Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire combines viewpoints above the Loire with walking trails and historic buildings in the village. The Loire gorges and vineyards shape the landscape. Between an outing by the water, a hike and the village’s history, you can choose different focuses for your trip.
Walking trails and the Loire landscape
The GR de Pays Autour des gorges de la Loire starts at La Cure in Saint-Maurice and runs above and along the shore of Lake Villerest. The route is 36 kilometres long, moderately difficult and marked in yellow and red. This makes it easy to distinguish the trail as a longer hiking option from the activities available in the village.
A branch of the Way of St James also passes through the area: the 90-kilometre Cluny–Le Puy-en-Velay route runs through the Roannais. Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire is the last Village de Caractère in the Loire crossed by this route. A painting of Saint James the Greater in the Église de Saint-Maurice points to the route of the Way of St James through the village.
The keep, churches and architectural history
The medieval keep, also known as the Tour de Saint-Maurice, rises 17 metres above the village centre. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the reservoir. During restoration in 1989, a platform was installed at the top as a viewpoint for visitors.
The Église de Saint-Maurice dates from the 12th century. The choir contains 13th-century wall paintings, including an image of Saint James the Greater. The church is included in the guided village tour and can also be visited independently free of charge.
The present-day Église de Saint-Jean tells a different architectural story: it was built in 1872 on the remains of a priory. The portal and the 11th-century bell gable are all that remain of the former priory. The Manoir de La Mure adds to the village’s historic buildings; it dates from the 16th century and is a protected building.
Crafts and activities in the village
La Cure is a tourist information centre and a boutique for art and crafts. Three exhibitions are held there every year from March to November, showcasing materials and craft skills. As individual dates may change, it is best to check when the exhibitions are taking place before your trip.
The free Baludik treasure hunt lets you explore the village by smartphone over a 1.5-kilometre route, with opportunities to meet local craftspeople along the way. Check whether the digital tour is available before your trip. “La Poterie de La Cure” is a ceramics workshop in Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire. The local association also offers tours for blind and visually impaired visitors.
The water at the Villerest dam
At the Villerest dam, the Club Nautique du Port de la Caille allows boats and jet skis to be launched daily. This adds a distinct waterside option to the hiking and cultural activities.
You can choose between a route through the village and a longer hiking trail.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay, Le Cergne, Riorges, Champoly, Saint-Cyprien, Chuyer, Mably, Saint-Chamond
For the broader travel overview: Loire.
