Discover Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay

Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay lies on the western slope of the Monts du Beaujolais, on a plateau between Lyon and the plains of the Roannais. The Rhins and Gand rivers flow through the village. Its landscape, local history and leisure activities offer different ways to shape your stay. If you are looking for hotels in Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay, first consider whether you are most interested in historic buildings, outdoor activities or the local cultural program.

Landscape and outdoor activities

The Site de la Roche includes a pond, a climbing area and a restaurant; there are also walking trails and opportunities for horseback riding. The Base de Loisirs de la Roche sur Gand offers a paid swimming pool, walking trails, a fitness trail, children’s play areas and pétanque courts. As individual facilities and fees may change, check the details before your visit.

The Aire de Pique-Nique de la Roche is at the foot of the viaduct, on the shore of the Étang de la Roche. The Viaduc de l’Ecoron is open to hikers and offers a viewpoint overlooking the villages of Neaux and Lay. Les Ponts de Pierres provides another landmark: this 12-kilometer hiking route starts in Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay and passes through the countryside between the Loire and Rhône.

History as a coaching inn and preserved buildings

The Relais de la Tête Noire was established in 1464 on the road from Paris to Lyon. The church retains its bell tower, built in the 12th century, the nave of the priory church and the adjoining cloister. These architectural features illustrate different aspects of church architecture: the bell tower dates from the 12th century, while the nave and cloister are other surviving parts of the complex.

A particular work of art is also part of the town’s history. The painting “The Martyrdom of Saint Symphorian” was listed as a historic object on June 28, 1972. Merovingian sculptures and fragments of sarcophagi discovered in Ronfin indicate that Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay has been inhabited since antiquity.

Another distinctive local story concerns the record for the largest omelet: Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay set it with 42,470 eggs. The record has since been broken.

Cultural program, wellness and farm visits

The Kfé-Théâtre des Mansardes presents a comedy show every month from September to May. Its theater classes are for people aged five to 105; during school holidays, it also offers performances and workshops for children. The program therefore includes both regular performances during part of the year and special holiday activities.

Le Spa des Arômes offers a sauna, a hammam, balneotherapy, a herbal tea lounge and massages. As facilities and treatments may change, check the latest details before visiting.

A description published in 2024 mentions farm tours at GAEC des Délices Fermiers by prior reservation. The tours show the production process from the newborn calf to the processing workshop. The same description lists farm-produced meat, charcuterie and cheese for sale at the farm shop in Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay. Check booking arrangements and the current product selection before your trip.

Then compare the specific details and booking conditions of the individual hotels before making your decision.

Discover more destinations: Neulise, Rozier-Côtes-D'aurec, Saint-Jean-La-Vêtre, Planfoy, L'hôpital-Sous-Rochefort, Bussy-Albieux, Sauvain, Montverdun.

For the overview of the wider region: Loire.