Things to Do in the Roannais | Loire Valley Activities & Tourism

Roanne Tourism: St-Priest-la-Roche via Saint-Martini

Located in the north of the Loire department, the Roannais region is an authentic destination that captivates visitors with its rich heritage and beautiful landscapes.

Just one hour from Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Clermont-Ferrand, this area offers a true escape combining nature, history and the French art of living.

Explore the charming villages of the Roannais, perched on hillsides or nestled in the countryside, where cobbled streets, stone houses and breathtaking viewpoints tell the story of the region. The many castles along the Loire River also bear witness to this fascinating heritage, offering visitors remarkable places filled with history to discover.

Nature lovers will enjoy the lakes of the Roannais and their walking trails, perfect for relaxing, hiking and outdoor activities. Food enthusiasts can experience the region through local restaurants, producers and markets, discovering the flavours and traditions of the Loire.

Between cultural discoveries, gourmet experiences and wide-open spaces, the Roannais is the perfect destination for a rejuvenating getaway just one hour from Lyon—and an ideal starting point from Domaine ForRest.

Château de la Roche

The Château de la Roche has a fascinating history closely linked to the Loire River.

Standing on its rocky outcrop since the 13th century, the castle has taken on different roles over time, depending on the river’s mood: once a defensive stronghold, now a romantic island surrounded by water. Its extraordinary location on the Loire makes it one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.

Activities available: seminars, escape games and theatrical guided tours.

Château de Champlong

Just a few kilometres from Roanne, Château de Champlong is a place we warmly recommend to our guests.

This charming 16th-century residence, transformed into a château in the 18th century and lovingly restored by owners passionate about their region, offers a rare atmosphere—the feeling of staying in an elegant family home where you instantly feel welcome.

The restaurant at Château de Champlong is highly regarded throughout the region. Refined cuisine, local produce and a beautiful countryside setting make it a true gastronomic experience.

A wellness area is also available for those wishing to extend their moment of relaxation beyond their stay at Domaine ForRest.

A wonderful blend of heritage and gastronomy, just a short drive away.

Golf and archery at Château de Champlong

Are you more Robin Hood or Tiger Woods? 😊

Whether you enjoy golf or archery, this activity area is made for you.

Set in a beautiful natural environment with breathtaking views over the Roannais hills, the Champlong estate combines relaxation, sport and the pleasure of being surrounded by preserved countryside.

The Roannais Golf Course welcomes players on its 9-hole par 36 course, stretching over 2,939 metres, with exceptional views across the local vineyards.

Just beside the golf course, the archery area invites you to test your focus and precision in a peaceful natural setting.

Lakes – Water activities including canoeing, paddleboarding, pedal boats and rowing

Lac des Sapins – The great natural swimming destination of the Haut-Beaujolais

Located 35 km from Domaine ForRest, Lac des Sapins is one of the region’s most popular nature escapes.

Nestled in the heart of the Haut-Beaujolais area, between the villages of Cublize and Ronno, this lake is famous for hosting the largest biological swimming area in Europe: 8,000 m² of naturally filtered water pools, including a swimming area, children’s paddling pool, diving boards and a large sun terrace perfect for relaxing.

But Lac des Sapins is much more than a swimming destination. Sailing, pedal boats, forest adventure courses, horse riding, hiking, cycling and electric bike routes—there are countless ways to enjoy a day outdoors with family or as nature lovers.

Trail enthusiasts will love discovering the Beaujolais Vert trail centre, featuring 16 marked routes for all levels and 4 training areas around the lake.

A wonderful nature escape to combine with your stay at Domaine ForRest—and dogs are welcome on the surrounding trails.

Lac de Villerest

Just 30 minutes from Domaine ForRest, Lac de Villerest is a fantastic outdoor playground along the Loire River.

This large leisure area near Roanne welcomes visitors of all ages from the first sunny days, with a beach, swimming area and plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the day.

For those who love nature and taking things slowly, the Villerest-Un sightseeing boat offers cruises lasting from 1 to 3 hours across the lake, following the wild banks of the Loire—a peaceful and scenic way to discover the river’s hidden treasures.

For a more adventurous experience, try the Lac de Villerest rail bike: a fun 6.8 km ride along a former railway line on electric-assisted rail bikes suitable for the whole family.

With a snack area, playground and beautiful views over the lake, it is a friendly and memorable outing for everyone.

An ideal experience to combine with your stay—and the perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors twice.

Book your activity on the Belvédère Aventures website: belvedere-aventures.fr

Gourmet experiences

Three-star Michelin restaurant in Roanne – Maison Troisgros, a French culinary institution

Founded in 1930, Maison Troisgros celebrated 30 consecutive years holding three Michelin stars in 1998.

Today, the third generation continues the family legacy, offering refined and authentic cuisine that celebrates traditional French gastronomy with creativity and passion.

Montbrison Market

Voted “France’s most beautiful market” in 2019

Discover this historic market, which has existed since the Middle Ages.

Around 200 independent traders gather here every week, offering a wide variety of quality products: fresh food, local produce, clothing, crafts and more.

Finding freshly harvested products and seasonal specialities is still possible here. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet passionate local vendors and authentic producers who come from across the Forez region for this much-loved weekly gathering.

The Côte Roannaise Wine Route

An exceptional vineyard just minutes from Domaine ForRest

Just a few minutes from Domaine ForRest, the Côte Roannaise Wine Route invites you to enjoy a gourmet and scenic escape through a remarkable local vineyard.

Awarded Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status in 1994, the Côte Roannaise vineyard stretches across around 20 kilometres, covering 13 villages and reaching elevations of up to 500 metres.

Around thirty independent winemakers share these beautiful hillsides, with many welcoming visitors into their cellars for tastings and discoveries.

The star grape variety here is Gamay Saint-Romain, a local variety that thrives on the granite soils of the Monts de la Madeleine foothills.

The red wines offer a beautiful range of aromas, including blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry and wild blackberry, enhanced by spicy and liquorice notes.

But the Côte Roannaise is not only about red wine. Rosés, white wines under the IGP Vins de Pays d’Urfé designation and even sparkling wines complete a diverse and surprising selection. Some estates also produce organic and biodynamic wines.

The wine route can be explored by car, on foot or by bike, crossing charming villages, vineyards and countryside landscapes.

Along the way, discover local heritage treasures such as:

Ambierle and its 14th-century priory
Le Crozet and its medieval streets
Saint-Haon-le-Châtel and its Renaissance ramparts
Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire with its breathtaking views over the Loire River

A perfect combination of wine tasting, heritage discovery and authentic local experiences.

The destination has been awarded the Vignobles & Découvertes label, a national recognition for destinations offering a complete wine tourism experience.

A wonderful way to extend your stay at Domaine ForRest for an afternoon or a full day—and perhaps bring home a few bottles to remember your visit.

Hiking and outdoor activities

Hiking and mountain biking for all levels

In the Roannais region, nature offers a truly spectacular setting. Between valleys, forests and rivers, every trail reveals new landscapes and turns each walk into a unique experience.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, every route invites you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

On foot or on horseback, with family or friends, discover the pleasures of walking along the Loire River, following sections of the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago) or exploring the Monts de la Madeleine.

A true escape where disconnection and relaxation come naturally.

Winter sports

Chalmazel

Chalmazel is a former French commune located in the Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Known for its winter sports resort and its historic château, it offers a beautiful mountain escape combining outdoor activities, snowy landscapes and heritage.

La Loge des Gardes

La Loge des Gardes is a winter sports resort and summer leisure park located at the gateway to Auvergne, in the south of the Allier department, near the borders of the Loire and Puy-de-Dôme.

The ski slopes are nestled in the heart of the Assise forest, on the slopes of the Pierres du Jour, the highest point of the Monts de la Madeleine.

A destination to enjoy nature and outdoor activities throughout the seasons.

A cycling-friendly welcome inspired by the Accueil Vélo spirit

At Domaine ForRest, we want your cycling stopover to be simple, comfortable and enjoyable.

Whether you are travelling through the region by bike or enjoying a cycling getaway, we provide:

A secure, enclosed storage area for bikes and motorcycles
A practical space to organise your next stage
A generous and delicious brunch to recharge your batteries
Personalised advice and brochures to help you discover the best cycling routes

A true break during your cycling journey

Whether you are completing a long-distance route or simply enjoying a countryside ride, Domaine ForRest offers a peaceful and comfortable stop where you can slow down, rest and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

Just 1 hour from Lyon, it is also a wonderful destination for a countryside cycling weekend, a nature escape or a relaxing stop on your cycling adventure.

Charming villages in the Loire region near Domaine ForRest

Perched on rocky spurs, surrounded by ancient walls and centuries-old towers, the Villages de Caractère of the Loire region are among the finest witnesses to the area’s rich history.

Just a few kilometres from Domaine ForRest, several of these medieval villages are well worth discovering—and yet they remain hidden gems, still little known among visitors.

The Villages de Caractère label highlights towns of fewer than 6,000 inhabitants with exceptional architectural and landscape heritage: cobbled streets, stone houses, breathtaking viewpoints and a timeless atmosphere.

These are exactly the kind of places that reflect the spirit of Domaine ForRest: authenticity, heritage and a slower pace of life.

Discover: