Malvières offers two distinct ways to enjoy a stay: hikes with specified distances and durations, and buildings whose details span from the Gothic period to the 16th century. The Arboretum de Charvols adds a stroll among different tree species. When planning your trip, the route details can provide a practical framework; the church, cross and château offer different points of interest from walking the trails.
Hiking: two routes with different profiles
The moderately difficult PR101 La croix du Bancillon is 10.4 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to walk. Part of the route runs alongside water and crosses a wooden bridge. The Croix du Bancillon is a sight in its own right, offering an art-historical point of interest: this Gothic granite cross was erected in 1541 and classified as a historic monument in 1910. Christ and the Virgin are depicted on opposite sides; the base contains a barred niche.
The moderately difficult PR103 Folgoux et l’arboretum is also 11.1 kilometres long, with 295 metres of ascent and 295 metres of descent. The estimated walking time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. By comparison, PR103 is 0.7 kilometres longer and takes about fifteen minutes more than PR101. The route offers views over the Dore Valley between the Monts du Forez and the Monts du Livradois before reaching the Château de Folgoux. This lets you compare the stated walking times and distances, while each route offers a different focus through its landscape features. Route details may be updated, so check the information for PR103 before setting out.
Arboretum de Charvols: trees and information
The Arboretum de Charvols offers a walk centred on the tree species themselves. It was established in spring 1993 across three hectares amid coniferous forests. Its 96 tree species are spread across four areas; small signs along the route provide anecdotal and scientific information. As you walk, you can take in both the diversity of species and the texts along the way. The arboretum invites you to stroll and discover different tree species—a different focus for walking and observation than the two designated hiking routes.
Church, cross and château
The Église Saint-Pierre, a Gothic church dating from the 14th century, is part of the area’s architectural history. Its nave has two bays, its apse is pentagonal, and its choir features trefoil tracery that recalls the mother abbey. Historically, the church was the chapel of a priory belonging to La Chaise-Dieu Abbey. Those interested in architecture can consider these specific features alongside the history of the priory: both are part of the Église Saint-Pierre.
The Château privé de Folgoux is a private 14th-century château listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The Château de Folgoux can only be viewed from the outside; check this visiting condition before your visit. A low round tower at its southeast corner houses the chapel. Together with the Gothic church and granite cross, Folgoux thus offers further points of interest for a stay that combines architectural history with hiking and the arboretum.
Discover more destinations:
Saint-Georges-D'aurac, Rauret, Lapte, Freycenet-La-Cuche, Saint-Arcons-De-Barges, Saint-Pierre-Eynac, Sembadel, Chavaniac-Lafayette
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