La Valla-En-Gier lies on the northern foothills of the Pilat Massif, between the Gier Valley and Crêt de la Perdrix, the massif’s highest point. Two deeply cut valleys, Le Gier and Le Ban, shape the commune. A notable natural destination is Le Saut du Gier: after a short stretch at altitude, the Gier narrows into a gorge there and plunges down in an impressive cascade. Several hiking trails lead to the waterfall, including one from the hamlet of La Scie du Bost. This means natural attractions sit alongside circular and pilgrimage routes, offering different ways to explore the surrounding area.
Hiking Trails and Landscapes
One circular route with specific distance and duration details is Val du Gier – La Valla-en-Gier No. 4. This three-hour circular hike is 8.6 kilometres long. It starts and ends at the Salle polyvalente Marie Badard and is marked with the commune’s hiking trail markers. From Chapelle de Leytra, there are views over the Gier Valley and the site of Notre-Dame de L’Hermitage. The chapel was built around 1640 and restored in 2004. This same route therefore combines clear details about time and distance, valley views and a historic site with a recorded date.
Val du Ban is one of La Valla-En-Gier’s four municipal circular hiking trails; all four start and end in the village. The Sentier Marcellin Champagnat follows a different route: it runs from Saint-Chamond to Marlhes via La Valla-En-Gier and through La Rive, Le Bourg, Luzernod and Le Rot. The route is used for numerous pilgrimages. Unlike the municipal circular trails, the Sentier connects places beyond the commune; the named hamlets show its course through the commune. For planning purposes, these offer different points of comparison: for route No. 4, distance and duration are available as specific planning details, while the Sentier is distinguished by its route through several places and its use for pilgrimages.
The Val Haut loop also leads to historic landmarks: it passes Maison Champagnat and reaches Croix du Sabot. The latter is said to be an ancient menhir topped with a cross.
Local History Along the Trails
Traces of the first church date back to the 11th century; it was completely rebuilt in the 15th century. The Puits Renaissance dates from the 16th century. It is located at Centre Rocheclaine, opposite the town hall, in a private courtyard, and is listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments. In 1816, Marcellin Champagnat was vicar of La Valla-En-Gier; in 1817, he founded the Congregation of the Marist Brothers there. Maison Champagnat on the Val Haut loop is the house of this community. The dates place these sites in chronological order: the medieval history of the church and the Renaissance well are followed by the connection to Champagnat in the 19th century.
Discover more destinations: Palogneux, Sury-Le-Comtal, Montverdun, Usson-En-Forez, Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Mars, Bourg-Argental, Pralong
For the wider travel overview: Loire.
