Trail Le Rouvey : from St Pierre-sur-Doux to Lalouvesc

A hike in the footsteps of Saint Régis: explore the stunning landscapes between Le Puy-en-Velay, Mézenc, Haut-Vivarais, Meygal and the Montfaucon region… via Lalouvesc and Saint-Pierre-sur-Doux. Follow the white-and-red GR markings.The St Régis Trail – GR 430: From Le Puy-en-Velay to Lalouvesc, is a 206 km loop that can be completed in 9 days. The route is accessible from March to November and follows in the footsteps of St Régis, who was known as the ‘Walker of God’. This pilgrimage offers the chance to discover varied and magnificent landscapes between the Haute-Loire and Ardèche regions. The track, which can be followed by mountain bike, allows you to explore numerous natural sites and cultural heritage attractions; plaques bearing the saint’s image are placed to highlight certain panoramic viewpoints or remarkable buildings. The FFRP’s Topoguide, on sale for €14.90 and available from the tourist information office, is an invaluable travel companion, featuring maps, historical information and useful addresses.

Lalouvesc joined the network of Sanctuary Cities in France on 1 January 2020. The application was submitted by the Sanctuary of Lalouvesc and the Val d'Ay tourist office.The Neo-Byzantine-style basilica at Lalouvesc is well worth a visit: the stained-glass windows recounting the life of Saint Jean-François Régis, the reliquary containing the saint’s relics, the reliquary of Saint Thérèse Couderc, the paintings in the chancel depicting the history of the pilgrimage, Our Lady of Peace, and Oudin’s Virgin and Child… . The architect was Pierre Bossan (Fourvière and Ars). Don’t miss the crypt at the ‘Montagne des Pardons’ (with its monuments and ex-votos), located on the site of the very first church dedicated to the saint. Behind the basilica, the Félix and Esther Oudin Centre houses a magnificent collection of modern sacred art (Maison Saint Régis). The Saint Régis Chapel and Museum offer an insight into the history of the ‘Walker of God’ and his era; the museum is interactive and very accessible, particularly for children, who are fascinated by Georges Serraz’s diorama. For lovers of nature and cultural heritage, there are numerous walking routes allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Saint Régis, from the miraculous fountain to the wayside crosses offering breathtaking panoramic views. Lalouvesc is sure to charm you with its rich history and diverse range of activities.

Saint Pierre sur Doux, petit village frontalier avec la Haute-Loire, vous offre un point de vue remarquable sur les Alpes, le Mézenc et le Mont Gerbier de Jonc.Il saura aussi vous charmer par ses paysages variés et son patrimoine. Notamment son église, qui une fois les portes poussées, laisse entrevoir son plafond à caissons peints, très rare dans un édifice religieux. Et si l’envie de faire quelques pas vous vient, laissez-vous guider jusqu’à la très belle ferme du Perrier entièrement rénovée.

La Vierge "Notre Dame des Sapins" fut érigée en mémoire aux hommes partis se battre durant la seconde guerre mondiale et qui revinrent sains et saufs au pays. U lieu qui appel à la paix devant u sublime panorama verdoyant.