Five marked circular trails grouped under the name Chemins du facteur, Crêt Malherbe at 946 metres, and several sites with architectural and cultural history give Marcenod its varied appeal. Landscape and outdoor activity shape the trails; the village church, Château de Trocésar and a megalithic site offer other points of interest.

Landscape and regional orientation

Marcenod is a village in the mid-mountain range of the Monts du Lyonnais. Crêt Malherbe reaches 946 metres and is the highest point of the massif. At Bois de l’Hôpital, near this highest point, the view extends across the Gier Valley, the Pilat and the Alps. Crêt Malherbe provides a specific geographical reference point with its elevation; at Bois de l’Hôpital, the panorama takes centre stage. Marcenod also has a picnic area with an exceptional panorama. The municipality sees itself as part of the identity of the Monts du Lyonnais. It is part of Saint-Étienne Métropole and is served by its tourist office.

Hiking trails and starting points

The five circular trails are collectively known as the Chemins du facteur. The green circular trail goes around Crêt Malherbe, the highest point of the massif. Its route follows paths and small roads that provide access to hamlets and remote farms. Crêt Malherbe is therefore both the highest point in the Monts du Lyonnais and the landscape reference point for the green trail. There are trailhead signs in the village of Marcenod. Alternatively, you can start at the Bois de l’Hôpital recreation area, at the junction of the D65 and D23 south-east of the village centre. Check the waymarkers on site before setting out.

Église de Marcenod: architecture and history

The Église de Marcenod stands in the village centre. Local residents built it in 1862, with donations and labour contributing to its construction. Its origins were therefore a community undertaking. It is built from exposed local natural stone, with the joints finished on the exterior; inside, it is plastered with lime. The piers, window surrounds and entrance portico are made of dressed stone. The vaults are made of plaster on wooden laths. Natural stone, dressed stone and a plaster-and-wood construction thus come together in different parts of the building.

Château de Trocésar and megalithic site

At the lieu-dit Trocésar in the municipality of Marcenod stands Château de Trocésar, also known as Château des trois Césars. This 16th-century residence was formerly a fief of Grammond. Only an imposing round tower remains of the château; it preserves monumental 16th-century fireplaces. In the hamlet of La Thomassière, the de la Roche au loup trail leads to a megalithic site with upright natural rock formations and megalithic stones. The sites offer different points of interest: the Église stands in the centre and has an architectural history with specific details about its materials; the Château’s history is shaped by its former role as a residence and its surviving tower, while La Thomassière offers a route to megalithic stones.

Discover more destinations: La Ricamarie, Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, L'Hôpital-le-Grand, Coutouvre, Cordelle, Malleval, Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Les Salles

For the broader travel overview: Loire.