When planning a stay in La Fouillouse, there are several specific points of interest to consider: historic chapels and medieval remains, signposted hiking trails, Parc des Vignes and two cycling loops with different profiles. The return points on the long loop and the different cycling routes can help you choose what to focus on.
Cultural history among chapels and medieval remains
The historical trail begins at Chapelle Sainte-Anne. According to regional historian Abbé Prajoux, the chapel already existed in 1530 in a cemetery established for victims of contagious diseases. It was rebuilt in 1879 and blessed on 26 July 1885. In 2025, Chapelle Sainte-Anne was renovated, with particular attention drawn to its bell, dating from 1589.
Église Saint-Martin belongs to a different period of construction: its first chapel was built by the Counts of Forez in the 12th century. A truncated round tower is the only surviving remnant of La Fouillouse's medieval castle and fortifications.
Château de La Fouillouse, or the fortified house on its site, was probably built by the Counts of Forez in the mid-13th century. The building protected woodcutters and the farmers who had joined them; walls and moats formed part of its defenses.
The area's older history of routes is also evident here: surviving traces of a Gallo-Roman road show a route that crossed the Furan at a ford and led toward Saint-Rambert and on to Auvergne. La Maison Scène hosts concerts, shows, theatre, club nights and conferences. If you would like to include its programme in your plans, check the event dates for your travel dates.
Hiking and nature around La Fouillouse
The main circular trail in La Fouillouse offers more than 30 kilometres of signposted paths. It passes through forests and along waterways; the route also offers panoramic views and places of interest. There are return points at La Bréassière, Les Molineaux, Eculieu and Marnas. This makes it possible to adjust the route to your preferred distance or fitness level.
Parc des Vignes, covering 3.2 hectares, lies on the edge of the town centre. Its landscape features include meadows, wooded areas and former conifer plantations. Along the path, educational signs explain the park's ecological richness, its upkeep and measures to protect biodiversity. Another feature of the landscape is the Furan, which flows through the La Fouillouse valley for 5.5 kilometres.
Two cycling loops, two different profiles
Both cycling loops start in La Fouillouse, but differ in length and profile. The “Croix Perrière – Col des Brosses” route is 85 kilometres long, hilly, has 700 metres of elevation gain and is intended for trained cyclists; the stated duration is four to five hours. The “Saint-Romain-le-Puy – Rivas” loop is 49 kilometres long and is classified as flat and suitable for families. This gives you a choice between a longer, hilly route with a stated riding time and a shorter, flat route classified as family-friendly.
Getting there and planning your stay
La Fouillouse has a TER train station and regular bus services. Check the timetables for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Villars, Régny, Veauche, Chuyer, Saint-Marcel D'urfé, Savigneux, L'etrat, Les Noës
For the wider travel overview: Loire.
