Montrond-les-Bains / Balbigny
While awaiting the extension of the Véloire further up the Loire, Montrond-les-Bains is the entry point to this cycle route following the upper stages of the longest river in France. This riverside thermal resort looks impressive, with its Renaissance castle perched above town. Here, you’re in the Forez area, known for gentle good living. The cycle route leads you off on minor roads across the bocage ligérien, hedgerows dividing this area’s pastures, past countless lakes on the way to Feurs. This town was a strategic spot in Gallo-Roman times, and capital of the Segusiaves tribe; the place stands at a crossroads between Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon and halfway between Roanne and Saint-Etienne. Its racecourse is highly regarded, in an area known for its stud farms.
The route
Until the route continues to be laid out further upstream along the Loire, start your Véloire journey from Montrond station. This stage leads you, in the main, along minor roads that are safe, with few slopes. The route is signposted Véloire. Take care crossing the towns, notably Feurs on market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays). This stage ends at the centre of the little town of Balbigny.
Link for the future
A cycle route called ‘La Coulée Verte’ at Montrond should be linked to the Véloire cycle route in due course.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don’t miss
- Montrond-les-Bains: the thermal spa resort; the castle fortress, home to a postal museum; Les Iléades (spa centre); JOA Casino.
- Feurs: the racecourse with its horse-racing calendar; the archaeological museum.
- Close to the route – Ecopole du Forez: a fine bird observatory and visitor centre introducing you to the largest ornithological reserve in the county of the Loire
