The Villemontais area lies entirely on the slopes of the Monts de la Madeleine. From the village, the view stretches across the Roanne Plain to the first slopes of this mountain range. Villemontais is the starting point for numerous hiking trails and is also on the Roanne–Thiers hiking route. For planning, compare circular walks with different distances, durations and elevation gains, as well as historic churches and chapels.
Compare hikes by distance and duration
Sur Les Traces de L'Empereur is a difficult circular hike covering 11.5 kilometres. It is listed as taking four hours, with 470 metres of ascent. At 8.5 kilometres, La Goutte rouge is the shortest of the three routes described here; it is rated moderate and includes 370 metres of ascent. Its listed duration is two hours and 30 minutes. The also-difficult circular hike Les Bouilleurs de Cru covers ten kilometres, with 410 metres of ascent and a listed duration of three hours.
This makes La Goutte rouge shorter and quicker than the two difficult hikes. Les Bouilleurs de Cru falls between the other two on these measures, while Sur Les Traces de L'Empereur has the longest duration and greatest ascent. These differences provide a practical comparison for planning your time, without combining the routes into a single hike. Conditions on Sur Les Traces de L'Empereur may change; check them before setting out. Signposted parking for this route is indicated by the town hall or north of the village. You should also check the local signage before departure.
Trails, views and local landmarks
Les Bouilleurs de Cru offers views across the Roanne Plain from Villemontais and the Croix des Lièvres. The route passes through vineyards and the village of Vieux Cherrier before reaching the commune of Chérier. It thus combines views of the plain with a trail through vineyards and named localities. The Chemin Napoléon is an old path linking Villemontais with the centre of Moulins de Cherier.
Churches, chapels and wayside crosses
The Église Saint-Martin is considered a Martinian church and is a stop on the Chemin de Saint Martin. It stands on the site of an earlier Chapelle Saint-Martin, documented as early as 984. The church was altered and extended several times between 1827 and 1882. It is open by appointment only, so arrange your visit in advance.
The Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built on Mont AĂŻgu in the 15th century, destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in 1857. From the chapel, a 180-degree panorama stretches across the Roanne Plain to the Monts du Lyonnais. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle and with a pushchair; a picnic area is nearby. As access arrangements may change, check them before your visit.
The Chapelle Saint-Roch stands near the cemetery. It was probably built after the plague epidemic of 1630. The commune also has numerous wayside crosses, most of which date from the late 18th to the early 20th century. Together with the Église Saint-Martin and the Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste, these sites offer different insights into the local religious heritage.
Market and food offerings
The Marché Villemontois takes place on Wednesdays at Place St Vincent in Villemontais. Offerings include sheep’s and goat’s cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables, meat and charcuterie, honey and honey products, snails, organic flour, and takeaway meals. Individual vendors’ offerings may vary; you should also check the market day before your visit.
The Balade Gourmande en CĂ´te Roannaise has been held periodically since 2013. Villemontais is among the places that have hosted the event; the host location varies from one edition to the next. This is a historical connection to the village, not an indication of a fixed current venue.
Practical information
For a stay, you can compare the hikes by their listed durations and elevation gains, while the church, chapels and wayside crosses offer cultural destinations in their own right. If you would like to visit the Église Saint-Martin, you need to make an enquiry. The Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste is listed as accessible on foot, by bicycle and with a pushchair; the nearby picnic area is another practical consideration when planning your visit. Check access information before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Cleppé, Saint-Nizier-Sous-Charlieu, Champdieu, Belmont-De-La-Loire, Grézieux-Le-Fromental, Planfoy, Violay, Roisey.
Return to the main travel guide: Loire.
