Monistrol-Sur-Loire: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Culture

The Château des Evêques was the former residence of the bishops of Le Puy, who were the lords of Monistrol until the Revolution. The château combines architectural elements dating from the 14th to the 18th century. It is open only during cultural events; information is available from the tourist office. The historic tour of Monistrol also begins at the Château des Evêques.

The Collégiale Saint-Marcellin preserves Romanesque architectural elements, including parts of the façade, the arrangement of the columns in the nave and a domed choir. The church also houses the relics of Saint Marcellin, as well as stained-glass windows by Barrelon.

The Chapelle des Ursulines is the chapel of the former Ursuline convent. It contains monumental 17th-century sculptures made of walnut wood, attributed to Pierre Vaneau. It also houses a 3 m high and 2.35 m wide gilded altarpiece depicting the death of Saint Joseph. The chapel is accessible exclusively through guided tours with commentary for groups, by prior reservation.

Anyone planning a stay in Monistrol-Sur-Loire may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.

Nature

The Sentier des Gorges de Bilhard features waterfalls, plunge pools and diverse vegetation at the confluence of two streams. The walk through wild nature in the centre of Monistrol takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It begins in the town centre opposite the Château des Evêques and initially follows the yellow-marked PR105 towards Pinet.

The easy hike PR105 – Du château des Evêques à la Loire leads gently downhill to the Loire after passing through the wild Bilhard gorges. Via the PR105, the Loire can be reached in 30 minutes there and back via the fishermen’s path at Foletier. The PR105 offers wide views over the Loire Valley.

The route T47 – Objectif Loire leads to the two scenic highlights around Monistrol: the Gorges de Bilhard and the Gorges de la Loire near Gournier.

Walking Tours

Monistrol au fil du temps – le tour de ville à pied is a one-hour walking tour through the historic centre of old Monistrol. The historic tour is marked by information panels that approximately follow the course of the former town fortifications.

Other places in the same higher-level area: Montagnac, Saint-Bérain, Malrevers, Saint-Jean-Lachalm, Saugues, Mazet-Saint-Voy, Salettes, Dunières.

To the higher-level travel overview: Haute-Loire.