Montbrison: Heritage and City Walks

Montbrison combines remarkable buildings, archaeological heritage and walking routes with views over the Forez Plain. You can discover the town through its churches and museums, explore historic sites on themed walks, or combine your stay with a leg of a hiking route. The market and a bookable guided tour with tasting also offer practical ideas for planning your visit.

Heritage and Local History

The Collégiale Notre-Dame-d’Espérance was founded in Montbrison in 1223 by Guy IV, Count of Forez, on the right bank of the Vizézy. At 77 metres long, it is a landmark of the town. The town’s fortifications also tell the story of Montbrison: built over ten years, they comprised seven gates and 46 towers.

Since 17 September 2003, the Musée de la Diana has held the designation “Musée de France”. Its collections include Gallo-Roman remains from the theatre at Moingt. A distinctive architectural feature is the wooden vaulted ceiling of the Salle de la Diana, which comprises 1,728 heraldic panels.

The Musée d’Allard is housed in an elegant 19th-century mansion. Its collections cover nature, art, science and toys. The museum offers a changing programme throughout the year for all audiences; if you have a particular event in mind, check the latest information before your visit.

In Moingt, the themed route “Moingt, la gallo-romaine” leads to ancient Gallo-Roman baths and a nearby mixed-use theatre. The remains preserved in the ground extend over 15 hectares. Archaeologists identified Moingt as the ancient Aquae Segetae based on a Roman road marker and the Peutinger Map.

Walks and Scenery

The Colline du Calvaire rises above Montbrison as a 429-metre-high basalt hill, crowned by three crosses. From here, views stretch across the Forez Plain. From Montbrison, you can reach the hill via several winding roads. The themed walk “Montbrison, le tour de la ville” invites you to stroll from the banks of the Vizézy to the Calvaire, through the town centre and around the town.

Another way to discover the heritage is the “Passé, passants, passages” heritage trail. Historical information displays along the route draw attention to notable places in Montbrison. The two routes have different focuses: the walk leads through the town to the Calvaire, while the trail provides historical information about important sites.

For a stroll through a public garden, visit the Jardin d’Allard. The present-day garden was laid out and inaugurated in 1857 and is considered a much-loved traditional spot for walks.

If you are planning a challenging hike, one leg of the GR®765 and the Way of St James runs from Montbrison to Marols. The route is 22.5 kilometres long and is listed as a difficult one-way route; the stated walking time is 6 hours and 10 minutes. This makes it easy to distinguish the time required from that of a walk within the town when planning your trip.

Market and Local Produce

Montbrison’s market has been held since the Middle Ages. There, you can discover products from butchers, beekeepers and market gardeners, including cheese, Sarasson, terrines, sausages, honey, gingerbread, nougat and mead. The selection includes savoury products as well as sweets and honey-based products.

BIM – Brasserie offers guided tours with tastings for groups of eight or more by reservation. If you would like to include this offer in your plans, arrange a date in advance.

Getting There

Access via the A72 motorway is via exit 8 at Montrond-les-Bains. Check road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Noailly, Pralong, Merle-Leignec, La Tuilière, Palogneux, Bonson, Saint-Georges-de-Baroille, Verrières-En-Forez.

For the regional travel overview: Loire.