Attractions and Places To See around Montchal - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Montchal, a commune in the Loire department of central France, provide opportunities to explore local history and natural surroundings. The area features dedicated walking trails and cultural sites that delve into Montchalian heritage. Visitors can discover historical artifacts and enjoy views from various points in the landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Montchal
- The most popular attractions is Col de la Croix de Mazieux, a mountain pass that offers a magnificent view at this crossroads of many roads. The climb from Saint-Forgeux is 6 km long with an average gradient of 5%.
- Another must-see spot is Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m), a mountain pass that delimits the watershed line between the Rhône and the Loire. Visitors can extend their trip to Mont Boussuivre and the Matagrin tower for panoramic views of the region.
- Visitors also love Montrottier, a settlement perched west of the Monts du Lyonnais. This village features historical monuments such as the portal of the former priory and its church with 15th-century stained glass windows.
- Montchal is known for its mountain passes, historical settlements, and viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from cultural sites to natural landscapes.
- The attractions around Montchal are appreciated by the komoot community, with 43 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Col de la Croix de Mazieux
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m)
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Montrottier
Highlight • Settlement
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Croix de Malzieux from St Julien - Solo ascent
Highlight (Segment) • Other
Beautiful view of the Brevenne valley and the ridge which overlooks the other side (Luère, Malval,...).
View of Montrottier in focus.
Regular climb at around 5% for 3/4, before a bit of almost flatness for the last 1/4.
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Pouilly-lès-Feurs
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Tips from the Community
At the church you can take a wonderful rest and even borrow books to read.
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Cross marking the Col de Mazieux.
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Small road, very little used by cars. Beautiful view of the Brevenne valley and the ridge which overlooks the other side (Luère, Malval,...). View of Montrottier in focus. Regular climb at around 5% for 3/4, before a bit of almost flatness for the last 1/4.
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Tipping point on the ridge between several valleys. Very pleasant climb from Saint Julien sur Bibost.
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A very beautiful site with a magnificent view at this crossroads of many roads. However, can we really speak of a pass because it is basically a cross, but this place has the whole profile to be one. In any case what is certain is that you have to go up there!
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The village of Montrottier is perched west of the Monts du Lyonnais. This village of character offers some beautiful things to see. The portal of the former priory dating from the 15th century, its halls built under Louis XIV or its church whose stained glass windows also dated from the 15th century are classified as historical monuments.
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The Col de la Croix de Mazieux from Saint-Forgeux is 6 km long with a total drop of about 298 m. The average gradient is 5% with maximum gradients of 9%, however the first part of the climb is steeper and flattens out after 4km.
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Pretty long pass on the Tarare side with a constant slope around 5%. Delimits the watershed line between the Rhône and the Loire. Do not hesitate to climb to Mont Boussuivre by extending a few hundred meters and climb to the top of the Matagrin tower to enjoy a magnificent view of the whole region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in Montchal?
Montchal offers a glimpse into its past through the Maison d'histoire locale de Montchal, a local history museum. This museum houses a collection of minerals, pottery, and artifacts from the prehistoric site of the Charpassonne valley, along with an exhibit commemorating the Magat battles of March 19, 1944. You can find more information about the museum on loiretourisme.com. Additionally, nearby villages like Montrottier feature historical monuments such as a 15th-century priory portal and church stained glass windows, and Pouilly-lès-Feurs is a medieval Cluniac site with old ramparts.
Where can I find the best panoramic views around Montchal?
For magnificent panoramic views, consider visiting Col de la Croix de Mazieux, a mountain pass known for its scenic crossroads. Another excellent spot is Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m), from where you can extend your trip to Mont Boussuivre and the Matagrin tower for an even broader perspective of the region. The village of Montrottier, perched west of the Monts du Lyonnais, also offers beautiful vistas.
Are there walking or hiking trails available in Montchal?
Yes, Montchal provides several dedicated walking trails for exploring the local landscape. Notable routes include "Le tour de Montchal" and the "Sentier Les chemins de traverse." These trails offer opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings of the commune. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore various routes in the area.
What kind of cycling routes are available near Montchal?
The area around Montchal offers a variety of cycling routes for different skill levels. You can find road cycling routes, such as the challenging Pont Marteau Viaduct loop or the moderate Col de la Croix Cazard loop. For touring cyclists, options include the Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) – Matagrin Tower loop. Explore these and more on the Road Cycling Routes around Montchal and Cycling around Montchal guide pages.
Can I find running trails near Montchal?
Yes, there are several running trails available near Montchal. Options range from moderate loops like the Running loop from Cottance or Violay, to more challenging routes such as the Col de la Croix Cazard loop from Panissières. These trails allow you to enjoy the scenic landscape while jogging. You can discover more routes on the Running Trails around Montchal guide page.
What is the significance of the Col de la Croix Cazard?
The Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) is a significant mountain pass that marks the watershed line between the Rhône and the Loire rivers. It offers a pretty long climb with a constant slope and provides access to Mont Boussuivre and the Matagrin tower, which are known for their magnificent regional views.
What makes the Col de la Croix de Mazieux a popular attraction?
The Col de la Croix de Mazieux is a popular mountain pass renowned for its beautiful site and magnificent views at the crossroads of many roads. The climb from Saint-Forgeux is 6 km long with an average gradient of 5%, offering a rewarding experience for cyclists and sightseers alike.
Are there any medieval villages to explore near Montchal?
Yes, the region boasts charming medieval sites. Pouilly-lès-Feurs is a medieval Cluniac village located on the edge of the Forez plain, where you can still see beautiful remains, including old ramparts. It offers a real journey through time. The village of Montrottier also features historical monuments from the 15th century, including a priory portal and church stained glass windows.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Montchal?
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings around Montchal, from the challenging climbs and magnificent views at mountain passes like Col de la Croix de Mazieux and Col de la Croix Cazard, to the historical charm of villages like Montrottier and Pouilly-lès-Feurs. The opportunity to explore local history at the Maison d'histoire locale and enjoy dedicated walking trails also contributes to a fulfilling experience.
What natural features are prominent in the Montchal region?
The Montchal region is characterized by its natural landscapes, including several mountain passes that offer stunning views and challenging routes. Key features include Col de la Croix de Mazieux and Col de la Croix Cazard. The area also provides opportunities to explore its natural surroundings through dedicated walking trails like "Le tour de Montchal" and "Sentier Les chemins de traverse."
Are there any specific historical events commemorated in Montchal?
Yes, the Maison d'histoire locale de Montchal features a dedicated exhibit that commemorates the Magat battles of March 19, 1944. This provides insight into a significant historical event that occurred in the region.
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