Loire places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Loire department of Rhone-Alpes. See also our Loire travel guide
Malleval
We found Malleval to be one of the loveliest villages in the Regional Natural Park of Pilat See guide
Pelussin
The Chateau de Virieu and the old market hall are among the highlights when you visit Pelussin See guide
Saint-Etienne
Originally an industrial town, regeneration of the Place Jean Jaures, the cathedral and the town centre in Saint-Etienne now make it a pleasant town to visit See guide
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, now a 'most beautiful village in France' is unusual because it started life as a series of monastery buildings See guideFor more information see the Loire guide
Market towns & days in Loire
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Andrezieux-Boutheon: Tuesday
Balbigny: Monday
Boen: Thursday
Bourg-Argental: Thursday
Charlieu: Wednesday & Saturday
Chazelles-sur-Lyon: Friday
Feurs: Tuesday
Firminy: Thursday all day & Saturday
La Grand-Croix: Monday
La Talaudiere: Tuesday & Saturday
Le Chambon-Feugerolles: Monday & Friday
Le Coteau: Wednesday
Maclas: Thursday
Montbrison: Saturday
Montrond-les-Bains: Thursday
Noiretable: Saturday
Rive-de-Gier: Tuesday & Friday
Roanne: Sunday & Friday
Roche-la-Moliere: Wednesday & Saturday
Saint-Bonnet-le-Chateau: Friday
Saint-Chamond: Tuesday & Thursday
Saint-Etienne: Wednesday & Tuesday all day & Thursday all day & Sunday all day & Saturday & Monday & Friday
Saint-Galmier: Monday
Saint-Genest-Malifaux: Thursday
Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert: Wednesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday
Sury-le-Comtal: Wednesday
Unieux: Wednesday & Saturday
Usson-en-Forez: Sunday
Veauche: Wednesday
Tourist attractions to visit in Loire
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Zoo or wildlife park
Parc zoologique de Saint-Martin-la-Plaine
4* Towns in Bloom
Saint-Galmier
Towns of Art and History
Saint-Etienne: See tourist guide
Sites of Natural Beauty
Oeillon Crest
Perdrix Crest
Listed 'Remarkable Gardens'
Jardin de l’écomusée
Religious Monuments
Abbaye Saint-Fortuné de Charlieu (Charlieu)
Couvent des Cordeliers (Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu)
Regional Natural Parcs
Pilat
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Charlieu
Saint-Galmier