Villemontais: Hiking Trails, Chapels and Expansive Views

The entire municipality of Villemontais lies on the slopes of the Monts de la Madeleine. From the village, expansive views stretch across the Roanne plain to the first slopes of the Monts de la Madeleine. For finding hotels in Villemontais, hiking trails, churches and chapels, as well as the market, offer practical starting points for planning your stay.

Hiking for Every Schedule and Ability

Villemontais is the starting point for numerous hiking trails. Three circular routes differ in length, difficulty, elevation gain and stated duration:

• Sur Les Traces de L'Empereur: a difficult 11.5-kilometre loop with 470 metres of elevation gain and a duration of four hours.
• La Goutte rouge: a moderate 8.5-kilometre loop with 370 metres of elevation gain and a duration of two hours and 30 minutes.
• Les Bouilleurs de Cru: a difficult 10-kilometre loop with 410 metres of elevation gain and a duration of three hours.

La Goutte rouge is the shortest of the three loops in distance, elevation gain and duration. Sur Les Traces de L'Empereur is at the upper end for all three measures, while Les Bouilleurs de Cru falls in between. This lets you weigh your available time alongside the stated difficulty: one loop is rated moderate and the other two difficult. As trail conditions can change, check the condition of your chosen route before setting off.

For Sur Les Traces de L'Empereur, signposted parking is available by the town hall or north of the village. Check the information locally before setting out. Villemontais is also on the Roanne-Thiers hiking route. The Chemin Napoléon is an old path connecting Villemontais with the centre of Moulins de Cherier.

Churches and Chapels

The Église Saint-Martin is considered a Martinian building and is a stop on the Chemin de Saint Martin. It stands on the site of a former Chapel of Saint Martin, documented as early as 984. The church was altered and extended several times between 1827 and 1882. It is open by appointment only; confirm access before your visit.

The Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built on Mont Aïgu in the 15th century, destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in 1857. From there, a 180-degree panorama extends across the Roanne plain to the Monts du Lyonnais. The chapel is accessible on foot, by bicycle and with a stroller; there is a picnic area nearby. Check access arrangements before your visit.

The Chapelle Saint-Roch stands near the cemetery and was probably built after the plague epidemic of 1630. Wayside crosses are also part of the local heritage: there are many in the municipality, most dating from the late 18th to the early 20th century.

Market and Local Events

The Marché Villemontois takes place on Wednesdays at Place St Vincent. As market hours can change, check the current schedule before visiting. The offerings include sheep’s and goat’s cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables, meat and charcuterie, honey and honey products, snails, organic flour, and takeaway food. Individual vendors may vary.

The Balade Gourmande en Côte Roannaise also reflects the local event history. It has been held repeatedly since 2013, and Villemontais is among the places that have hosted it. The host location varies with each edition.

Discover more destinations: Planfoy, Juré, Chevrières, Balbigny, La Ricamarie, Perreux, Saint-Haon-Le-Vieux, Commelle-Vernay

For the regional travel overview: Loire.