In Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts, cultural and scenic discoveries sit side by side: the church brings together several historical periods, La Madone offers a viewpoint over the Loire plain and the Monts de la Madeleine, and there are two loop trails with distinct characteristics as well as a seasonal business tour. For planning, the approximate walking time, the stated length of one loop trail, and the period when the seasonal offer is available are particularly useful.
The church and its historical periods
The church of Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts dates in its current architectural form to 1834. It also incorporates a Romanesque church from the 12th century, which today forms the eastern chapel of the transept. This means that a current architectural form and a significantly older Romanesque section coexist within the same church.
The bell tower also contains historic details with recorded dates: it houses two listed bells. One dates from 1600, the other from 1650. The dates refer to different elements: 1834 to the current architectural form, the 12th century to the Romanesque church, and 1600 and 1650 to the bells.
La Madone and the view
La Madone was built in 1905. It offers a viewpoint over the Loire plain and the Monts de la Madeleine. La Madone is about a 15-minute walk from the town centre. You can allow approximately this much walking time for the journey from the town centre; this is a guideline, not an exact duration.
Loop trails with different highlights
The discovery trail through the Forêt de Bécajat is a 2.0-kilometre loop starting in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts. Themed information panels explain the diversity of tree species and how they are managed. The trail therefore combines the diversity of the forest with the question of how it is managed—in addition to its specific length, another point to consider when choosing an outing.
The Tour de Montmeugne loop trail leads from the town centre through the wooded Montmeugne massif and past clearings and meadows fragrant with spring flowers. When choosing between the two routes, you can consider their different highlights: the Forêt de Bécajat trail has a stated length and information-panel themes, while the Tour de Montmeugne passes through woodland, by clearings and alongside meadows.
Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts is a small, authentic green community bordered by mountains, with charming rivers flowing between them. The community provides a scenic setting for the specific experiences at La Madone and along the loop trails, without combining them into a single route.
Seasonal tour
From May to August, L’Escargot de Saint Bonnet offers explanatory tours of its premises for families and groups. You can choose to include a tasting or leave it out. If you plan this activity, take the seasonal availability into account and check the reservation details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: La Grand-Croix, Veranne, Bussières, Saint-Régis-Du-Coin, Cellieu, La Terrasse-Sur-Dorlay, Chevrières, Saint-Jean-La-Vêtre.
For the overarching travel guide: Loire.
