A pointed barrel vault in the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Templar connection of the PR315 loop trail offer two different ways to explore Saint-Jean-Lachalm. Other highlights include a fortified house from the 15th century, views over the Allier Valley and the Marais de Conil wetland. The area offers everything from architectural history to hiking and climbing, as well as landscapes and ecological design.
Romanesque church and fortified house
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a Romanesque church with a pointed barrel vault, a square apse and two oculi in the gable wall. Its construction history also spans different periods: the side chapels were added one after another in the 15th century. The church has been classified as a historic monument since 19 March 1908. Visitors interested in architecture will find several specific construction features here, which can be considered together with the building’s development.
The Château de Séjallières adds another type of building to the picture: it is a fortified house from the 15th century and is considered characteristic of the late-medieval fortified houses of the Velay. Its history is linked to the lords d’Agrain. Several castles stood in strategic locations on the slopes of the plateau overlooking the Allier. A decree dated 13 February 1995 listed the château as a historic monument. The church and château therefore offer different points of interest: a Romanesque church with chapels added later, and a fortified house representative of late-medieval Velay architecture.
Loop trails and Via Ferrata
There are four Petite Randonnée loop trails within the municipality of Saint-Jean-Lachalm. The PR315 Les villages templiers is a circular hiking trail in Saint-Jean-Lachalm. It follows traces of the Templars; the commandery’s influence extended across the plateau. The route is 11.2 km long and rated moderate. It is listed as taking 3 hours 15 minutes, with 252 m of descent, 255 m of ascent and a maximum elevation of 1,272 m. These details help you assess the hike by more than just its length, taking into account its duration and elevation profile too.
Another activity is the Via Ferrata des Rochers de la Miramande above the Allier Valley. It combines hiking and climbing and has three routes. Anyone using the via ferrata must wear a helmet. Saint-Jean-Lachalm therefore offers different ways to get out and about: loop hikes and an activity that combines hiking and climbing.
Views and the Marais de Conil
Mont Recours is a viewpoint overlooking the Allier Valley. A landscape interpretation panel in Saint-Jean-Lachalm offers a view of the Allier gorges. Bocage hedgerows and dry-stone walls also shape the municipality’s open landscapes. The Marais de Conil is also located in Saint-Jean-Lachalm.
Four depressions were created during completed works at the Marais de Conil. They are no more than 60 cm deep, with average surface areas of 1,500, 1,300, 1,200 and 800 m². Together they cover about half a hectare, around 20% of the area. The banks were designed with gentle slopes to support the development of vegetation and small animals such as amphibians, dragonflies and aquatic insects. The measures are also intended to increase the nesting and feeding potential for certain waterbirds.
A local purchase
GAEC des Petits Jean sells hard cheeses direct from the farm in Saint-Jean-Lachalm, Monday to Saturday. Call ahead to let them know you are coming. This gives you the option of including a specific local purchase in your plans without confusing it with the town’s hiking or cultural experiences.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Pal-de-Senouire, Sainte-Florine, Freycenet-La-Cuche, Chavaniac-Lafayette, Beaux, Brioude, Grazac, Chilhac.
For the wider travel overview: Haute-Loire.
