Spa history and views of the landscape

The Parc des Eaux Minérales lies in the heart of Saint-Alban-les-Eaux and offers a glimpse into the spa town’s past at the beginning of the 20th century. Four natural carbonated mineral springs are located in the park, which also includes an enclosed spring area. The former bottling plant was renovated in 2002 and now houses artists’ studios. The park thus brings together the early history of the spa town and its present-day use as studio space; the 2002 renovation marks a distinct point in time.

The Belvédère de Saint-Alban-les-Eaux has an orientation table and offers sweeping views over the Roannais. The viewpoint thus complements the park’s spa history with views of the landscape.

On foot: a circular hike and short walks

The PR Les gorges du Désert is a 6 km hiking trail that meets FFRandonnée quality standards. The circular hike is rated moderate and starts at the Église, Place de l’Église, in Saint-Alban-les-Eaux. The route is listed as taking two hours and covering 270 metres of elevation gain. This time estimate makes it easy to include the hike as a separate activity in your day’s itinerary; the elevation gain provides another specific planning detail. From the starting point by the church, the trail leads to the Parc des Eaux Minérales and passes the springs. The route also follows the Montouse and leads to a waterfall. The Gorges du Désert are home to a distinctive ecosystem shaped by water and Mediterranean influences on the south-facing slope. Water is therefore a connecting theme between the gorges, the Montouse, the waterfall and the springs in the park. Water levels and trail conditions may vary; check the route details again before setting out.

The circular hike also reaches Châtelus. In the Iron Age, it served as a natural defensive position; today, there is a viewpoint there. This gives the hike a historical dimension in addition to its landscape appeal.

The short walks of La Clef des champs offer a different focus. They lead to agricultural points of interest and use information panels to share insights into local farming. The two walking options thus offer different planning details: Les gorges du Désert is described as a moderate circular hike with a stated duration and elevation gain, while La Clef des champs features short walks and information panels about agriculture. The former is laid out as a specific circular route, the latter as themed walks.

Mountain biking

For mountain bikers, Boucle 6 / La Thermale offers another option. This moderate circular route is 9.9 km long. It runs from Saint-André-d’Apchon towards Saint-Alban-les-Eaux and leaves Saint-Alban-les-Eaux in the direction of Villemontais. The route also points to the village’s spa heritage on the wine route. It is longer than the 6 km hike; both routes are rated moderate, but they are intended for different activities. Check the route details again before setting off; road and trail conditions may vary.

Discover more destinations: Burdignes, Cherier, Perreux, Sauvain, Sury-Le-Comtal, Renaison, Saint-Romain-D'urfé, Chambœuf.

For the broader travel overview: Loire.