The banks of the Loire in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu invite you to take a stroll. The river provides a habitat for grey herons, little egrets, swans and beavers. There are also hiking trails of various lengths, a cycling loop with views of two châteaux, and traces of local culture ranging from heritage conservation to railway history. This lets you tailor your discoveries to your interests, rather than trying to fit everything into a single outing.
The Loire and its habitats
Here, the Loire is both a landscape and a habitat: grey herons, little egrets, swans and beavers are among the species for which the river provides a home. A former gravel pit on the banks of the Loire between Briennon and Pouilly-sous-Charlieu has also been restored to nature. The habitats created there support the reproduction of the endangered pike. A walk along the river and a view of the restored site offer different ways to experience nature.
Hiking trails of different lengths
The “De la Loire au Cul de Sornin” discovery trail is 2.6 km long. It starts at the Loire bridge and leads to the mouth of the Sornin. If you are considering a longer walk, “Les Chambons de Loire” is an approximately 10 km trail along the right bank of the Loire. It runs between the Aiguilly bridge near Vougy and the Loire crossing at Pouilly-sous-Charlieu, and can be walked in either direction. The route is intended for people with some hiking experience.
On “Les Chambons de Loire,” a suspension bridge in the hamlet of Bas de Rajasse crosses the confluence of the Jarnossin. The trail is marked and equipped with educational information panels. Another hiking option is “Entre Loire et Campagne – PR 28”: it follows the Loire and continues through a landscape of meadows, woods and châteaux. The routes therefore differ in length and character. For planning, 2.6 km and approximately 10 km are two specific distances, while the PR 28 takes you through its varied landscape.
Cycling and other activities
The 21 km R4 cycling loop, “Boucle rurale du Grand Couvert,” starts in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu and offers views of the Château de Montrenard and the Château de Poyet. Another cycling option is the “VTT 5 Rouge” mountain biking loop, which you can start in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu. This gives you the choice between a cycling loop with a specified distance and a mountain biking route that starts in the village.
Montrenard Equitation offers classical and ethological riding, as well as recreational activities and outdoor activities. The Restaurant de La Loire is associated with Chef Raux’s cuisine and was awarded a Michelin star in 2023.
A château and railway history
The Château de Montrenard is in the hamlet of Montrenard in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu and was listed as a historic monument by decree dated 15 April 1935. The cycling route also connects to the château: the R4 offers views of both the Château de Montrenard and the Château de Poyet.
Railway history offers another historical perspective. Pouilly-sous-Charlieu’s PLM station was on the Roanne–Paray-le-Monial line, which opened in 1882. In 1889, it became the starting point for the line to Chalon-sur-Saône. The two dates mark different stages in the development of the railway network.
Sunday market
The Marché de Pouilly-sous-Charlieu takes place every Sunday morning opposite the town hall. Around 15 vendors sell food, clothing, produce from market gardens and flowers. The market brings several product categories together in one place and can be a focus of your trip planning in its own right. It is best to check the market date again before planning your stay around it.
Discover more destinations: La Pacaudière, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Courreau, Saint-Haon-Le-Châtel, Montbrison, Saint-Jean-La-Vêtre, Mars, Montverdun, Saint-Priest-En-Jarez.
For the wider travel overview: Loire.
