Two hiking routes, each taking three hours, offer different ways to explore Vendranges: the Circuit de La Croix Bouquin is a marked circular trail, while the Circuit de la Pierre des 4 Curés is an 11-kilometre route. The village also has a history of medieval fortification, the church of Saint-Genest and the long-standing Foire de la Saint Barnabé. You can include nature, cultural heritage and a recurring village event in your travel plans.
Hiking: comparing two routes
The Circuit de La Croix Bouquin is a marked circular trail in Vendranges, rated moderate. Allow three hours for the walk. Highlights include encounters with wildlife, flora and small-scale cultural heritage. The route thus combines nature watching with traces of local culture.
The Circuit de la Pierre des 4 Curés is 11 kilometres long, also takes three hours and is suitable for beginners. The route passes through forests, green meadows and along waterways. Both walks are listed as taking the same amount of time; they differ in their stated length and difficulty rating. Route details may change, so check the trail information before setting out.
Saint-Genest and ecclesiastical heritage
Vendranges was fortified in the Middle Ages. The church of Saint-Genest was rebuilt in the early 19th century. A tower built onto its façade is a distinctive feature of the church and the village. The name of Saint Genest has been associated with the parish since the 12th century; he has been venerated in Vendranges for a long time.
The chapel of the Virgin Mary in the church houses the altar and altarpiece of the Virgin Mary. The ensemble dates from the first half of the 17th century and is listed as a protected object. It was listed on 21 February 1997. These details also make the ecclesiastical heritage interesting to travellers wishing to explore architectural history and religious traditions.
The history of Saint Genest also includes a pilgrimage tradition: in the 17th century, pilgrims came to Vendranges from all the provinces to seek his help with gout and sciatica. They went to a spring dedicated to the saint, which was considered miraculous at the time. This account points to historical veneration; it should be clearly distinguished in time from any present-day offering.
Another part of the local heritage is the Pierre des 4 Curés. It marks the boundary of the four parishes of Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Vendranges, Neulise and Saint-Jodard. The four names give the boundary marker a specific historical connection to the ecclesiastical divisions of the surrounding area.
Fair and market
The Foire de la Saint Barnabé takes place every year on 11 June, with fairground vendors setting up stalls in the village streets. This long-standing tradition dates back to the 15th century. The fair is also known as the foire aux pillots. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates and format, as both may vary in future.
In 2026, the market in Vendranges takes place on Fridays from 5 to 6 pm. Check the date before your trip if you plan to visit the market.
Getting around the village
The former RN82, known as the Route bleue, runs through Vendranges. Since 2024, the village has been an FFVE Village d'accueil de véhicules d'époque (village welcoming vintage vehicles). At Place Claude Nougaro, at the entrance to the village, there is parking for 20 vehicles; capacity may change. If you depend on these spaces, check the current parking situation. There is also a place to stop at the top of the historic climb.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Chevrières, Saint-Romain-La-Motte, Villars, Charlieu, Estivareilles, Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, Coutouvre, Épercieux-Saint-Paul.
For the main travel overview: Loire.
