Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf: Water, cycling routes and local history

Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf combines water sports, cycling tours and visible traces of local history. The Espace Eaux Vives, its location on the ViaRhôna, various routes and the towpath each offer something different. When planning your trip, you can consider whether water activities, a cycling tour or cultural history are especially important to your stay.

Water activities and conditions

At the foot of the dam, the Espace Eaux Vives du Pilat Rhodanien has a 700-metre artificial river. It is a permanent feature, although operating hours may vary seasonally. Quieter activities, such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, are also possible on the lake; their availability depends on the season. Check the latest operating information before your visit.

The Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf leisure centre offers orienteering, activities on both calm and white water, pétanque and volleyball. Swimming is prohibited. Bear this in mind when planning your time by the water: the centre offers a range of activities, but swimming is not permitted. The Espace Eaux Vives is also located on the ViaRhôna.

Cycling routes through vineyards and gorges

The “VAE Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf” route starts at the Espace Eaux Vives and runs for three kilometres through vineyards towards the hamlet of Chézenas. Its description also includes small roads along the Rhône balconies, orchards and vineyards of the Pilat. Malleval, a village classified as a village of character, is also part of the route. Check the route conditions before setting off.

For mountain bikers, the “VTT n°8 – Les Gorges de Malleval” route offers views of the Gorges de Malleval. Both the starting point and the finish are at the Maison de la Lône in Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf. The route can therefore be identified by two specific features: its views of the gorges and its start and finish in the village. Here, too, you should check the route conditions before setting off.

River and industrial history

The Tree of Liberty stands on the towpath. It was planted in 1848 to celebrate the Second Republic, following the abdication of Louis Philippe. Occasional mooring rings and a “doll” can also still be seen there, recalling the village’s river history. The towpath thus brings together two kinds of historical traces: a commemorative monument and surviving signs of the river’s former use.

Silk weaving is also part of the village’s history. In 1852, Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf had 300 silk looms working for the Fabrique Lyonnaise. In the 19th century, the weaving workshops used steam power. The coal they needed, from Saint-Étienne, was first brought to the village by water and later by rail. This sequence shows how supplies to the workshops changed over time.

Chapel and church

The Chapel of Chézenas was built in 1705 for the family of Baron Bellet de St Trivier. On 3 September 1807, it became the joint property of the residents of Chézenas. It is in the Romanesque style and houses a depiction of Saint Vincent and an 18th-century processional cross. The chapel was restored in 1988.

Construction work on the present-day church of Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf began on 2 February 1863. It was consecrated in July 1864, and work continued until 1883. The church is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul. The chapel and the church reflect different historical timelines: the chapel’s construction, transfer and restoration are recorded, while the church’s history includes the start and continuation of its construction work.

A break between the ViaRhôna and the village

The landscaped, shaded picnic area lies between the ViaRhôna and the village. It has numerous picnic tables and benches, a children’s play area and footbridges leading to the village. These facilities complement the cycling routes and water activities with a dedicated place to take a break. If you plan to stop here, you can check the information about the facilities again before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Haon-Le-Châtel, Villerest, Marcoux, Saint-Romain-La-Motte, Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Chevrières, Saint-Romain-D'urfé, Montverdun.

For the broader travel overview: Loire.