In Commelle-Vernay, culture, routes and local produce offer different options for your stay. The Romanesque Eglise fortifiée, an electrically assisted railbike activity and several described routes each offer a distinct focus. The sundials and the produce from the family farm add their own highlights. You can therefore first decide whether you are more interested in history, exercise or local production.
The Eglise fortifiée and its history
The Eglise fortifiée is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th century, built by monks from Cluny. It contains a remnant of the fortress of the Counts of Forez, dating from the early 14th century. The church also houses a Black Madonna from the 13th to 14th century. The building, fortress remnant and statue thus reflect different historical layers of the area.
The church can be visited independently, free of charge and at any time without a guide. Check the applicable conditions before your visit. You can tailor your visit to your own interest in Romanesque architecture, the history of the Counts of Forez or the Black Madonna.
Railbike, former railway line and views
Belvédère Aventures is an electrically assisted railbike activity in Commelle-Vernay. It runs for 6.8 km along Lac de Villerest and uses 3.2 km of a line formerly used by the tourist train. The former Train de la Loire connected the Belvédère in Commelle-Vernay with the Belvédère in Magneux. The current railbike activity and the historic train connection should be understood as different offerings or uses of the line.
The Site du Belvédère is the departure station for the railbike activity. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Villerest dam. If you plan to take part, check the current operating conditions in advance; tourist information about them may change.
Hiking trails and sundials
Two routes have distinct descriptions to help you plan your hike: Les Quatre Eléments follows the tracks for 3 km and runs above the Loire. The longer hiking trail circles Commelle-Vernay and offers a succession of viewpoints and panoramas. Another hiking trail starts at the Pôle touristique de Magneux and winds through the gentle hills of Commelle-Vernay and above Lac de Villerest.
The sundials also differ in design and size. At the Pôle touristique de Magneux stands a 6.80 m long and 5 m high sundial with steps in the polar style. At the Site du Belvédère is a giant, two-sided sundial with a vertical disc two metres in diameter. If you are interested in their design, you can compare the two installations by their different dimensions and shapes.
Activities in Magneux
Mini-golf de Magneux has an 18-hole course and is approved for competitions. Separately, the PĂ´le touristique de Magneux includes a play and sports area for children.
Getting around and local produce
Several kilometres of fully protected routes for soft mobility connect the centre of Commelle-Vernay with the bridge over the Loire. For bus travel, a tourist description updated in 2025 lists line 11 of the Roannais Agglomération network, with 17 stops. Check the current service before travelling, as routes may change.
Saveurs Sauvages turns fruit, flowers and vegetables from the family farm in Commelle-Vernay into jams, syrups, chutneys and fruit pastes. There is a small sales outlet at the farm. If you plan to make a purchase, check access arrangements in advance; sales details may change.
Discover more destinations: La Grand-Croix, Le Coteau, Saint-Pierre-De-BĹ“uf, Saint-MĂ©dard-en-Forez, Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay, Saint-Cyprien, L'HĂ´pital-le-Grand, Sauvain.
See the wider travel overview: Loire.
