La Tourette can be explored through several highlights: the Église de la Nativité Saint Jean Baptiste, two walking trails with distinct character, and the Plan d’eau, which is used seasonally. Historical architecture and heritage sit alongside far-reaching views, a route that crosses several municipalities, and opportunities to relax by the water. When choosing where to focus your stay, consider whether you are more interested in church and trail history, a route with a stated distance and duration, or time at the Plan d’eau.
A church with several historical periods
The Église de la Nativité Saint Jean Baptiste was a Benedictine priory first mentioned in 1153. The nave was built in the 12th century. The church is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 4 August 1978. These dates refer to different aspects: 1153 is the priory’s first mention, the 12th century is when the nave was built, and 1978 is when the church later gained protected status. This distinction helps put the church’s history in context without confusing the priory’s first mention with the nave’s construction date.
Le chemin des croix: heritage and far-reaching views
Le chemin des croix is a walking trail that starts at the Mairie car park in Le Bourg. It takes in numerous crosses dating from the 16th and 19th centuries, churches, châteaux and an abandoned medieval village. Along the way, there are views of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château and its nearby collegiate church, as well as a distant horizon of peaks stretching from the Mézenc to Mont Blanc. The historic sites and views together give the route its distinctive appeal. Those who are especially interested in heritage and landscapes while out walking will find a clear focus here.
A route across several municipalities, with a stated duration
The Sentier des Renardières offers a different experience. This walking trail crosses the municipalities of Saint-Nizier-de-Fornas, Aboën, Périgneux and La Tourette. It is 12 km long, with a stated duration of three hours. This provides a concrete reference point for planning the distance and time. By contrast, Le chemin des croix is characterized by its historical sites and views. The routes can be distinguished by what you need for planning: Le chemin des croix has a named starting point and historic stops; the Sentier des Renardières has a stated distance and duration.
The Plan d’eau as another focus for your stay
The Plan d’eau is used each season by children, walkers, anglers, families and schools. The mix of visitors may change over time. Numerous shady areas, a children’s play area and a pétanque court invite visitors to relax and unwind. This makes for a different kind of visit than either of the walking trails: the focus here is on spending time in the area, rather than following a route through several places or visiting historic sites. Individual facilities may change over time. If the play area or pétanque court is important to your visit, check their current status in advance.
Discover more destinations: La Fouillouse, Saint-Marcel D'urfé, Saint-Chamond, Mars, Chandon, Commelle-Vernay, Saint-Romain-D'urfé, Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay
Return to the main travel overview: Loire.
