Sauvain: Fourme, village history and landscapes

Sauvain brings together the history of Fourme de Montbrison, traces of a fortified village and landscapes to explore along a variety of routes. If you are planning a stay, you can choose from different points of interest: cheese-making, architectural history, or walks and places to enjoy nature.

Fourme and artisanal tradition

At the Entreprise Laitière de Sauvain, visitors can learn about the production of Fourme de Montbrison TARIT along a visitor route. The history of Fourme and the jasseries is part of the experience, as are the steps of salting, moulding and draining, which you can observe there. The “Tarit” brand represents artisanal cheese-making skills passed down since 1930. The topic therefore encompasses both a longstanding artisanal tradition and individual stages of the production process. Check visiting and booking arrangements before your trip.

Traces of the village’s history

Sauvain’s fortified village centre began to take shape from the 11th century around a castle that was dependent on the Couzan fortress. A fortified castle gate and part of the former rampart walk have survived to this day. These features make the village’s former fortifications tangible in its streetscape. Another historical landmark is the Gothic church of Sauvain, which dates from the 14th century. The history of the Musée de la Fourme et des Traditions is also linked to local residents: they founded the museum in 1968. Together, these dates offer different points of reference for the village’s history, from the development of its centre to later architectural and institutional histories.

Landscapes and natural sites

Above Sauvain lies the Terrain champêtre, a former basalt gravel pit landscaped by the municipality and its residents. It offers an exceptional view over the valley. The Réserve Naturelle Régionale des Jasseries de Colleigne is open to visitors free of charge all year round; advance registration is required for its free events. Check access information and event dates before visiting.

Walks with different points of interest

You can reach the Cascade de Chorsin on foot from the Parking de la Rivière: options include an 8 km out-and-back route or an 11.5 km circular walk. You can compare the two options by distance and route type. The waterfall is in an old glacial valley; its water comes from the peat bogs on the peaks. Check trail conditions and local access before setting out.

Another walking option is Les jasseries de Renat. This easy walk crosses the Hautes Chaumes and takes in jasseries, peat bogs and viewpoints along the way. Trail conditions depend on the weather. The Sentier botanique forestier « le Vallon secret de Subertha » offers a different focus: information panels introduce the trees of the Forez, while the route passes historical remains. These include mills, cultivation terraces, dry-stone walls, paved paths, a medieval bridge and the Pierre Brune stream. Here, information about plant life and traces of the historic landscape come together.

More places to enjoy nature and leisure

The Source ferrugineuse de la Fontfort is a highly ferruginous, carbonated spring. Its water emerges in a small, intensely orange pool on the riverbank. At Etang de pêche - Les Champas, fishing takes centre stage: the water is a mixed salmonid fishery, and fishing with artificial lures is permitted. Fishing rules may vary by season, so check the regulations in force during your trip. Sauvain thus offers a range of specific points of interest to help you plan your stay, from cheese-making traditions and historic buildings to walking trails, water and nature.

Discover more destinations: Villerest, Noirétable, Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf, Champdieu, La Tuilière, Saint-Didier-Sur-Rochefort, Savigneux, Pralong.

For the wider travel overview: Loire.