Attractiveness of Pilat
A tourist region
The Pilat massif is located in the Loire department, southeast of the city of Saint-Étienne and southwest of the cities of Vienne and Givors. It overlooks the Rhône valley (to the southeast) and the Gier valley (to the north).
Our massif borders four departments: Rhône, Isère, Ardèche, and Haute-Loire, and is also a stone’s throw from Drôme.
Suffice it to say that “diversity” is the watchword here. Below, we will try to help you discover some of its features.
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Activities in Pilat are focused on nature, sports, and culture:
- Various events for children and parents
- Hiking and walks
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Discovering the region’s heritage: villages, monuments…
- Discovering the region’s exceptional wines
- …
Discover all the activities
in the Pilat Regional Nature Park
Located between Saint-Etienne and the Rhône Valley, the Pilat area is made up of small regions with very distinct characteristics.
They differ in climate, landscapes, types of housing and ways of cultivating the land.
Together, they form a mid-mountain massif, a true water reservoir for the nearby valley towns.
The Pilat Regional Natural Park covers 700 km². The Rhône hillsides — known for fruit trees and vineyards — give way to high forested lands and livestock areas. Fir forests, beech woods, broom-covered slopes and grassy plateaus are all characteristic landscapes of the Pilat.
We invite you to contact the Pilat Park Visitor Center to gather as much tourist information as possible:
https://parc-naturel-pilat.fr/des-decouvertes/maison-du-parc/.
Some places to visit
Our region will surely satisfy your curiosity. Indeed, both historically and naturally, the Pilat and its surroundings offer viewpoints and villages with many stories to tell…
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The medieval village of Malleval which, perched on its rocky spur, overlooks the Rhône and, when the weather allows, offers an unforgettable view of the Alps.
A short walk between rocks and cacti will lead you to the SAUT DE LORETTE, a magnificent waterfall. - Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, a former Carthusian monastery.
- Pélussin, with its Silk Interpretation Trail.
- Annonay, the birthplace of the hot-air balloon.
Flavors and expertise
Unique artisanal creations, renowned local products—thanks to the diversity of its terroirs, Pilat offers high-quality products born of a love for a job well done.
Pilat apples, charcuterie, honey, Condrieu rigotte cheese, and wines are happily paired by local cuisine with the renowned wines of Côtes-Rôties, St Joseph, and Condrieu.
Including among others:
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health,
please drink responsibly... The markets
It is often at markets in our towns and villages that we find good fresh and, above all, local produce.
But it’s true that when you’re on vacation, you never know where and when they take place.
So we’ve decided to list the ones closest to us. That way, you can treat yourself!
- Tuesday morning in Saint-Julien-Molin-Mollette, (6 km)
- Wednesday morning in Malleval, (9 km)
- Thursday morning in Maclas, (3.5 km) and Bourg-Argental, (13 km)
- Friday morning in Condrieu, (20 km)
- Friday afternoon in Davézieux, (19 km)
- Saturday morning in Annonay, (18 km)
- Sunday morning in Pélussin, (11 km)
The best places to go
From walks to hikes
There are many hiking trails in the Pilat Regional Park.
Each village has at least one loop trail (marked in yellow and white) of various lengths, suitable both for experienced hikers and for those who simply wish to enjoy a walk through landscapes that change from one mountainside to another.
Several trails start directly from the campsite, including:
The Sainte Blandine Trail and many others…
- Le Circuit des Moulins de Laversanne (Laversanne Mill Trail)
- Crêt de la Perdrix
- Crêt de l’Œillon
- Crêt de Saint-Sabin
- Crêt de la Chèvre
- Pic des 3 Dents to the Dentillon rock
- Lake Ternay (walks, fishing…)
The best places to go
Sports and recreation
THRILLS GUARANTEED!
- PEAUGRES SAFARI PARK (A leading European wildlife park)
- LES ACROBOIS
- PARCABOUT
- LE MONDE DES PENTES
- DOG SLEDDING – LE BESSAT AMARUQ INU
- ZIGZAG Off-road scooter descents
- PILAT X PERIENCE
- ESPACE EAUX VIVES Kayak, rafting, paddle on the Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf river
- BIKE ALL
