Saint-Galmier: Church, Glass and Racecourse

Saint-Galmier combines late Gothic architecture, glasswork, landscapes and racing events. When planning a stay, it is worth first deciding what you would like to focus on: the church and its works of art offer an introduction to the town’s history, demonstrations show a craft in practice, while the Coise and the rose garden offer different perspectives on nature and the views. The hippodrome also adds a distinctive touch with its night races. This way, your visit can focus on what interests you most.

The church, art and a stroll through the lanes

Saint-Galmier Church was built between 1420 and 1471 in the Flamboyant style of late Gothic architecture. The bell tower offers sweeping views across the Forez. Access to the tower may vary, so check the access conditions before your visit.

The church is home to the Vierge du Pilier: this limestone sculpture dates from the early 16th century and is attributed to the sculptor Michel Colombe. If you would like to include the church in a walk around the town, the free Visitez Saint-Galmier leaflet guides you on a stroll through the lanes. It lists sights such as the Maison Renaissance, the Porte Saint-Etienne, the church and the Porte de la Devise. You can connect several historic points of interest on a self-guided walk.

Glasswork and insights into Badoit visits

At the Atelier du souffleur de verre, master glassmaker Pierre Marion welcomes visitors to demonstrations with commentary. He creates unique objects before their eyes. The demonstrations are seasonal, so plan your visit around the time of year you are travelling.

Badoit visits also offer different perspectives: a visit to the Badoit spring museum includes the original well and historic bottling equipment. The guided tour of the Badoit bottling plant, by contrast, explains the steps involved in preparing bottles for their first shipment. Dates for this plant tour vary, so check them in advance if you are planning to visit.

In 2026, Saint-Galmier will also offer a seasonal tour of a snail farm on specific dates. A tasting of products is planned at the end. This means the programme includes not only architecture and crafts, but also visits offering insights into production and tasting.

Night races at the hippodrome

Thanks to its illuminated track, the Saint-Galmier Hippodrome hosts night races throughout the year; dates vary. If a race is a key reason for your stay, take the relevant event date into account when planning.

The hippodrome is named after its founder, Joseph Desjoyaux. Desjoyaux founded the Société hippique de Saint-Galmier in 1899. This historical connection explains the name without implying that the society’s founding year was also the year the racecourse was built.

The Coise, the rose garden and the views

The Balade en bord de Coise is a walking trail by the Badoit kiosk in Saint-Galmier. It follows the Coise through wooded countryside and offers views of the town. For a different perspective, visit the rose garden: covering 7,000 m², it is set in peaceful, natural surroundings near the Barou forest and the river.

A small viewing tower in the rose garden offers panoramic views across the garden and towards the Forez mountains. The viewpoints are different, too: along the trail, the view is of Saint-Galmier; from the tower, it is across the garden and towards the mountain range. This can help you choose between a walk along the river and a stay in the garden with sweeping views.

Discover more destinations: Bessey, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Courreau, Saint-Georges-de-Baroille, Coutouvre, Chavanay, Saint-Priest-La-Vêtre, Sauvain, Pommiers.

For the broader travel overview: Loire.