The best walks and hikes around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts
4.6
(421)
2,066
hikers
194
hikes
Hiking around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts offers diverse landscapes within the Monts de la Madeleine, located in the Loire department. The region features varied terrain with altitudes ranging from 400 to 950 meters, encompassing extensive forests, rolling hills, and valleys. Key natural features include the Teyssonne Valley, the Montmeugne summit, and the protected Plateau de la Verrerie moorland, providing a well-developed network of trails.
Best hiking trails around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts
- The most popular hiking route is Col de la Rivière Noire – Plateau de…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.0
(3)
10
hikers
5.58km
01:35
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.7
(3)
11
hikers
11.6km
03:26
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
10
hikers
21.1km
06:18
630m
640m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
14.4km
04:23
480m
480m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
On clear winter days, it is possible to see Mont Blanc from the viewpoint on the Plateau de la Verrerie. On clear winter days, it is possible to see Mont Blanc from the Plateau de la Verrerie viewpoint.
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The Glassworks Plateau is located at an altitude of 1,015 meters. It is a large open plateau in the Magdalen Mountains. The landscape is wild and relatively unspoiled.
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If you are looking for a hiking adventure in a unique and wild landscape, you should visit the Verrerie plateau, a natural site protected by Natura 2000. This plateau is the last open moor of the Monts de la Madeleine, and it is home to rare and diverse flora and fauna in its bog, which dates back to 4600 BC. A wooden walkway will allow you to enter the protected area without harming the environment. From this plateau, you will have a breathtaking view of the Roannais, the Alps and the Auvergne. In the past, glassmakers burned all the beech trees to melt the silica. The Plateau de la Verrerie is a place where nature and history meet, and where you can experience a different hike.
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Le Moulin du Mas in Arfeuilles is an old water mill dating from Roman times, still well preserved. It is reached by following the path that leads to the Pisserote waterfall, a beautiful waterfall that is also worth a visit. You will need good shoes, water and a camera to capture the memories of this unique place.
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The Col La Rivière Noire from Les Villards is 14.19km long with a total drop of 631m. The average gradient is 4.45% with maximum gradients of 7%.
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The Col de la Croix du Sud from Saint-Bonnet-des-Quarts is 12 kilometers long with a total elevation gain of 398 meters. The average gradient is 3% with maximum gradients of 6%.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts?
There are over 200 hiking routes in the Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these trails over 2100 times.
What is the overall difficulty level of hiking in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts?
The trails around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts cater to various abilities. You'll find a good mix, with 58 easy routes perfect for leisurely strolls, 113 moderate trails for a more engaging hike, and 29 difficult routes for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts?
Yes, Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts offers several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Pisserotte Waterfall – Beautiful dappled sunlight loop from Monts de la Madeleine is an easy 3.3-mile (5.4 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 32 minutes, leading through forested areas to the charming Cascade de la Pisserote.
What natural features or landmarks can I expect to see on hikes in this region?
The region is rich in natural beauty and landmarks. You can explore the unique moorland of the Plateau de la Verrerie, visit the scenic Pisserotte Waterfall, or discover the diverse trees in the Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs Municipal Forest. Many trails also offer panoramic views from various viewpoints like La Madone or Montmeugne.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, many of the trails in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Col de la Rivière Noire – Plateau de la Verrerie loop from Saint-Rirand, a moderate 6.8-mile (11.0 km) route that explores the protected moorland.
What are some of the best viewpoints in the Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts area?
Hikers can enjoy magnificent panoramic views from several points. Montmeugne, an emblematic summit, offers expansive vistas. The Plateau de la Verrerie provides breathtaking views of the Roannais region, the Alps, and the Auvergne. Additionally, the Croix du Sud and La Madone (a short walk from the village) offer rewarding views over the Loire plain and the Monts de la Madeleine.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts?
The trails in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 390 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, including charming forests, rolling hills, and unique natural features like the Plateau de la Verrerie, as well as the well-maintained and varied network of paths.
Are there any trails that lead to a waterfall?
Yes, the Pisserotte Waterfall – Beautiful dappled sunlight loop from Monts de la Madeleine is an excellent choice. This 3.3-mile (5.4 km) trail specifically leads to the beautiful Pisserotte Waterfall, offering a refreshing natural attraction along the way.
Can I find trails that explore the forests of Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts?
Absolutely. A significant portion of the commune is covered by forests, offering numerous trails through wooded areas. The Bécajat Forest, for example, features discovery trails with thematic panels about tree species. The Le moulin du Mas loop from Monts de la Madeleine is another moderate option that winds through varied terrain, including forested sections.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts?
The diverse landscapes of Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts make it suitable for hiking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even winter hiking can be rewarding, with the possibility of exploring the unique moorland of the Plateau de la Verrerie or the quiet forests.
Are there any historical sites or castles accessible via hiking trails?
While Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts is primarily known for its natural beauty, you can find trails that lead to nearby historical interest points. For example, the Crozet Castle loop from Le Crozet is a moderate 6.5-mile (10.4 km) hike that allows you to explore the area around the historic Crozet Castle.
Where can I find more information about the Bécajat Forest?
The Bécajat Forest offers discovery trails designed to educate visitors about its diverse tree species and forest management. For more detailed information about the forest and its discovery trail, you can visit the Loire Tourisme website: Sentier Pédestre de Découverte Forêt de Bécajat.
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