In the Loire Gorges (Gorges de la Loire in French) Çaloire is situated on the western slope of the Loire Gorges. It is an outstanding site.
Some history
The commune “En deçà de Loire” meaning “this side of the Loire” severed its ties with the St-Paul-en-Cornillon parish and as the years went by the name was shortened to çaloire.
Gorges de la Loire
Essential visiting
The French Revolution bicentenary bridge
The first bridge was built in 1842, and was followed by a second bridge, a toll bridge, in 1934 and then a third work of art, a cable-stayed bridge, which is still used today.
A traditional Forez type home with a « loge de vigne » which would have been built to shelter workers is nearby.
The pierre à sacrifices (literally slaughter stone) at the Fontclauze hamlet Cupule stone shaped by erosion in the quaternary age.
A closed-off fountain
Other unusual sites
The Deux Meules (literally the Two Millstones) They originate from the old windmill Riffat at La Mure.
The croix des morts in Vareilles (literally the Cross of the Dead) Meeting point for funeral processions (carried by men) before the construction of the RD 108 road in 1881.
The Simand Blaise cross Situated on the Place de La Roche, this cross was donated in 1851. There is a wall fountain nearby.
The Rocher Maudit (literally Cursed Rock) in Cursieux Overlooking the Loire, this rock has been the witness of a great number of drownings.
A washing place-drinking trough Testimony of a distant rural past in Cursieux
A closed-off fountain It dates back to 1817 and has given its name to the hamlet “Fontclauze”.
Suggestions for outings
The Quatre Massifs trip is an excuse to discover the flora and fauna varieties in the Natural Reserve of the Loire Gorges. You will be able to spot the four massifs which are the Mont du Pilat, the Mont du Forez, the Mont du Velay and the Mont du Lyonnais.
Discover our region
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