The double city wall, historic homes and a Romanesque chapel give Saint-Marcellin-En-Forez a distinct cultural and historical focus. The bridges and the different routes through the surrounding area also tell the story of the town’s development. For planning your trip, you will find both buildings and their history here, as well as a route that can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
City Walls, Towers and Historic Houses
The old town centre is surrounded by a double city wall dating from the 13th and 15th centuries. The first defensive enclosure included five semicircular towers, two of which have survived. The first fortification wall, built at the beginning of the 13th century, can be seen in the car park by the town hall. The walls and towers make the town’s former defences a tangible part of its history.
A stroll through the picturesque lanes reveals numerous historic homes. Two traboules once served as passageways within the town. One provided a shortcut between Place Sainte-Catherine and the town centre; the other linked the outside of the city wall with the Castrum, the church district. Both served these purposes in the past.
A 15th-century house owned by the municipality also preserves remarkable architectural features: fireplaces, a large tiled hall, French-style ceilings and a stone heat-storage stove. These individual details show the variety of historic buildings in the town.
Chapel, Culture and Heraldry
The Romanesque chapel of Sainte-Catherine has a medieval fresco in the tympanum above its portal. It depicts the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. Today, the chapel houses the municipal library. This building thus brings together a sacred medieval depiction and its present-day use.
The former village rectory now houses the Espace Revel. Another glimpse into the town’s history can be found at the Maison de l’Armorial: it is located in the fully restored former residence of the castle governors, whose construction began in the 14th century. The house has an interactive area dedicated to Guillaume Revel’s armorial. In a small room, visitors can learn about the language of heraldry in a playful way.
Bridges and Architectural Layers
The Pont de VĂ©rines is also known as the Pont du Diable or Pont Peyrard. The historic bridge has two arches and has been classified as a Monument historique since 1921. It was probably built to keep a route dry that was used for the lime trade between Saint-Marcellin-En-Forez and Velay. This is a historical interpretation of its purpose, not a confirmed fact.
The Maison du Colombier offers a different perspective on the history of architecture. It was built in 1636 in a style that draws on an outdated medieval vocabulary of fortifications. Its construction date and style therefore point to different historical layers: the house was built in the 17th century, while its design incorporates older forms of defensive architecture.
Routes on Foot, by Bicycle or on Horseback
The La Mare route follows a former railway line and the River La Mare, which rises in the Monts du Forez at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Along the way, you can discover the Pont du Diable. The route thus links the former railway line and the course of the river with the opportunity to see the historic bridge.
The L’Aventure du Rail trail connects Saint-Marcellin-En-Forez with Estivareilles. You can use it on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Although it is called a hiking trail, it is also designated for two other modes of travel.
The L’Aventure du Rail area has a bicycle repair station with a pump, a children’s playground, picnic tables and eco-friendly public toilets. These facilities complement the information about how the route can be used with practical amenities for visitors. When planning, you can therefore take into account both your choice of transport and the facilities available.
Discover More Destinations
Bessey, La Pacaudière, Neaux, Bourg-Argental, Cordelle, Burdignes, Veauche, Riorges
For the broader travel overview: Loire.
