Usson-En-Forez offers different ways to enjoy culture and outdoor activities: the Ecomusée des Monts du Forez combines exhibitions with a reconstructed parish garden, while fortifications and the Chapelle de Chambriac offer glimpses of the past. Trails, an orienteering course, and activities at the Plan d'eau round out the picture. When choosing where to stay, your priorities may therefore matter: would you like to explore exhibitions and gardens, head out on a variety of routes, or plan activities by the water?
Exhibitions and the Parish Garden
The Ecomusée des Monts du Forez has around 1,500 square metres of permanent and temporary exhibition space. In the reconstructed parish garden, you can discover the characteristics, uses, and symbolic significance of various plant species. The garden covers 240 square metres and showcases around 100 plants in eight sections. This brings together a large exhibition space and a dedicated garden area featuring a range of plant themes.
Historical Details
Usson-En-Forez retains fortifications from a 13th-century castle. A cattle head is carved into the outer wall of the Chapelle de Chambriac; a connection to the Mithraic cult has been suggested. The two details offer different points of interest: the surviving castle fortifications on the one hand, and a single motif with an explicitly uncertain interpretation on the other.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
The trail network in Usson-En-Forez covers 190 kilometres and is suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders. The marked and interpretive Chemin de la poix combines a walk with the discovery of local heritage.
The Espace trail Usson-en-Forez is open year-round in 2026. Its four routes of 6, 8, 12, and 20 kilometres start at the Plan d'eau and pass through forests and hills. The permanent orienteering course is also open year-round in 2026; it runs around the Plan d'eau and through the town, and offers four difficulty levels, 56 checkpoints, and seven locations to find. The activities differ in focus: the Espace trail describes route lengths and landscapes, while the orienteering course features difficulty levels, checkpoints, and destinations; the Chemin de la poix focuses on combining a walk with local heritage.
Activities at the Plan d'eau
The Plan d'eau d'Usson-en-Forez is a reservoir for fly fishing. Training sessions and introductory courses are held there regularly; availability may vary by season. The Plan d'eau is also set up as a swimming lake and has a children's playground and sports facilities for adults. If lifeguard supervision is important for your visit, check in advance.
Railway and Horse-Riding Activities
The Association du Chemin de Fer du Haut-Forez Estivareilles-Sembadel operates the railway line. It offers a special way to discover the landscapes, heritage, and buildings of Usson-En-Forez. Check the railway's current operating schedule before you travel.
In 2026, horse rides and introductory sessions with horses are available by appointment only.
Discover more destinations: Les Noës, Noailly, Amions, Pralong, Montbrison, Champoly, Roisey, Violay.
For the main travel overview: Loire.
