Hiking: Loop Trail and Connecting Route

The Sentier La fontaine de Grénieux is an easy 5 km circular walk starting in Nervieux; its stated duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes. A possible detour to the Chapelle Saint-Austrégésile adds a 10-minute round trip to the route. The loop and optional detour can therefore be treated as two time blocks when planning your hike.

Les chambons des bords de Loire offers a different type of route: the trail is about 2 km long and connects Nervieux with Balbigny. Compared with the 5 km loop, it is considerably shorter and runs between two towns. This gives you a choice of different types of route: a loop starting in Nervieux with a stated duration, or a shorter connection between towns.

Loire Landscapes and Wildlife

On the Sentier La fontaine de Grénieux, you can observe how the Loire leaves the Forez plain and spreads into Lac de Villerest. The fertile “chambons” are also found there, receiving alluvial deposits during floods. The landscape can thus be understood on two scales: as the river’s course from Forez to Lac de Villerest, and as soil enriched by flood-borne alluvial deposits.

Les chambons des bords de Loire is home to typical wildlife, including the Eurasian beaver, Northern lapwing and grey heron. This diversity of species adds another facet to the landscape of river and fertile soils.

Cultural Heritage in Nervieux

The Domaine du château de la Salle has been partially listed as a historic monument since 16 February 1988. The name Croix du 17e siècle already points to the 17th century: the cross stands at the intersection of C.D n°1 and C.V.O n°7 and has been classified as a historic monument since 27 February 1958. The two dates have different roles: one places the cross in time, while the other marks the start of its classification.

At the Lavoirs de Nervieux, a spring flows into two stone basins. The municipal council decided to restore the washhouses to return them to their former appearance. Alongside the heritage listings, these details—a specific architectural feature and a municipal restoration decision—also tell the story of the place.

Visit to the Ferme - Au Bonheur des Animaux

The Ferme - Au Bonheur des Animaux is an educational farm in Nervieux that is open to visitors. During guided visits, guests can meet small farm animals and learn more about the owners’ work. Reservations are required; confirm your booking and the visiting arrangements before you arrive. Wheelchair access is possible with assistance. Take these visiting conditions into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: La Tourette, Ambierle, Saint-Priest-La-Vêtre, La Valla-En-Gier, Saint-Régis-Du-Coin, Neulise, La Grand-Croix, Les Noës

Return to the main travel overview: Loire.