Bonson lies in the Forez Plain between Saint-Etienne and Montbrison. The Bonson River, three hiking trails, Chapelle Notre-Dame and the town’s cultural offerings are the main highlights of a stay here.

River and Trails in Bonson

The Bonson is a direct left-bank tributary of the Loire. The Forez Plain and the Loire river system therefore provide two geographical reference points for locating Bonson. Two of the hiking trails follow the river for part of their routes.

The PR 65 – La Chapelle follows the Bonson, crosses it via a footbridge and then leads to the forecourt of Chapelle Notre-Dame. The trail has a clearly named destination and links the river and the chapel along its route.

The PR 66 – Le Tour de la Tuilerie passes through deciduous and coniferous woodland, then follows the left bank of the Bonson. Unlike the PR 65, which has a specific destination, this route focuses on vegetation and the riverbank. When choosing between the two trails, you can decide whether you’d rather walk to the chapel forecourt or focus on the transition between woodland and riverbank.

The PR 71 – La Grande Virée de Bonson starts at Bonson cemetery. It is 13.5 kilometres long, rated moderate and takes about four hours. The approximate duration gives you an idea of the time required; the distance and difficulty rating provide further context. As route details may be updated, check the latest trail description before setting out.

Chapelle Notre-Dame: Construction History and Tradition

Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bonson is a rare medieval landmark in Bonson. Parts of the building date from the late 11th century; it was remodelled in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its construction history therefore spans several clearly distinct periods.

The chapel is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 3 November 1987. This adds a precisely dated milestone in the monument’s history to the age of its building elements and the later remodelling. A pilgrimage takes place at the chapel every year on the first Sunday in September, linking the building to a recurring tradition.

Plan Your Cultural Visit and Journey

The Médiathèque de Bonson hosts illustration workshops, performances, role-playing games and exhibitions. If you’d like to include a specific activity in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.

Bonson TER station is at 8 Avenue de Saint-Rambert, 42160 Bonson. The address provides a specific reference point for planning your journey. If you plan to travel by train, check the latest timetable before departure.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Nizier-De-Fornas, Saint-Nizier-Sous-Charlieu, Pommiers, Saint-Pierre-De-Bœuf, Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts, Marcoux, Chandon, Coutouvre.

For the regional travel overview: Loire.