Fourneaux was first mentioned in 1020. The village is considered one of the oldest in the Roannais. Its history is also reflected in the division of the historic parish between the seigneuries of Les Forges and l’Aubépin: the boundary ran straight through the middle of the church. Alongside its châteaux and trails, this unusual boundary is one of the village’s notable historical features.

Châteaux and Protected Heritage Sites

The Domaine du château de Sarron in Fourneaux has been listed as a Monument historique since June 29, 2000. The protected site includes the château and chapel, the former moats, and the enclosing walls. The terrace, outbuildings, and kitchen garden are also included. The site also comprises a canal in the meadow, the meadow itself, and the pond below the château. The range of these features gives an idea of the different elements that can make up a protected site, even when not every element is a separate building.

At the Château de l’Aubépin, several forms of protection overlap: some parts are classified as a Monument historique, others are listed as a Monument historique, and the château is also fully protected. The château was restored in the 16th century in the Italian Renaissance style. It is surrounded by a French formal garden designed by André Le Nôtre. Private visitors can tour the château each September during the European Heritage Days. Check the current program before your trip if you are planning a visit.

Walking Trails and Historic Traces

The Circuit du Château de l’Aubépin passes at least four historic and religious monuments. Along the route are also several features of smaller-scale heritage: a washhouse, a monastery, and the Chapelle Montcizor. The circuit is an 18-kilometer loop between the Loire and Rhône rivers. Its length helps put the route in perspective, while the monuments provide a cultural focus.

The Circuit de la Reine is a 10-kilometer loop between the Loire and Rhône rivers, open to everyone. At 10 kilometers rather than 18, it is the shorter of the two loops. Its paths follow old sections of the former royal road; the circuit also draws on local history surrounding the queen’s accident. This route therefore combines a clear comparison of distances with a historical connection to the village. Check local conditions before setting out on either loop on foot.

The Circuit de Passinge offers another option: an easy family loop through the Passinge Valley, climbing to Fourneaux’s highest point and continuing through the woods. The route is defined by its changes in scenery between the valley, the highest point, and the woods. For this trail, too, it is advisable to check local conditions before setting out.

The Maison forte de Passinge is also part of the village’s architectural history. It is considered a fortified structure; at the base, its walls are more than a meter thick in places. This specific measurement offers a different way to explore the village’s history than the trail descriptions: the focus here is on a single building and its massive construction.

Local Festival Tradition

The Fête de la Groasse celebrates the local Grouasse: a roughly two-year-old hen, very fat and not too tough, cooked in large cauldrons. Historical accounts state that the festival took place on the last Sunday in September, near the feast day of Saint Michael, the community’s patron saint. This historical date is a distinct part of the festival tradition; if you are planning a trip, check the current festival dates and program.

See the broader travel guide: Loire.