Anyone considering a stay in Noailly will find a place on the Way of St. James, with an extensive network of hiking trails and paths for exploring the Lespinasse Forest. There is also a signposted circular route, a layered cultural heritage and a farm visit that must be booked. The activities offer different highlights: a clearly defined hike, several trails in the forest, chapel art and history, or an appointment involving contact with animals.
Circular Routes, River and Forest
The signposted La Goutte Pillot circular route is 14 kilometres long and starts at Place de l’Église in Noailly. It crosses the Teyssonne and follows the Way of St. James between Cluny and Le Puy. The river is also a local landmark apart from the route: the Teyssonne flows through Noailly. If you are planning the circular route, check its course using the route files available for download before setting out, as route details may change.
The Lespinasse Forest has several signposted circular trails to explore on foot and by bicycle. Noailly also has an extensive network of hiking trails and paths for exploring the forest. The options therefore differ in specific ways: La Goutte Pillot is a single circular route with a stated length of 14 kilometres, while the forest offers several signposted circular-route options for two ways of getting around. This helps you choose between a named route and the forest trails.
Chapel and Local History
The Chapel of Noailly is a restored Gothic chapel dating from 1878. Its tympanum depicts the Resurrection of Christ. There is also a statue of the Archangel St. Michael, a stained-glass window and eleven stained-glass windows by master glassmaker M. Champigneule. The chapel’s furnishings thus bring together a religious scene, a statue of a saint and several works in glass.
Another historical trace can be found at Parc de la Charmille: in 1983, Noailly town hall acquired the park from the De La Marlière family, together with its chapel and castle ruins. This is a specific part of the town’s history, alongside the architectural and artistic history of the Chapel.
Visit to Ferme la Triplette Charoline
Ferme la Triplette Charoline offers tours of its Charolais cattle farm and barns, with opportunities to interact with the animals. Tours must be booked. Age-appropriate educational workshops are also available, as are activities involving caring for and petting small animals; these require a reservation. Plan the farm visit as a separate activity to book in advance. This makes it different from an outing on the signposted trails, which you can prepare for by checking the route.
Plan Around Your Priorities
The route has a named starting point, but its details may change; a booking or reservation is required for the farm visit. So check the route before setting out and factor the booking into your plans. This lets you tailor your accommodation search to the activities that matter most to you.
Discover more destinations: Roanne, Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand, Rozier-Côtes-D'aurec, Amions, Veauche, Mably, Thélis-La-Combe, Champdieu
View the broader travel overview: Loire.
