Picturesque Discoveries in Iguerande, Saône-et-Loire

1 - Before starting, take a few minutes to walk around the church and see the exposed stone choir, the only remains of the old church. 2 - When leaving, take the road to the right and look to the left at a house dated 1750 and a little further on, admire the beautiful view of the Loire Valley, on a clear day you can see several bell towers (Baugy, Vindecy and the tower hexagonal from that of Anzy le Duc…). 3 - From the village (road to the right of the church), go down towards the canal, cross the bridge and turn left along the canal: this canal was built around 1830 and opened to navigation in 1838; it goes from Digoin to Roanne. It was the only means of transport for the industries of Roanne. It has 14 locks with a drop of 36.80 m. 4 - Continue along the canal, halfway on the right, in a meadow, three wells collect the water to supply the water tower. 5 - Then cross the bridge and at 30 m, take the road to the right. 6 - Follow this road, then at the second crossroads, about 2 km away, turn left, continue until the cross; turn left then at 50 m take the dirt track slightly to the right; pass next to the water tower (built between 1968 and 1969) it supplies the Dungeon region with water with a production of 5,000 m3 in 24 hours, 54 meters high, it has a capacity of 1,000 m3. Its construction required 10 tonnes of scrap metal and 550 m3 of concrete. Its tank, located 50 meters high, is accessible by a staircase of 300 steps. At the end of the path, turn left, at the next junction about 600 m turn left; 200 m turn right, cross the courtyard of the farm “Les Potains”, continue then turn right, cross the D 265, at 250 m (beautiful view on the left on the village); continue straight on then turn right, at the next junction, turn left and at the farm “Les Gelins”, turn left, at the next crossroads turn right, at the end of the place called “Les Bosseilles” take the D210 for 150 m, leave it and turn left, continue then turn right, reach the canal, cross the bridge, turn left and walk along the canal to the first bridge crossed at the start, pass it and climb in the village. • Two variants also exist to shorten the circuit.

A new long-distance hiking route, this one is dedicated to Saint Martin. Labelled a European Cultural Itinerary, just like Santiago de Compostela, the Via Sancti Martini was inaugurated in 2016, to mark the 1700th anniversary of Saint Martin's birth. The 2500km route links Szombathély, Martin's birthplace in Hungary, to Tours, the French city where his tomb is located. A historic route, it passes through the key places in the life of Saint-Martin de Tours (316-397), a Roman legionnaire who became a religious figure and symbol of sharing. The Via Sancti Martini crosses Europe from east to west, or vice versa, over a distance of 2,500km. To reach France, from Hungary it passes through Slovenia and Italy. Crossing the Alps, it reaches Lyon. Then, heading for Tours via Montluçon, it crosses the Massif des Monts de la Madeleine, linking Roanne to Vichy. Walkers will discover a wide variety of landscapes: the Slovenian, Italian and French Alps, the Venetian lagoon, the Aosta Valley and the towns of Palvie, Ljubljana, Lyon, Candes-St-Martin... It takes about three and a half months to walk the entire route, but it is possible to do just a portion. It's not necessarily intended to be a pilgrimage route, but rather a place of responsibility and sharing. For Via Sancti Martini France, the promoter of the project, the aim of the trail is to promote sustainable and responsible ecotourism, and to be a place for exchange and sharing between passers-by and locals.

Portion of the Via Sancti Martini route between Les Biefs and Nizerolles This lovely wooded stretch takes you from the beautiful Chapelle des Biefs, past the Cluniac church at Châtel-Montagne, to the charming village of Nizerolles, home to a number of local producers.

Starting from the hamlet of Les Biefs, straddling the Allier and Loire departments, you'll discover part of the Barbenan valley. This tour takes you through the picturesque Barbenan valley in the Montagne Bourbonnaise. Upstream from Arfeuilles, the stream cascades through the gorges below the Moulin du Mas, then on to the Pisserotte waterfall.

Through a landscape of deep valleys, this route follows the region's ancient traffic routes. The Gribory mill, located at the foot of the village of Châtelus, is the last remaining mill in the commune. Today, the mill produces, among other things, walnut oil and organic flour.

This route, on the first heights of the Montagne Bourbonnaise, offers a panoramic view of the plains to the north and the mountains to the south. Châtelus was once a fortified village. Not much remains of the imposing fortress that once stood here. What remains, however, is the feudal mound and, at its base, the impressive Maison des Dîmes.

Uni'Vert Trail n°7 (French Athletics Federation) 6.6 km, starting from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs. This wild trail, suitable for beginners, starts from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs, the highest village in the Allier department, and takes you through the heather fields of the Plateau de la Verrerie. Enjoy exceptional views over the Roannais region as you pass by the Roc du Vacher orientation table.

Trail n°11 Uni'Vert Trail certified by the French Athletics Federation, 12.10km, starting from Saint Nicolas des Biefs. This forest trail of moderate difficulty starts from the plateau de la Verrerie, on the heights of Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs, the highest village in the Allier department. When you return from your run, don't miss a short detour to the top of the plateau to admire its atypical landscapes of heather fields.

Trail no. 17, labelled Uni'Vert Trail by the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme, 17.3 km, starting from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs. This wild trail from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs, the highest village in the Allier department, takes you through the heather fields of the Plateau de la Verrerie. Enjoy the exceptional view over the Roannais region as you pass by the Roc du Vacher orientation table.

Trail no. 26 (Uni'Vert Trail label from the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme), 26,2 km from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs. On this wild trail for experienced runners, explore the heights of the Montagne Bourbonnaise. Your run takes you through the Assise state forest, the mysterious Pierres du Jour near the Loge des Gardes, and down into the superb, atypical landscape of the Plateau de la Verrerie.

The Joseph Déchelette Museum enables you to discover daily life in Roanne in Gallo-Roman times. Discover also the collection of ancient ceramics which is one of the finest provincial collections. From the Flemish and Italian Primitives to the Fauvist period, the religious and historical paintings cover five centuries of French and European art history.

In completely renovated rooms, come and discover a traditional homemade cooking based on local fresh products. Our speciality : frogs’ legs

Five minutes from Roanne, in a rustic setting, discover our reception room with its 700 bygone objects and its fairground organ. 16 comfortable rooms. Two stars. Rooms available for one person up to family rooms, located garden-side. Traditional homemade cuisine. Whether on a business trip or on holiday, for a relaxing moment, or for an event, the Dahu welcomes you 7 days a week. Situated 5 minutes from Roanne. Rooms are available from 11 am.

5 minutes from Roanne, in a rural setting, discover the reception room with its 700 bygone objects and its fairground organ. Shady terrace. Home-cooked traditional food. Three receptions rooms for your family celebrations, or work seminaries.

La Marguetière is a quiet, restful spot surrounded by trees in a green setting on the heights of Andelaroche. The 5-hectare estate offers a range of activities, accommodation and restaurants.

Nestled at the heart of grenn nature, the site is outside of time to relax and enjoy nature peacefully : fishing pond, forets, hammock, natural pool, beautiful hikings.

Large group gîte for 15 to 20 people. Access to the natural swimming pool. Option to eat at Chez Sam restaurant (200m away).

Home with an enjoyable enclosed garden with view on rolling countryside. Welcoming horseriders possible.

The church is dedicated to Saint-Honorat of Arles or Lérins (died in 430). Coming from the Gallo-Roman aristocracy, he decided, as a young man, to convert to Christianity. He undertook a journey of several years in the East before returning to Gaul and founding a monastery, around 410, on the island of Lérins, off Cannes. Very quickly, the fame of Saint-Honorat led to the influence of the community. In 427, he was elected bishop of Arles where he tried to fish for as many people as possible. During the Ancien Régime, Avrilly was part of the diocese of Autun and depended on the priory of Anzy-le-Duc. The church has preserved, from the Romanesque period, its semi-circular apse as well as the transept crossing. These two parts are built with limestone rubble, whose yellow color reminds the churches of the Brionnais. In 1885, the departmental architect Moreau built the entire nave as well as a high bell, placed in the façade. Inside, the nave is barrel vaulted, supported by double arches and pilasters made of red brick. The crossing is delimited by 4 large arches in the center plain that support a dome on trumpets. The choir is decorated by an arcature formed by columns with sculpted capitals.

Old peasant interior, old looms, reconstruction of workshop, regional and archaeological library. Temporary exhibition. Guided tour of the medieval village of Crozet and of its Museum all the year round.

Guided tour (for groups) of the village of Le Crozet and of its museum throughout the year by appointment A village which will charm you with its incomparable architecture witnessing to a prestigious past. The great gate (listed Historical Monument) The Maison de Bois (Wooden House): 13th century The Halle de la Cordonnerie (Covered Market) The Maison Dauphin: Beginning of 16th century The old church: Beautiful restored remains The Maison du Cadran Solaire (Sundial House): An ancient house with its sharp roof The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions: 15th century house with a corner turret The Maison Papon: 15th century listed Historical Monument The Dungeon: 12th century

Alice Taverne ( 1904-1969 ) created a museum testifying of the life of our campaigns(countrysides). Enter the grocer's shop of the village, travel(browse) the peasant house, the classroom or the cave of the bonesetter and share the everyday life of our ancestors...

Located at the foot of the Monts de la Madeleine mountains, the village of Ambierle is surrounded by the vineyards of the Côte Roannaise. The history of Ambierle is tied up with that of its Abbey and of its Priory founded in the 10th century. A place for gourmets with its Maison de Pays: The Maison de Pays is a Tourist Information Point which sells local produce and local crafts. It organises for groups and by booking, themed walks, village tours with or without wine tasting, and a tour of the Book Village.

In the heart of the old town, a step away from the pedestrian streets, Les Remparts welcomes you to a pleasant setting and offers home cooking. Beautiful shaded garden terrace.

In completely renovated rooms, come and discover a traditional homemade cooking based on local fresh products. Our speciality : frogs’ legs

5 minutes from Roanne, in a rural setting, discover the reception room with its 700 bygone objects and its fairground organ. Shady terrace. Home-cooked traditional food. Three receptions rooms for your family celebrations, or work seminaries.

Real meeting place between consumers and local producers, the restaurant proposes beef meat specialities from the "sensiculture". On site, pond, hiking and accomodation.

Situated near Lapalisse town center, on the Road N7. Frindeliness and love of good food garanteed ! Tarditional and refined cooking in a vintage atmosphere.

Situated near the acstle, this bar restaurant snack proposes takeaway salads, hamburgers, platefuls, pizzas, meat, local products.

Elegant building of the 19th century near the castle. Local cuisine.

In front of the castle, have a break and feast with our local products. Reservation advised. Theme evenings (see social networks).

In a vintage room, enjoy this bar at the foot of the castle. It proposes snacking.

Traditional cooking with local products.

Five minutes from Roanne, in a rustic setting, discover our reception room with its 700 bygone objects and its fairground organ. 16 comfortable rooms. Two stars. Rooms available for one person up to family rooms, located garden-side. Traditional homemade cuisine. Whether on a business trip or on holiday, for a relaxing moment, or for an event, the Dahu welcomes you 7 days a week. Situated 5 minutes from Roanne. Rooms are available from 11 am.

La Marguetière is a quiet, restful spot surrounded by trees in a green setting on the heights of Andelaroche. The 5-hectare estate offers a range of activities, accommodation and restaurants.

Nestled at the heart of grenn nature, the site is outside of time to relax and enjoy nature peacefully : fishing pond, forets, hammock, natural pool, beautiful hikings.

Large group gîte for 15 to 20 people. Access to the natural swimming pool. Option to eat at Chez Sam restaurant (200m away).

Bucolic cottage for calm and nature lovers. They will enjoy the courtyard and the fiching and relaxing pond. Cottage situated in the countryside, but near shops, le Pal, Vichy and Puy-de-Dôme.

If you like nature, walking and swimming, come to Entremains !

Renovated old farm on Droiturier heights, with a wonderful view on Montagne Bourbonnaise.

Renovated old farm on Droiturier heights, with a wonderful view on Montagne Bourbonnaise.

Sleep in a treehouse, perched high up in the blue Cedars of the Park of the blue cedars. Bucolic and welcoming setting, swimming, tennis. 4 all-comfort treehouses, accessible to all.