Loire Department

Discovering the Loire department: landscapes, heritage and gastronomy

Visit Loire departmentlocated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a land rich in history, diverse landscapes and culinary traditions. Bordered by the departments of Rhône, Isère, Ardèche, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Allier and Saône-et-Loire, it offers a multitude of sites to explore and flavors to taste.

Emblematic Loire landscapes and towns

The Loire department is characterized by a variety of landscapes, from mountains to verdant plains. Visit monts du Forez to the west and monts du Lyonnais to the east frame the Forez plain, offering breathtaking panoramas ideal for outdoor activities.

Saint-Étienne

Prefecture of the department, Saint-Étienne is a city with a rich industrial past. Today, it is renowned for its commitment to design and innovation, as evidenced by the International Design Biennial which is held here on a regular basis. Architecture lovers will also appreciate the Le Corbusier site in Firminy, bringing together several of the architect's major works.

Roanne

Located in the north of the department, Roanne is renowned for its gastronomy and its river port on the Loire. The town offers a pleasant setting with its landscaped quays and heritage-rich historic center.

Montbrison

Historic capital of Forez, Montbrison seduce you with its medieval streets, its weekly market ranked among the most beautiful in France, and its famous fourme de Montbrisona PDO cheese appreciated by gourmets.

Must-see tourist sites

The Loire department is packed with tourist attractions to delight visitors in search of culture, nature and history.

The Loire gorges

Near Saint-Étienne, the Loire gorges offer wild, unspoilt landscapes. Visit Lac de Grangentwith its castle rising out of the water, is a popular spot for water sports and hiking. The marked trails offer breathtaking panoramas of the meandering river.

Pilat Regional Nature Park

Stretching over part of the département, the Pilat Regional Nature Park is a haven of biodiversity. Hiking enthusiasts will find a variety of trails through forests, meadows and ridges offering breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and the Alps. The park is also renowned for its local products, such as wines and cheeses.

Charlieu Abbey

Founded in the IXᵉ century, theBenedictine abbey of Charlieu is a jewel of Romanesque architecture. Its remarkably well-preserved sculptures and cloister bear witness to the site's historic importance. The town of Charlieu, with its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleyways, is also well worth a visit.

La Roche castle

Perched on a rocky islet in the middle of the Loire River, the Château de La Roche offers a magical setting. Carefully restored, it offers exhibitions and events for the whole family. The area around the château is ideal for walks and picnics in the heart of nature.

The region and neighbouring departments

The Loire department is surrounded by territories of varied cultural and natural wealth.

The Rhône

To the east, the Rhône is known for its dynamic metropolis, Lyona UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is renowned for its gastronomy, traboules and architectural heritage.

Isère

To the southeast, l'Isère offers majestic Alpine scenery. Ski resorts, nature parks and the town of Grenoble attract fans of mountain sports and scientific culture.

The Ardèche

To the south, l'Ardèche with its spectacular gorges, picturesque villages and prehistoric sites, including the famous Chauvet cave. Outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking are particularly popular.

Haute-Loire

To the southwest, the Haute-Loire is a mid-mountain region, marked by the sources of the Loire and the town of Le Havre. Puy-en-Velaythe historic starting point of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Puy-de-Dôme

To the west, the Puy-de-Dôme is dominated by the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit volcanism is omnipresent, offering unique landscapes and exceptional hiking opportunities.

The Allier

To the northwest, l'Allier is renowned for its spa towns, such as Vichyand its architectural heritage, with numerous castles and Romanesque churches.

Saône-et-Loire

To the north, the Saône-et-Loire is a land of vineyards, particularly those of the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais regions.

Gastronomy and culinary specialities of the Loire department

Visit Loire department is a land of gastronomic tradition, where local products are given pride of place. From famous cheeses to typical dishes and sweet treats, the Loire offers a tasty cuisine that reflects its varied terroir.

Emblematic cheeses

Fourme de Montbrison

Visit Fourme de Montbrison is the emblematic cheese of the Loire region. This blue-veined cheese with its orange rind has been Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 2002. Its artisanal production is based on careful maturing, which gives it a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a subtle, slightly woody taste. It is often enjoyed on cheese platters, but also in local recipes such as fourme sauce with meat or potatoes.

Pilat goat cheese

Visit PilatThis mountainous region of the Loire is renowned for its goat farms. Goat cheeses from this area are appreciated for their delicate flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture. They can be eaten fresh, dry or coated with aromatic herbs.

Traditional Loire dishes

Grated cheese from Saint-Etienne

Originally from Saint-Étiennethe grated is a culinary speciality made from grated potatoes, eggs and garlic, pan-fried into crispy patties. Simple and comforting, it's often served with a green salad or a slice of ham.

Les barbotons foréziens

Visit barbotons foréziens are a typical rustic dish ForezThis stew is made from pork meat simmered with potatoes and onions. This strong-tasting stew is reminiscent of grandma's dishes, and is enjoyed by the whole family at Sunday dinners.

The sarasson

Visit sarasson is a cheese speciality made from curdled milk, often mixed with cream, garlic and herbs. This fresh cheese is eaten as a spread on farmhouse bread or as an accompaniment to potatoes.

Typical sweets and desserts

La bugne forézienne

Visit bugne is a traditional pastry found in many regions of France, but in the Loire region it's prepared with a thin, crisp pastry, lightly sweetened and deep-fried. It is eaten mainly at carnival time.

Matefaims

Visit matefaims are thick pancakes made from a batter of flour, milk and eggs. They can be eaten sweet with honey or jam, or savory with cheese and bacon.

Saint-Étienne's fairground cake

A speciality of Saint-Etienne, this cake is a soft brioche, scented with orange blossom and often sprinkled with pearl sugar. Popular at local fairs and festivals.

Local wines and beverages

Côte Roannaise wines

Visit Côte Roannaiselocated in the north of the department, produces red and rosé wines from the grape variety Gamay Saint-Romain. These light, fruity wines are the perfect accompaniment to local specialties.

Côtes-du-Forez

The vineyards of Côtes-du-Forezlocated between Montbrison and Boën, is renowned for its red and rosé wines, also made from the Gamay grape variety. The region's volcanic soils give the wines mineral, fruity aromas.

Forez Verbena

This artisanal verbena-based liqueur, with its lemony, slightly spicy notes, is a specialty of the Forez region. Enjoy it as an after-dinner drink, often chilled.

Conclusion

Visit Loire gastronomy is an invitation to discover authentic local flavours. Between its exceptional cheesesits comfort food and its gourmet treatsThe Loire region offers a rich and generous cuisine that will appeal to gourmets and lovers of culinary traditions alike. When visiting the region, it's impossible not to give in to the temptation of sampling a fourme de Montbrisona grated cheese from Saint-Etienne or a crispy bugne !

FAQ about the Loire department

What are the must-see tourist attractions in the Loire?

Visit Loire department is brimming with places to visit. Among the must-sees are Loire gorgesthe Pilat Regional Nature Park, l'Charlieu abbeythe Château de La Rocheand the city of Saint-Étiennefamous for its industrial heritage and commitment to design.

What is the largest city in the Loire department?

Visit largest city in the Loire is Saint-Étiennewhich is also the prefecture of the département. It is known for its industrial history, its Design Biennial and its many green spaces.

What are the typical dishes of the Loire department?

Visit Loire department has a rich culinary tradition. Typical dishes include grated cheese from Saint-Etienne (potato pancake), the barbotons foréziens (pork and potato stew), as well as the bugne forézienne (crispy doughnut).

Which cheeses are emblematic of the Loire region?

The department's best-known cheese is Fourme de Montbrisona blue-veined cheese with a subtle aroma. You'll also find goat cheese in the Pilat massif, including crottins and mature tommes.

When is the best time to visit the Loire?

Visit best time to visit the Loire depends on the activities required. Visit spring and autumn are ideal for discovering the green landscapes and hiking in the Pilat Park or the Loire gorges. In winter, you can enjoy snow sports on the monts du ForezSummer is perfect for water sports and exploring picturesque villages.

What wines are produced in the Loire department?

The department mainly produces red and rosé wines from the grape variety Gamay. A distinction is made between Côtes-du-Forez and the Côte Roannaisetwo AOP appellations renowned for their light, fruity wines, perfect for accompanying local specialties.

Which departments border the Loire?

Visit Loire department is surrounded by several departments: the Rhône, l'Isère, l'Ardèchethe Haute-Loirethe Puy-de-Dôme, l'Allier and the Saône-et-Loire. Each of these regions has its own unique tourist and gastronomic attractions.

Are there any ski resorts in the Loire?

Yes, the Loire department has a number of small ski resorts, particularly on the monts du Forez. The Chalmazel stationsituated at an altitude of around 1,100 metres, is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, with its downhill ski slopes and cross-country ski trails.

Why visit the Loire rather than the Loire Valley?

Unlike the Loire Valleyknown for its castles, the Loire department offers wilder, more diverse landscapes, perfect for lovers of nature and hiking. His gorges, mountains and plateaus make it an ideal playground for outdoor activities.

How to get to the Loire?

The department is accessible by car via theA72 and theA89. Saint-Étienne has a TGV station linking the city to Paris in around 3 hours. The nearest airport is Lyon-Saint-Exupéryabout an hour's drive away.