Noailly: The Way of St. James, forest trails and the chapel

Noailly lies on the Way of St. James, and the Teyssonne flows through the village. Trails for exploring the Lespinasse Forest, historic landmarks such as Parc de la Charmille and the chapel, and Ferme la Triplette Charoline offer different ways to shape your stay.

Hiking on the Way of St. James and in the Lespinasse Forest

An extensive network of hiking trails and paths in Noailly makes it possible to explore the Lespinasse Forest. There are several marked circular routes in the forest for walking and cycling. La Goutte Pillot is one option with a specified distance: this marked circular route is 14 kilometres long and starts at Place de l’Église in Noailly. Along the way, it crosses the Teyssonne and follows the Way of St. James between Cluny and Le Puy.

The routes differ in their format: La Goutte Pillot offers a loop of a stated length with a set starting point; several marked circular routes are available in the forest, including routes for cycling. You can therefore plan around a single route profile or several forest loops. Route details may change; check the information before setting out. Downloadable route files are available for La Goutte Pillot.

Parc de la Charmille and the chapel

Parc de la Charmille links local history with a specific place. In 1983, Noailly town hall acquired the park, including its chapel and castle ruins, from the De La Marlière family. The chapel in Noailly is a restored Gothic chapel dating from 1878. It features a tympanum depicting the Resurrection of Christ and a statue of the Archangel St. Michael. The furnishings also include a stained-glass window and eleven stained-glass windows by master glassmaker M. Champigneule.

The two dates refer to different aspects: 1878 dates the chapel, while 1983 marks the town hall’s acquisition of the park. This distinction in time links the chapel’s architecture with a later chapter in local history, without conflating the construction date with the municipal acquisition.

Visit to Ferme la Triplette Charoline

Ferme la Triplette Charoline offers tours of its Charolais cattle farm and stables, with opportunities to interact with the animals. It also offers age-appropriate educational workshops and activities where visitors can care for and pet small animals. Tours must be booked; workshops and activities must also be reserved. If you want to include a farm visit in your trip, factor in this reservation when planning ahead. The practical difference from the hiking options is that a reservation is required for the farm visit, while hiking plans are based on the route, its markings and route details, which should be checked before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Roisey, Violay, Amions, Verrières-En-Forez, Andrézieux-Bouthéon, St. Alban Les Eaux, Cellieu, Cordelle

Return to the main travel overview: Loire.