Discover Montverdun

Montverdun brings together the Prieuré de Montverdun and several trails that vary in length and format. If you’re looking for a hotel in Montverdun, your travel plans can help guide your choice: would you like to explore the historic complex, take a short circular walk, or hike a longer stage between two places? The highlights range from the priory and its architecture to hiking and cycling trails. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether cultural history, hiking or cycling.

The priory, its history and architecture, and the views

The Prieuré de Montverdun is a Casadean priory of the Congregation of La Chaise-Dieu and is protected as a historic monument. The complex includes a church dating from the 12th and 15th centuries, the prior’s residence, a 15th-century gallery, a vaulted cellar dating from the 13th century, and a chapter house. “Casadean” refers to its affiliation with the Congregation of La Chaise-Dieu; the historic monument designation indicates its protected status.

The priory stands on a basalt summit in the heart of the Forez Plain. From the summit, there are 360-degree views of the Monts du Forez and the Monts du Lyonnais. Both the architectural history of the complex and the panoramic views from its location are among Montverdun’s distinctive features.

Guided tours of the Prieuré are available in 2026 if you book at least 48 hours in advance. Check visitor information before your trip.

Hiking: circular trails and a stage

The Chemins de l’Astrée are circular routes for hiking and mountain biking that pass by the Prieuré. They share a circular format and offer two ways to get around: on foot or by mountain bike.

The Chemin de Cléontine is a very easy, 3-kilometre circular walking route that starts from the Pic de Montverdun and takes about an hour. The GR®765 Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle stage runs from Montverdun to Montbrison and is 17.5 kilometres long. It is part of the Cluny–Le Puy-en-Velay Way of St James. The two routes differ not only in distance but also in format: Cléontine is a short loop of about an hour, while the GR®765 is a longer stage ending in Montbrison.

The GR®765 stage can be walked every day, year-round. Check conditions and possible diversions before setting out.

Historic routes and cycling

The GR®89 Chemin de Montaigne retraces part of the journey made by the humanist Michel Eyquem de Montaigne in 1581 between Rome and Bordeaux. The routes have different historical associations: the GR®765 is part of the Cluny–Le Puy-en-Velay Way of St James, while the GR®89 retraces Montaigne’s journey.

For cycling, the F3 Les Perles du Forez circular route is another option. It is intended to be open year-round, provided snow and weather conditions are favourable. Take this caveat into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Feurs, Saint-Jean-La-Vêtre, Cordelle, Bellegarde-en-Forez, Andrézieux-Bouthéon, La Valla-sur-Rochefort, Montbrison, Saint-Just-En-Chevalet.

For the broader travel overview: Loire.