Things to see and do Le Pilat - Monts du Forez

La maison des forges is above all the story of passionate people who never gave up. Indeed, it took 10 years between the initial idea and the opening of this site. But in concrete terms, what can you find inside? Here, you will be able to learn more about the blacksmith's trade. You can discover the tools used by blacksmiths and enter an interactive workshop. Note that temporary exhibitions are also proposed.

Count Guy IV of Forez orders the construction of the castle of Chalmazle from 1231 that he finances at his expense. In the Renaissance, this building became the property of the Marquis of Talaru, which returned from the wars of Italy, projecting embellishments in Renaissance style: Skeleton facade, interior courtyard galleries and paintings of the chapel, sculptures… before leaving in 1533 this castle due to the harsh winters. For a few years it is the sisters Saint Joseph who will occupy him and carry out numerous restorations. In 2002, the new owners decided to open it on the visit and create guest rooms. In medieval terms, it presents elements of the strong house of origin and of all the styles that have passed over the centuries: meurtrières, donjon, ronde, galleries, chapel…

The Maison du Tourisme de Chalmazel welcomes you all year round, at the village and at the resort. You will be informed about leisure activities (winter or summer sports, mountain biking, hiking and many others), cultural heritage, demonstrations, etc. not only on the Chalmazel area, but also on the territory of Loire Forez, which is part of the municipality. You will find on the website all the useful information about accommodation in order to spend a pleasant stay on the slopes!

The house of passementerie is a place of memory of the textile activity in Pilat. The visit focuses on the reconstitution of local know-how in a workshop and the typical apartment of a passementerie maker in the last century. Through this history, you will discover beautiful collections: a Jacquard ribbon loom in working order, ribbons, period furniture, a film retracing the life of the passementier. The commentaries are provided by former passementiers.

A natural park in 1974, the Pilat covers a surface area of 700 km ². It reaches 1 432 metres, at the Crêt de la Partridge. The vegetation is very rich because of the many climatic influences, thus constituting an important reserve for the fauna and flora of this mountainous region. This protected site houses rare species such as the circaète Jean-le-blanc or the soulflayer shrike. Haut Pilat is located in the welcoming village of Rochetaillée (only 6 km from Saint-Etienne) and its th century castle overlooking the Furan valley. Winter is perfect for the escapades and continue to the Bessat is an interesting idea because the place is ideal for oxygenate outdoors. There are numerous hiking trails on the Jasserie road. The Nordic area of Haut-Pilat offers a number of activities such as cross-country skiing, as well as children, and they are delighted to be able to enjoy the joy of the'kart'déval.

Small pedestrian streets serving garden gardens protected by high walls and suitable for a pleasant stroll.