Hiking tour between Cluny and Le Puy en Velay. Set off for 16 days in freedom in the footsteps of pilgrims, from the Loire Valley to Le Puy en Velay via the Monts du Forez. Accommodation in hotels and guest houses.
A series of three stages of the Cluny Trail which starts in Burgundy, crosses the Monts du Beaujolais, the Loire Valley and the Monts du Forez.
Leaving Cluny, the path gradually gains altitude to reach the Douglas fir forests of Beaujolais Vert, with the passage to Mont St Rigaud (1009 m. The descent towards the Loire Valley is then gradual. After Charlieu it passes by the remarkable site of the Benisson Dieu abbey, joins the vineyards of the Roannaises coasts then sets off to conquer the Forez mountains. The route ends on the old Roman road that linked Lyon to Bordeaux: the Bolène road.
These paths have preserved many monuments, churches, chapels, priories, fortified villages, etc. and bear witness to the passage of pilgrims over the previous centuries.
Day 01: St Romain Le Puy or Montbrison (400m)
There is very little accommodation available in St Romain, so it is likely that you will be accommodated in Montbrison.
Arrival late in the afternoon. Accommodation in a B&B. Free dinner (many restaurants available).
Day 02: St Romain Le Puy or Montbrison – Marols (833 m)
Departure from St Romain: if you slept in Montbrison you reach St Romain station by train (duration 7 mins – cost €2,40 to be paid on site)
Departure from Montbrison: you can leave directly from Montbrison following the path which comes from Cluny (+ 6 km and 1h30).
In St Georges-Haute-Ville, you join the Cluny route. You will gradually begin the climb into the Monts du Forez. The countryside is green and the villages are absolutely beautiful. Like the pilgrims who came from Cluny, at the Romanesque chapel of Monsupt (1562th century), take the time to contemplate the Forez plain. Your path takes you along the bridge spanning the Mare (don't worry, its parapets are engraved with small protective crosses) and you arrive at Saint Jean Soleymieux and its 6th century crypt. You return to your stopover at Marols, burned down by the turbulent Baron des Adrets in 1. This small village of character has since regained tranquility and many artists and craftsmen exhibit their works. You can be accommodated in Montarcher (+ 30 km, + XNUMX hour XNUMX minutes) or in Leignecq, a return transfer will be organized in this case by your host.
Elevation gain: + 550 m, – 120 m Length: 16 km Time: 4 h 30 min
Day 03: Marols – Leignecq (960 m)
You follow a beautiful path in the forest and you pass the high point of your route at 1165 meters. In Montarcher, a former stronghold dependent on the Counts of Forez, you admire the view of all the surrounding areas. Just after, the route leaves the ancient Bolène route which linked Lyon to Aquitaine since the Celts and the Romans. You now take the GR3 following the peaceful course of the Andrable and arrive at Leignecq, a perched and formerly fortified village.
Elevation gain: + 670 m, – 540 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 04: Leignecq – Retournac (509 m)
It is important to leave early for this long, hilly stage. Your host can take you to Valprivas to reduce it (- 10 km, - 2 hours 30 minutes, transfer at your expense to be paid on site). You reach Valprivas and its castle. You then leave the gentle reliefs of the Monts du Forez to go down to cross the Andrable. This watercourse marks the limit of Forez and today you enter Haute-Loire. The landscapes change, the relief becomes steeper: a good climb on the other bank allows you to reach Châles before diving back into the Ance valley. The final ascent leads to Sarlanges before arriving at Retournac, in the heart of the Loire Gorges. A visit to the Lace Manufactures Museum is a must. Accommodation possible in Jussac (- 4 km, - 1 hour).
Elevation gain: + 640 m, – 1090 m Length: 28 km Time: 7 h
05 Day:
Retournac – Vorey sur Arzon (534 m)
Your path winds like the course of the Loire which has dug its course in this volcanic terrain. At the heart of this natural landscape, your route will take you to discover picturesque villages like Chamalières (magnificent 6th century church) or the remains of fortresses guarding the Loire. The most remarkable are those of Artias (1th century) and Roche en Régnier. You stop at Vorey sur Arzon, on the banks of the Loire or at St Vincent (+ 30 km, + XNUMX hour XNUMX minutes). If you are staying in St Vincent, you can reduce your stopover by taking the train from Retournac to Chamalières or from Vorey sur Arzon to St Vincent.
Elevation gain: + 630 m, – 600 m Length: 21 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 06: Vorey sur Arzon – Le Puy en Velay (640 m)
You end with another long stage. You can shorten it by taking the train from Vorey sur Arzon to Lavoûte sur Loire (-11 km, – 2 hours 30 minutes). At Lavôute sur Loire, the path joins the river which forms a magnificent loop. Inside it, the castle of Lavoûte Polignac stands on its rocky promontory. The route then crosses the Emblavez basin, covered with crops, meadows and hamlets and reaches the spectacular Château de Polignac (this family again), perched on its rock. The last portion of the path leads to Puy en Velay, the “City of the Virgin” and the start of the Via Podiensis. The visit is unmissable with in its center, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. End of stay at the end of the afternoon.
Elevation gain: + 760 m, – 660 m Length: 27 km Time: 7 h
Leaving Cluny, the path gradually gains altitude to reach the Douglas fir forests of Beaujolais Vert, with the passage to Mont St Rigaud (1009 m. The descent towards the Loire Valley is then gradual. After Charlieu it passes by the remarkable site of the Benisson Dieu abbey, joins the vineyards of the Roannaises coasts then sets off to conquer the Forez mountains. The route ends on the old Roman road that linked Lyon to Bordeaux: the Bolène road.
These paths have preserved many monuments, churches, chapels, priories, fortified villages, etc. and bear witness to the passage of pilgrims over the previous centuries.
Day 01: St Romain Le Puy or Montbrison (400m)
There is very little accommodation available in St Romain, so it is likely that you will be accommodated in Montbrison.
Arrival late in the afternoon. Accommodation in a B&B. Free dinner (many restaurants available).
Day 02: St Romain Le Puy or Montbrison – Marols (833 m)
Departure from St Romain: if you slept in Montbrison you reach St Romain station by train (duration 7 mins – cost €2,40 to be paid on site)
Departure from Montbrison: you can leave directly from Montbrison following the path which comes from Cluny (+ 6 km and 1h30).
In St Georges-Haute-Ville, you join the Cluny route. You will gradually begin the climb into the Monts du Forez. The countryside is green and the villages are absolutely beautiful. Like the pilgrims who came from Cluny, at the Romanesque chapel of Monsupt (1562th century), take the time to contemplate the Forez plain. Your path takes you along the bridge spanning the Mare (don't worry, its parapets are engraved with small protective crosses) and you arrive at Saint Jean Soleymieux and its 6th century crypt. You return to your stopover at Marols, burned down by the turbulent Baron des Adrets in 1. This small village of character has since regained tranquility and many artists and craftsmen exhibit their works. You can be accommodated in Montarcher (+ 30 km, + XNUMX hour XNUMX minutes) or in Leignecq, a return transfer will be organized in this case by your host.
Elevation gain: + 550 m, – 120 m Length: 16 km Time: 4 h 30 min
Day 03: Marols – Leignecq (960 m)
You follow a beautiful path in the forest and you pass the high point of your route at 1165 meters. In Montarcher, a former stronghold dependent on the Counts of Forez, you admire the view of all the surrounding areas. Just after, the route leaves the ancient Bolène route which linked Lyon to Aquitaine since the Celts and the Romans. You now take the GR3 following the peaceful course of the Andrable and arrive at Leignecq, a perched and formerly fortified village.
Elevation gain: + 670 m, – 540 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 04: Leignecq – Retournac (509 m)
It is important to leave early for this long, hilly stage. Your host can take you to Valprivas to reduce it (- 10 km, - 2 hours 30 minutes, transfer at your expense to be paid on site). You reach Valprivas and its castle. You then leave the gentle reliefs of the Monts du Forez to go down to cross the Andrable. This watercourse marks the limit of Forez and today you enter Haute-Loire. The landscapes change, the relief becomes steeper: a good climb on the other bank allows you to reach Châles before diving back into the Ance valley. The final ascent leads to Sarlanges before arriving at Retournac, in the heart of the Loire Gorges. A visit to the Lace Manufactures Museum is a must. Accommodation possible in Jussac (- 4 km, - 1 hour).
Elevation gain: + 640 m, – 1090 m Length: 28 km Time: 7 h
05 Day:
Retournac – Vorey sur Arzon (534 m)
Your path winds like the course of the Loire which has dug its course in this volcanic terrain. At the heart of this natural landscape, your route will take you to discover picturesque villages like Chamalières (magnificent 6th century church) or the remains of fortresses guarding the Loire. The most remarkable are those of Artias (1th century) and Roche en Régnier. You stop at Vorey sur Arzon, on the banks of the Loire or at St Vincent (+ 30 km, + XNUMX hour XNUMX minutes). If you are staying in St Vincent, you can reduce your stopover by taking the train from Retournac to Chamalières or from Vorey sur Arzon to St Vincent.
Elevation gain: + 630 m, – 600 m Length: 21 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 06: Vorey sur Arzon – Le Puy en Velay (640 m)
You end with another long stage. You can shorten it by taking the train from Vorey sur Arzon to Lavoûte sur Loire (-11 km, – 2 hours 30 minutes). At Lavôute sur Loire, the path joins the river which forms a magnificent loop. Inside it, the castle of Lavoûte Polignac stands on its rocky promontory. The route then crosses the Emblavez basin, covered with crops, meadows and hamlets and reaches the spectacular Château de Polignac (this family again), perched on its rock. The last portion of the path leads to Puy en Velay, the “City of the Virgin” and the start of the Via Podiensis. The visit is unmissable with in its center, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. End of stay at the end of the afternoon.
Elevation gain: + 760 m, – 660 m Length: 27 km Time: 7 h
Admission fees
Adult: €1 (575 people: €2/person
3 people: €1/person
4 people: €1830/person
5 people and more: 1755 € / person
Without transport of luggage by vehicle: €1/person).
Single room: + €135
Supplement for a single participant: + €125
Supplement for the “Voie de Bolène” variant (via GR 765 West): + €40 to €75/person (contact us)
Additional night with half board at Le Puy in a double room on the last day: + €70.
Additional night with half-board at Le Puy in a single room on the last day: + €100
Return transfer Le Puy – Montbrison by taxi: €290 (for 1 to 4 people/ + €150 Sundays and public holidays)
Reservations for additional services must be made upon registration and specified on the reservation form.
3 people: €1/person
4 people: €1830/person
5 people and more: 1755 € / person
Without transport of luggage by vehicle: €1/person).
Single room: + €135
Supplement for a single participant: + €125
Supplement for the “Voie de Bolène” variant (via GR 765 West): + €40 to €75/person (contact us)
Additional night with half board at Le Puy in a double room on the last day: + €70.
Additional night with half-board at Le Puy in a single room on the last day: + €100
Return transfer Le Puy – Montbrison by taxi: €290 (for 1 to 4 people/ + €150 Sundays and public holidays)
Reservations for additional services must be made upon registration and specified on the reservation form.
What is included
The price includes
– Organization costs.
– Half-board food and accommodation (except day 1 in B&B).
– Provision of a complete hiking file.
– Provision of the topo guide.
– Transport of luggage at each stage.
– Tourist taxes
– Half-board food and accommodation (except day 1 in B&B).
– Provision of a complete hiking file.
– Provision of the topo guide.
– Transport of luggage at each stage.
– Tourist taxes
The price does not include
– Dinner of day 1
– Midday meals.
– Drinks and personal expenses.
– Possible visits.
– Personal equipment.
– Travel to and from the reception area.
– The different insurances
– Anything not in “Price includes”.
– Midday meals.
– Drinks and personal expenses.
– Possible visits.
– Personal equipment.
– Travel to and from the reception area.
– The different insurances
– Anything not in “Price includes”.
Pratical information
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation in ** hotels, hotels and guest houses.
Double rooms, with bathroom in the room.
The shower and toilet may be on the landing or upstairs.
Out of respect for the daily rest period of the hosts (available early in the morning and late in the evening), the rooms are not available before 16 p.m.
The contact details of the accommodation will be provided to you with your hiking file.
Dogs are not allowed.
The basic formula for this independent hike is in a double room (occupied by 2 people) with half-board (evening meal + night + breakfast).
In Cluny, Charlieu and Montbrison, you will be accommodated on a bed and breakfast basis. The evening meal is at your expense. There are several restaurants in these towns near the accommodations.
Supplement for single room.
If you want a room with 3 beds, you should know that few accommodations are equipped with them. The third bed can be an extra bed, a child's bed or a sofa bed. For the stages where this is not possible, a supplement per night for a single room will be charged.
When accommodation is unavailable, we may have to make you spend 2 nights in the same accommodation and organize a transfer or change accommodation category (which does not change the content of your hike but may result in a supplement for which we ask your agreement). Program changes are indicated on your booking confirmation.
Meals:
Dinners are an opportunity to taste local specialties. They are generally served from 19:30 p.m. and are mostly composed of the menu of the day (no choice of menu).
Breakfasts are traditional (sometimes buffet style) and are served from 8am – 8:30am. If you would like to have breakfast earlier, check with your host the day before to see if this is possible.
Picnic :
We can reserve picnics for you (see Prices section).
Don't forget to bring a picnic to your accommodation if you have chosen the full-board option. In this case, bring a teaspoon and an airtight plastic container.
If you have chosen the half-board option, you are responsible for your own picnics. It is always possible to buy a picnic (at your expense) in the accommodation. Just book it preferably the day before. You can also stock up at Cluny, Tramayes, Ouroux, Col de Crie (check on site), Propières, Le Cergne, Pont de Mars, Charlieu and Pouilly sous Charlieu. There are other, more random, supply points, indicated in the topo-guide.
FORMALITIES:
During the hike, you must be in possession of the following documents:
– Valid identity card or passport.
– Leaflet of your travel insurance received when you registered (if you have taken out the insurance we offer) or of your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
– Vitale card.
For security reasons, we will ask you for the number of the mobile phone in your possession during the hike.
LEVEL :
Hiking :
Sports walkers
Level 3 on a scale of 5.
Average elevation: 550 m Maximum: 790 m
Average length: 20 km Maximum: 26 km
Average time: 5 h 45 min Maximum: 6 h 30 min
Orientation:
Level 1: A little attention and some knowledge of map reading are necessary.
You must be able to follow a route using a topoguide and clues on the ground. You only use marked routes.
This itinerary is done without a guide and under your own responsibility. We provide you with all the instructions and logistics necessary for the smooth running of your hike. You must be able to be independent by judging your strengths and appreciating unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, change in terrain, etc.).
It is your responsibility to inquire at the Tourist Offices about weather forecasts (bulletins displayed) or to call the weather answering machine on 08 99 71 02 + department number: Example 08 99 71 02 42 for the Loire.
We would like to warn you about the effectiveness of mobile phones in mountainous areas. Indeed, if the villages are generally covered by mobile phone networks (depending on the operator), be aware that many gray areas remain and that your device will often prove useless for long hours during the day. However, if a network is present, in case of need for help, you can dial 112 which is the priority emergency call number.
We decline all responsibility in the event of an error on your part concerning the orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long, etc.).
Accommodation in ** hotels, hotels and guest houses.
Double rooms, with bathroom in the room.
The shower and toilet may be on the landing or upstairs.
Out of respect for the daily rest period of the hosts (available early in the morning and late in the evening), the rooms are not available before 16 p.m.
The contact details of the accommodation will be provided to you with your hiking file.
Dogs are not allowed.
The basic formula for this independent hike is in a double room (occupied by 2 people) with half-board (evening meal + night + breakfast).
In Cluny, Charlieu and Montbrison, you will be accommodated on a bed and breakfast basis. The evening meal is at your expense. There are several restaurants in these towns near the accommodations.
Supplement for single room.
If you want a room with 3 beds, you should know that few accommodations are equipped with them. The third bed can be an extra bed, a child's bed or a sofa bed. For the stages where this is not possible, a supplement per night for a single room will be charged.
When accommodation is unavailable, we may have to make you spend 2 nights in the same accommodation and organize a transfer or change accommodation category (which does not change the content of your hike but may result in a supplement for which we ask your agreement). Program changes are indicated on your booking confirmation.
Meals:
Dinners are an opportunity to taste local specialties. They are generally served from 19:30 p.m. and are mostly composed of the menu of the day (no choice of menu).
Breakfasts are traditional (sometimes buffet style) and are served from 8am – 8:30am. If you would like to have breakfast earlier, check with your host the day before to see if this is possible.
Picnic :
We can reserve picnics for you (see Prices section).
Don't forget to bring a picnic to your accommodation if you have chosen the full-board option. In this case, bring a teaspoon and an airtight plastic container.
If you have chosen the half-board option, you are responsible for your own picnics. It is always possible to buy a picnic (at your expense) in the accommodation. Just book it preferably the day before. You can also stock up at Cluny, Tramayes, Ouroux, Col de Crie (check on site), Propières, Le Cergne, Pont de Mars, Charlieu and Pouilly sous Charlieu. There are other, more random, supply points, indicated in the topo-guide.
FORMALITIES:
During the hike, you must be in possession of the following documents:
– Valid identity card or passport.
– Leaflet of your travel insurance received when you registered (if you have taken out the insurance we offer) or of your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
– Vitale card.
For security reasons, we will ask you for the number of the mobile phone in your possession during the hike.
LEVEL :
Hiking :
Sports walkers
Level 3 on a scale of 5.
Average elevation: 550 m Maximum: 790 m
Average length: 20 km Maximum: 26 km
Average time: 5 h 45 min Maximum: 6 h 30 min
Orientation:
Level 1: A little attention and some knowledge of map reading are necessary.
You must be able to follow a route using a topoguide and clues on the ground. You only use marked routes.
This itinerary is done without a guide and under your own responsibility. We provide you with all the instructions and logistics necessary for the smooth running of your hike. You must be able to be independent by judging your strengths and appreciating unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, change in terrain, etc.).
It is your responsibility to inquire at the Tourist Offices about weather forecasts (bulletins displayed) or to call the weather answering machine on 08 99 71 02 + department number: Example 08 99 71 02 42 for the Loire.
We would like to warn you about the effectiveness of mobile phones in mountainous areas. Indeed, if the villages are generally covered by mobile phone networks (depending on the operator), be aware that many gray areas remain and that your device will often prove useless for long hours during the day. However, if a network is present, in case of need for help, you can dial 112 which is the priority emergency call number.
We decline all responsibility in the event of an error on your part concerning the orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long, etc.).
- Pilgrims
- hikers
- Groups welcome
Book
The agency is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 17 p.m.
You can contact us by telephone 04 50 31 03 65 or by email [email protected].
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
You can contact us by telephone 04 50 31 03 65 or by email [email protected].
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Opening period
From 01/05 to 31/10/2025.
Dates: every day of the week from May 1 to October 31, 2025, subject to accommodation availability.
It is best to book as early as possible. We do not have reserved places in the accommodations and some of them are full sometimes several months in advance. This will allow you to follow the planned program, without transfer or supplement.
Please indicate on the booking form any other dates that would also suit you (for example, the possibility of postponing the hike by 1 or 2 days before or after...), in case one or more accommodations are not available on the chosen dates.
The ideal season to travel the route is from May to September. Before and after, weather conditions can be difficult (fog, possible low snowfall, etc.).
Dates: every day of the week from May 1 to October 31, 2025, subject to accommodation availability.
It is best to book as early as possible. We do not have reserved places in the accommodations and some of them are full sometimes several months in advance. This will allow you to follow the planned program, without transfer or supplement.
Please indicate on the booking form any other dates that would also suit you (for example, the possibility of postponing the hike by 1 or 2 days before or after...), in case one or more accommodations are not available on the chosen dates.
The ideal season to travel the route is from May to September. Before and after, weather conditions can be difficult (fog, possible low snowfall, etc.).
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