Discover Saint-Paul-en-Jarez

Saint-Paul-en-Jarez lies at the foot of the Pilat, above the Gier Valley. Trails, a weekly producers’ market and historic sites offer different ways to plan your trip. Depending on whether you are interested in the landscape, local producers or heritage, there are various themes to explore during your stay.

Market and landscape

At Parking des Pins, the weekly producers’ market brings together vendors selling vegetables, dairy products, cheese, meat products and baked goods. If you plan to visit the market, check the date and which vendors will be there before you set off: the market schedule and selection may change.

There are several trails to choose from for hiking. The Le sentier des Fabriques circular trail is 11.5 kilometres long and runs through the Dorlay Valley and over Crêt de Montieux. It starts and ends at Parking des Fabriques in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez. Along the way, the route passes Croix du Mazet and Ferme du Carré, then continues towards Montieux. Its length, route and starting point will help you fit this loop into your day’s plans.

Croix du Mazet is also a landmark on the signed “tour du Parc” hiking trail, which crosses the town. There is a vehicle stopping point at the Croix, with a clear line of sight between the valleys. The two trail descriptions therefore differ mainly in their stated routes: Le sentier des Fabriques is an 11.5-kilometre circular trail, while the “tour du Parc” crosses Croix du Mazet.

Historic sites and heritage

Saint-Paul-en-Jarez is a former fortified settlement on the slopes of the Jarez and has a rich heritage. Among its historic buildings is the Hôtel de Lafond-Poidebard, an 18th-century manor house with marble fireplaces and Louis XV panelling. Its courtyard contains a historic swing pump, which is listed as a historic monument.

Château de la Motte Rouge, also known as Château Grange Merlin, is listed as a historic monument as well. It is now privately owned. It was built by the Granjon-Maniquet/de la Motte-Rouge family. The fact that it is privately owned is important for your plans; it is not an invitation or guarantee of access. Industrial heritage can be seen in the surviving equipment at Usine Coffy, which includes a steam engine and a square-section chimney.

Discovery trails and visits

The “Sur les traces de notre passé” discovery trail has explanatory signs along its route. From the Saint-Chamond railway station area, it can be reached on STAS bus routes 81 or 44. A public transport stop and a bus stop are less than 500 metres from the trail. Bus routes and access may change; check the current connection before travelling.

La Ferme au son des cloches offers tailor-made activities for individuals, families, leisure centres, school groups and special-interest groups. Visits can cover dairy farming, smaller livestock and the family garden, as well as the water cycle, purification using reed beds or solar panels. Visits are available by prior reservation only. As reservation details may change, check them in advance if you are considering a visit.

Discover more destinations: Ouches, Jas, Violay, Dancé, Saint-Romain-le-Puy, Unieux, Palogneux, Chambles.

Back to the main travel guide: Loire.