Culture and History
The Croix du Bancillon is a Gothic granite cross erected in 1541 and classified as a historic monument in 1910. It depicts Christ and the Virgin on opposite sides; its base contains a barred niche.
The Église Saint-Pierre is a Gothic church dating from the 14th century. It was the chapel of a priory belonging to La Chaise-Dieu Abbey. Its features include a two-bay nave, a pentagonal apse and trefoil tracery in the choir, reminiscent of the mother abbey.
The Château de Folgoux can only be viewed from the outside. The Château privé de Folgoux is a private 14th-century château listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. A low round tower at the château’s southeast corner houses the chapel.
When planning a stay in Malvières, the desire to rent a holiday apartment may be a central consideration.
Hiking
PR101 La croix du Bancillon is a moderately difficult 10.4-kilometre hiking route with a walking time of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. It runs partly alongside the water and crosses a wooden bridge.
PR103 Folgoux et l'arboretum is a moderately difficult 11.1-kilometre hiking route with 295 metres of ascent and 295 metres of descent and a walking time of approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. The route offers views over the Dore Valley between the Monts du Forez and the Monts du Livradois before reaching the Château de Folgoux.
Nature
The Arboretum de Charvols was established in spring 1993 on 3 hectares amid coniferous forests and invites visitors to go for walks and discover various tree species. It contains 96 tree species in four areas; along the circuit, small signs provide anecdotal and scientific information.
