide whether you would like to spend most of your time visiting cultural sites, going for a walk or enjoying the landscape.

Discover the château and landscape

Château de Goutelas is a medieval fortified residence that was converted into a Renaissance residence in the 16th century. It has been awarded the “Centre culturel de rencontre” label by the French Ministry of Culture. Its medieval origins, later conversion and cultural distinction describe different aspects of the château. The grounds are freely accessible; check the current access conditions before your visit.

The Chemin de Bélizar starts at Château de Goutelas. This five-kilometre panoramic walking trail crosses the Montaubourg volcano and runs between vineyards and forests. The stated route length and named landscapes can help you fit this walk into your travel plans. The trail links a starting point with historical associations to a route through the Forez landscape.

The Church of Saint-Christophe and earlier remains

The parish church of Saint-Christophe was rebuilt between 1880 and 1882 by the architect J. Eclache. It has an elongated floor plan with side aisles and rib vaults. At the same time, it preserves parts of an earlier building from the 11th century: wall remains in the narthex serve as the foundation of the present bell tower. The narthex is the entrance area; side aisles flank the elongated church interior, and rib vaults define its ceiling. The building therefore shows both the 19th-century reconstruction and earlier structural elements.

The oldest crosses in Marcoux also offer a distinctive point of reference for the town’s history. They are made entirely of stone and date from several centuries. Together with the church and Château de Goutelas, they provide different points of interest if you are interested in the town’s architectural forms and historical heritage.

Walking trails and horse-riding activities

A trail near Montaubourg leads, among other places, to the Centre Equestre Régional du Forez. The centre offers small-group rides by prior arrangement. Private riding lessons are available, particularly on the Chemin de Bélizar. The two activities differ in format; rides require an advance arrangement. Confirm the schedule before adding this activity to your plans.

The Chemin de Bélizar, with its specified length, offers a concrete walking option, while activities at the riding centre require an arrangement in advance. When planning, you can therefore decide whether to fit a walk into your own day or organise a horse-riding activity ahead of time. The information about the trail and the riding centre describes different ways to experience Marcoux and its surroundings.

Local products at Domaine des Terrasses

For 2026 and 2027, Domaine des Terrasses is planning a visitor experience that concludes with a tasting showcasing the diversity of the local terroirs, accompanied by a platter of local products. This adds a culinary highlight to Marcoux’s cultural and landscape offerings. If you would like to include this visit in your trip, take the stated period into account when planning.

Discover other destinations: Palogneux, Verrières-En-Forez, St. Alban Les Eaux, Régny, Jas, Saint-Haon-Le-Châtel, Saint-Georges-de-Baroille, Saint-Laurent-Rochefort.

For the broader travel overview: Loire.