The Legends Trail, a unique experience in Saint-Pierre-du-Champ

Published on Jul 15, 2026

Reading time: 6 min.

The Trail legends is a route that can be enjoyed with family or friends departing from Nolhac , on a Natura 2000 classified site, in the municipality of Saint-Pierre-du-Champ. It offers a unique experience, along a little over three kilometers, bringing visitors up close to the flora and fauna of the Arzon gorges, while also immersing them in local legends through interpretive panels and their digital versions. We spoke with Mayor Didier Danthony and Martial Delforge, First Deputy Mayor.

Why was this course created?

Didier Danthony: Well, because we have gorges that are quite extraordinary in terms of landscapes, flora and fauna, and which are full of mysteries and legends. We wanted to make them known to the general public through the trail that has been laid out since 2005, and which is located on a Natura 2000 protected site.

What are its particularities?

Didier Danthony: It's about 3,5 kilometers long and features several interpretive stone panels. We've also created a digital version for those who want it, especially young people. We've made it a bit more fun, with games and a simulation of the attack on Arzon Castle, which you can see from the viewpoint. And at the end of the trail, there's a small reward for those who complete it, but I won't say any more, as it's a secret.

A word about the legends?

Martial Delforge: There's, for example, the legend of the White Lady. It's said that she guided people who were lost to the village and castle of Arzon, a bustling trading center during the Middle Ages. Then there are the rocks of Pralong, which are said to open and reveal a treasure for a few moments before closing again at the stroke of midnight. And there's also the Meadow of the Blacksmiths, a rather unusual spot on the edge of the gorge, enclosed by stones. Legend has it that 99 blacksmiths gathered there every December 31st, waiting for a 100th blacksmith who never came!

Didier Danthony: There is the flat stone overlooking the Arzon valley, which was a place where people who were going to get married would go to dance blindfolded, a little before the engagement. It was a way to seal the couples.

Can we also observe the stars?

Martial Delforge: Yes, in collaboration with the Orion association.
One thing is clear: there are three sites in Haute-Loire that are particularly promising for stargazing. Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, Saint-Pierre-du-Champ, and another spot near Saugues, but here the stargazing is of exceptional quality. We're actually the envy of people, because here we offer stargazing sessions in complete darkness! We also offer storytelling under the stars, inspired by Florence Pays.

And what about land art?

Didier Danthony: Yes, there are some all along the route, at the initiative of the Puy-en-Velay agglomeration community, and in particular on the blacksmiths' wall in the form of colored cubes.

And what about children's games and picnic tables?

Didier Danthony: Yes. We installed them so that families could enjoy them during a lunch break. We have locals who come here, but also people passing through, and of course tourists. Some even come from very far away!