Merle-Leignec: Hiking, Lake and Heritage
Accommodation in Merle-Leignec
A trip to Merle-Leignec can be planned around three specific themes: hiking trails, the landscape on the southern edge of the Monts du Forez, and architectural history in Leignecq. When choosing trails, it helps to consider their length, starting point and route. At Lake Leignecq, there is also a circular trail and an area dedicated to fishing; the buildings offer a historical focus as well.
Hiking trails by length and route
The Chemin de la Poix is a 13-kilometre circular hiking trail in Merle-Leignec. It starts at the church square in the Bourg de Leignecq. The Circuit du Saut du Bezan is a 14-kilometre circular hiking trail for walkers and also starts in Merle-Leignec. There is only one kilometre between the two distances. The circuit leads to a remarkable natural site where the Andrable and Bezan rivers meet.
The GR de Pays Les Fours Ă Poix is 62 kilometres long and rated moderate; a section runs through Leignecq. The 62 kilometres refer to the entire route, not just its local section. There, the trail passes through fortifications and a gateway, then up a stone staircase to the church of Leignecq. After leaving the town centre, it leads close to the Chapelle Saint-Roch-et-Saint-Antoine. As the route conditions for the GR de Pays and access information for the Chemin de la Poix starting point may change, check both before setting out.
The GR3, the lake and the landscape
The Way of St James passes through Merle-Leignec along the GR3. The Circuit du plan d'eau also follows the GR3, but from the medieval centre of Leignecq to the municipal lake. At Lake Leignecq, 4.5 hectares are dedicated to fishing. A path runs around the lake, offering a different route from the circuit that leads from the town centre to the water.
Distinctive landscape features on the southern edge of the Monts du Forez include numerous pine forests, Lake Leignecq and the warm hues of the granite used in the built heritage. When planning a trip, these offer a variety of impressions: wooded landscapes, water and the colours of the local architectural heritage. The lake is both a destination on the Circuit du plan d'eau and a striking feature of the landscape.
Architectural history in Leignecq
The base of the Donjon de Leignecq dates back to the 11th century. The keep has sides measuring 8 metres and is 25 metres high; the former keep was converted into a bell tower in 1867. This building thus brings together an early foundation and a later change of use.
The parish church, “Église paroissiale de l'Immaculée Conception”, in Leignecq includes a construction phase dating from 1871. Inside, carved scrolls among water leaves form part of the decoration; they represent a list of benefactors. The Chapelle Saint-Roch-et-Saint-Antoine was built in 1889 and renovated from 1997 to 2003. These dates refer to different events: an early foundation and later change of use for the keep, a construction phase for the parish church, and the construction and renovation of the chapel.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Saint-RĂ©gis-Du-Coin, Cordelle, Saint-Polgues, La Fouillouse, PĂ©lussin, La Grand-Croix, Veranne, Chambles.
For the overview of the wider region: Loire.
