At the Plan d’eau des Prades, nature and water activities take centre stage, alongside hiking trails, a climbing rock and a striking church interior. In Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle, you can choose between short walks, longer routes and culture.
Lake, plant life and short routes
The lake at Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle has received the Pavillon Bleu label every year since 2021. At the Plan d’eau des Prades, the arboretum showcases around 30 plant species in their natural environment. If you would like to make plant life the starting point, there is also a dedicated hike: the “Randonnée de l’arboretum” starts near the car park by the boules court.
For a short, clearly measured option for getting active, there is an 800-metre fitness trail that is accessible to everyone. Alongside it, the 16-kilometre “Circuit n°33 – Le Calvaire” offers a much longer route. The route starts in Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle. Conditions may change with the weather, so check route information and the conditions for your visit before setting out.
Hiking trails, climbing rocks and views
Six hiking trails marked in purple are signposted in Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle. In addition, the “Randonnée de l’arboretum” has a clearly indicated starting point near the car park by the boules court. This lets you choose a hike based on the distance you want, without treating the different options as one continuous route. Route information may be updated, so it is a good idea to check the details before setting out.
For climbers, Le Calvaire is a destination in its own right: this natural climbing site has a 15-metre-high rock face with 13 routes and is distinguished by its quartzite rock. The stated grades for routes at the Le Rocher du Calvaire climbing site range from 3a to 6c. Climbers are responsible for their own practice. The climbing site overlooks Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle, with panoramic views stretching across the Monts du Forez and the Massif Central.
Water activities and practical information
The Piscine aqualudique de Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle is a heated aquatic complex with two pools, including a 25-metre swimming pool. Activities at the water sports centre on the Plan d’eau des Prades include canoeing, paddleboarding and pedal boating. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check their availability for your travel dates in advance. These options add a different way to spend time by the water to the nature trails.
The tourist information office of the Maison du Tourisme du Livradois-Forez is located on the shore of the Plan d’eau des Prades. As seasonal opening days may change, check the current hours before visiting.
Church and local history
The Church of the Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie is a Gothic building dating from the 15th century. Six frescoes by Louis Dussour, from 1947, decorate the nave. There are also three polychrome wooden statues from the 17th century: Saint Rémy, Saint Julien and a female saint. The statues are listed as protected objects; this protection was registered on 9 September 1969.
The town’s history offers another point of interest for visitors. Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle was formerly called Saint-Rémy-sur-Thiers and is known as the world capital of corkscrew-wick manufacturing. The town thus brings together different themes: today’s choice of nature and water activities, and a historic industrial identity.
Discover more destinations: Bertignat, Collanges, Aydat, La Chapelle-Agnon, Ménétrol, Maringues, La Tour-D'auvergne, Châtel-Guyon.
For the broader travel guide: Puy-De-Dôme.
