Vendranges: hiking, history and finding hotels

Vendranges is a destination to consider if you would like to combine hiking with local history. Two routes are each listed as taking three hours, but differ in length, difficulty and scenery. This focus is complemented by the Church of Saint-Genest, the Foire de la Saint Barnabé and practical landmarks in the village. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether a hike, the village’s history or a specific date will be the deciding factor.

Hiking: comparing two routes

The Circuit de La Croix Bouquin is a signposted circular hiking trail in Vendranges, rated as moderate; the hike takes three hours. The route offers encounters with fauna, flora and small-scale heritage.

The Circuit de la Pierre des 4 Curés is an 11-kilometre hiking trail with a listed duration of three hours and is suitable for beginners. It passes through forests, green meadows and along waterways.

The shared time estimate makes the time commitment comparable, but not the distance or difficulty: the Pierre des 4 Curés is 11 kilometres long and suitable for beginners; the Circuit de La Croix Bouquin is a moderate, signposted circular trail. When choosing, therefore, consider the scenery and difficulty of each route as well as its duration. Route details may change; check them before setting out.

The Church of Saint-Genest and local history

The Church of Saint-Genest was rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century. A tower built onto its façade is a characteristic feature of Vendranges. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary contains the altar and altarpiece of the Virgin Mary. Both date from the first half of the 17th century; they were listed as protected objects on 21 February 1997.

The parish’s history also stretches far back: Saint Genest has been venerated in Vendranges for a long time, and his name has been associated with the parish since the 12th century. Vendranges was fortified in the Middle Ages. The Pierre des 4 Curés is a boundary marker for the four parishes of Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Vendranges, Neulise and Saint-Jodard.

In the 17th century, pilgrims came to Vendranges from all the provinces to seek healing from Saint Genest for gout and sciatica. They went to a spring dedicated to the saint, which was considered miraculous. This pilgrimage tradition is part of the village’s history; it does not describe a current healing service.

Foire de la Saint Barnabé and market

The Foire de la Saint Barnabé has existed since the 15th century and is also known as the foire aux pillots. It is held every year on 11 June; fairground traders set up stalls in the village streets. As future dates or the event format may change, check these details before your trip.

In 2026, the market is scheduled to run from January to December on Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. Check the times before you arrive if you are planning to visit the market.

Getting around the village

The former RN82, known as the Route bleue, passes through Vendranges. At the village entrance, there is parking for 20 vehicles on Place Claude Nougaro; capacity may change. There is also a stopping place at the top of Vendranges’ historic ascent. These provide practical landmarks to help you find your way around the village.

Since 2024, Vendranges has been an FFVE Village d’accueil de véhicules d’époque. Together with the hiking routes, the church and local traditions, this makes for a destination to explore through both its landscape and its history.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Nizier-Sous-Charlieu, Fontanès, Belmont-De-La-Loire, Bessey, Malleval, Régny, La Valla-En-Gier, Le Chambon-Feugerolles.

For the wider travel overview: Loire.