Les Vastres: Nature, Trails and Heritage

Les Vastres lies at an altitude of 1,121 m; its maximum elevation is 1,215 m. The commune is among those covered by the Haute vallée du Lignon Natura 2000 site.

Nature and trails

If you are interested in birdwatching, the marsh is one option: you may spot a grey heron or a hen harrier there. A sighting is possible, but not guaranteed.

The PR491 Circuit de Clauzelles leads from the Plateau de la Chaux into the Rimande valley and passes through Clauzelles, Le Chier and Crodo. Along the route, there are panoramic views of the Ardèche mountains. The circuit therefore links named places with views of a specific mountain landscape.

The long-distance Chemin de Saint Régis trail leads from Les Vastres via Lac de Saint-Front to Freycenet-la-Tour. Along the way, the landscape opens out onto the Mézenc high plateau, with its wide pastures and unspoiled nature. The PR491 focuses on the route from the plateau into the Rimande valley and the Ardèche mountains; the Chemin de Saint Régis connects Lac de Saint-Front with the landscape around Mézenc.

Water landscape and access

Within the commune, the Lioussel flows into a gorge between the hamlets of Villelonge and Champagne, forming a waterfall.

The gorge near Villelonge can be reached on foot from the centre of Les Vastres via the PR389 marsh loop trail. Beyond the hamlet of Villelonge, an accessible path leads through the forest to the gorge. You can also drive closer and leave your car in a designated car park in the hamlet of Villelonge. Check access conditions locally before your visit.

Cultural history

The Dolmen des Pennes is in the village of Les Pennes, 4 km north of the centre of Les Vastres. It is remarkably well preserved and has been classified as a French historic monument since 4 January 1968. As the dolmen is privately owned, check access arrangements before visiting.

The Sainte-Anne church in Les Vastres replaced the original Saint-Théofrède church in the 14th century. Its façade, rebuilt in 1890, incorporates the earlier Gothic portal. The two dates refer to different building phases: the 14th century marks the transition to the Sainte-Anne church, while 1890 refers to the rebuilding of the façade.

The Croix de Vieille Église stands at a site where one of the first churches in Les Vastres was probably built in the 12th century. This probable date belongs to an early period in the history of the area and complements the later construction details of the Sainte-Anne church.

Discover more destinations: Coubon, Saint-Julien-Molhesabate, La Chaise-Dieu, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Froid, Salzuit, Saint-Pierre-du-Champ, Saint-Jean-Lachalm, Bains.

Back to the regional travel overview: Haute-Loire.