A welcoming rural environment
Situated in the south west of Saint-Étienne, Roche-la-Molière is in a very warm and welcoming rural setting.
Roche la Molière
Some history
The name Roche was first mentioned in 1252, “Guillelmus de Rocha Moeyra, a name meaning “ millstone”. A large quantity of millstones were made here out of sandstone. But what made Roche-la-Molière really famous was coal.
The castle
Essential visiting
The castle
This is one of the rarest examples of medieval architecture in the Saint Etienne region. You will discover towers, courtines (wall linking bastions or towers, hoard (a wooden gallery built on top of castle walls in times of siege), machiolations (a projecting gallery built on top of a defensive wall)…
The Church
The church of today was built between 1900 and 1902 and is a Byzantine-inspired church.
The millstones The two main sandstone millstone extraction sites are near the castle and in the small woods at the hamlet called Les Rieux.
Honey Making farm of the Loire Gorges
Suggestions for outings
Three mountain bike paths or footpaths depart from the Roche-la-Molière castle. They combine both physical and cultural activities while exploring the Rouchon heritage history.
A guide entitled “Discovering Roche-la-Molière” is for sale at the Tourist Office.
Honey Making farm of the Loire Gorges
Observe the life of the bees and dive into the heart of honey making. Free visits for individuals and groups. Guided tours for groups. You will need to book beforehand.
Activities and leisure
Horseriding
Honey See the Honey Making Farm on the Loire Gorges.
Local products
Honey See the Honey Making Farm on the Loire Gorges
Discover our region
