A 2 km forest discovery trail and a circular route with views starting from the village centre offer different experiences in Fontanès; the village’s history can be seen at the church portal and at a memorial cross dating from 1538. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Fontanès, you can plan your stay around walks, panoramic views and historic details.
Walking routes with different highlights
The Fontanès forest discovery trail is 2 km long. The Circuit panoramique is a circular route starting from the village centre, with views of the Pilat, the Monts du Lyonnais, the Forez and the Saint-Étienne urban area. The two routes therefore differ in their stated highlights: the forest discovery trail is described by its length, while the Circuit panoramique focuses on its starting point and views. When choosing a route, consider whether a clear indication of distance or views of the areas named above matter more for your outing. Check the latest conditions for the Circuit panoramique before setting out.
A public transport stop is located less than 500 m from the Circuit panoramique. Transport information can change, so check the details of the stop again before travelling.
Facilities for walkers and local history
At Rivollier, a visitor area for walkers offers picnic tables, dry toilets and parking. This provides a place to stop for a picnic, as well as toilets and parking. The area differs from the routes: its focus is on practical visitor facilities rather than the length or views of a trail. You can include this useful landmark in your plans alongside the walking routes.
The church stands at the highest point of the village and is separated from the château by a wall. Its most striking feature is its 15th-century portal: the pointed arch is made of coal sandstone from Saint-Étienne. The location, wall and portal offer different points of interest for a walk around the village: the church’s position in the village, its separation from the château and a dated architectural detail. At the portal, you can observe its shape and material in a specific architectural feature.
Another way to visit the church is via the “Entre le Ciel et l'Eau” circular route in the château grounds. It leads to the dovecote, the henhouse and the church, and offers a chance to discover the park’s different tree species. Along this route, built features and park vegetation come together. While the church portal focuses on a single architectural detail, the park walk broadens the view to include other structures and the park’s trees.
The Croix des Hommes Morts above the hamlet of Laurisse is a sandstone memorial cross dating from 1538. Together with the church portal, it provides two points of reference from different periods in the village’s history: the cross is dated 1538, while the portal dates from the 15th century. Its location above Laurisse adds another specific place to the buildings and château grounds.
Also for mountain biking and getting around
Mountain bike route No. 5 around Fontanès is listed in the guide “entre Forez et Jarez”. This entry provides a different point of reference for planning than the walking routes: it identifies a cycling route, while the forest discovery trail and the Circuit panoramique are described as circular walking routes. This helps you choose activities according to your preferred way of getting around and use the guide entry as a reference for the mountain bike route.
Discover more destinations: Verrières-En-Forez, Neaux, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Château, Le Chambon-Feugerolles, Cellieu, Arthun, La Talaudière, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Courreau.
Back to the overview of destinations: Loire.
