Veauche brings together the history of glassmaking, walking trails and buildings from different centuries. Two walking options are particularly easy to distinguish by their routes: the Circuit des Balmes is a circular trail, while the GR®3 is a one-way stage. Other highlights include the former housing estate for glassworkers, churches built at different times and a park with paths and play facilities. You can therefore choose a destination based on cultural history, scenery or a specific route.
Walking: circular trail or one-way stage
The Circuit des Balmes is a 13 km circular walking trail starting in Veauche. It combines urban paths with trails through the countryside and has less than 50 metres of elevation gain. Its sections pass through woodland, rural landscapes and the village centre; the route also offers views of a river or watercourse. The walk thus links local paths and stretches through the countryside in a circular route.
The first stage of the GR®3 La Loire Forézienne runs from the Loire bridge in Veauche via Montrond-les-Bains to the bridge near Feurs. It is 13.0 km long and follows a one-way route. Along the water, there are opportunities to discover local flora and fauna. When choosing between the two routes, the format is the main practical point of comparison: a complete loop on the Circuit des Balmes or a stage between the places named on the GR®3.
Glassmaking history and building periods
The glassworks in Veauche was founded in 1883 to make bottles for Badoit mineral water. The Cité Saint-Laurent reveals another side of this industrial history: around thirty adjoining, partly symmetrical slag-stone houses were once home to glassworkers. The Église Saint-Laurent, built from red brick in the Neo-Gothic style from 1885 onwards, is dedicated to the patron saint of glassworkers. Production, former housing and the church’s dedication are thus all connected to the history of glassmaking.
The Église Saint-Pancrace dates from a considerably earlier period. It originated in the pre-Romanesque period, more precisely in the second half of the 10th century, and was rebuilt in the 16th century in the Flamboyant Gothic style. These two dates distinguish the original building from its later reconstruction. The Croix Saint-Jacques also dates from the 16th century; it is located near the Way of St James.
You can explore Veauche independently, without a guide. The Église Saint-Laurent has a specific access restriction: it is open only during services. Check whether you can visit before adding the church to your plans.
Park, views and landscape
Parc Magniny covers 7,000 m² and has tree-lined paths, places to relax and play facilities for young children. The park is open year-round. It adds a green space with designated areas for relaxation and play to the trails and buildings.
Behind the washhouse in Veauche, there is a small viewpoint overlooking the landscapes of Forez. The Loire is a habitat for protected animal and plant species. Together with the opportunity to discover local flora and fauna along the water on the GR®3 stage, the area offers different ways to experience the landscape: from the viewpoint or along the waterside path.
Getting to Veauche
The A 72 motorway is about 1 km from Veauche and can be reached from there. Veauche-Saint-Galmier railway station is an intermodal transport hub. These details provide practical information for planning your journey; check how they fit with your intended route.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Perreux, Noirétable, Pommiers, Pralong, Saint-Marcel D'urfé, La Valla-En-Gier, Mizérieux.
For the overview of the wider region: Loire.
