Medeyrolles combines a circular hike with a specified distance, historical landmarks and a distinctive woodland theme. The “La haute vallée de l'Arzon” route starts and ends in the village; the chapel stands on a former Roman road between Ambert and Craponne-sur-Arzon. When planning, you can weigh up a hike with a specific stated duration, scenic viewpoints and cultural and historical themes.

Hiking and viewpoints

The easy “La haute vallée de l'Arzon” circular hike is 8.9 kilometres long and is listed as taking 2 hours and 30 minutes. The start and finish are in Medeyrolles. Together, the distance, difficulty level and stated duration provide a specific framework for planning your day and help you weigh up the hike alongside other plans.

The route has a viewpoint over the Forez massif and the town of Ambert, as well as another overlooking the Dore Valley. The two views offer different scenic highlights: from one viewpoint, the massif and town are both in view; from the other, the valley takes centre stage. These perspectives, as well as the distance and duration, may therefore also play a part in choosing a hike.

Another option is the “Medeyrolles–Col des Supeyres” route, marked with the FFC “Grande traversée” designation. While the circular route is described in terms of distance, duration and difficulty level, this designation offers a different, specific point of reference. Trail markers may require regular maintenance; check the signs before setting out.

The chapel and former Roman road

The chapel in Medeyrolles has an apse vault painted with a starry sky. An apse is the usually rounded end of a church interior. The star motif is therefore a specific architectural feature of the chapel and adds a cultural and historical element to the hiking and landscape themes.

The chapel’s location also tells a story: it stands on the former Roman road between Ambert and Craponne-sur-Arzon. The two places mentioned give a concrete sense of the route of this former link. The chapel’s distinctive features therefore include both an architectural detail and its historical location.

Bois de la Marhue: forest and ruins

The Bois de la Marhue forest consists mainly of beech and fir trees. A hiking trail crosses the woodland massif and passes medieval ruins; one of the ruins dates from the 13th century. Here, the forest and its architectural history take centre stage, while the Arzon loop, with its named viewpoints, offers a different focus.

If you include these trails in your plans, check the conditions on site. This lets you factor in the woodland massif’s scenic and historical features without assuming any particular trail conditions.

Regional cuisine

The Auberge de Medeyrolles serves homemade dishes made with regional and seasonal produce. This adds a culinary aspect to the hiking and historical themes. As service information can change, check the current offering before your visit.

Medeyrolles can therefore be approached from a range of interests: an easy loop with a stated duration, an FFC-marked route, viewpoints, the chapel and the woodland massif offer different starting points for planning a trip. You can choose the focus that best suits your stay.

Discover more destinations: Maringues, Briffons, Joze, Miremont, Ennezat, Mareugheol, Châtel-Guyon, Egliseneuve-D'entraigues

For the wider travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.