Malrevers: Hiking, Nature and Cultural Heritage

When planning a trip to Malrevers, you can choose from a range of activities: a walking route to Suc de Mercœur, nature in the “Gorges de la Loire” Natura 2000 site, religious architecture and art, and farm visits. The options range from a specific route and local habitats and birdlife to visits that require seasonal booking. You can tailor your stay to whether you mainly want to hike, explore nature or discover cultural heritage.

Hike to Suc de Mercœur

The PR665 route, “Du haut du suc de Mercœur,” is designated as a walking route. It follows the “Les Jardins de Mercœur” interpretation trail and leads to the summit of Suc de Mercœur. The route starts and ends in Mercœur (Malrevers), so you can plan to begin and finish in the same place. The trailhead is in the square at the foot of Suc de Mercœur, near the old bread oven. Check the route details locally before setting out.

Volcanic landscape and habitats

Suc de Mercœur rises to 797 metres. The volcanic summit takes the form of a steep-sided volcanic plug or dome and offers views across the Meygal volcanoes. The geology and the views provide two different perspectives on the landscape around the summit.

The “Gorges de la Loire” Natura 2000 site is another nature-related feature to consider when planning your trip. According to the municipal planning data dated 16 January 2014, the site covers 378.7 hectares in Malrevers, about 27 percent of the municipality. It is a diverse mosaic of different habitats that support exceptional birdlife. The area figure indicates the site’s share within the municipality; the description of its habitats and birdlife characterises it from an ecological perspective.

Church and cross

The Église Saint-Julien-de-Brioude in Malrevers is a 19th-century church in the Neoclassical style. It is named after a gilded wooden statue depicting Saint-Julien-de-Brioude. Inside, painted decorations feature elements of the Passion of Christ; lilies can be seen in the choir. The church’s architecture, name and interior furnishings thus offer different points of interest.

La Croix de Cleyssac is a 15th-century cross in the hamlet of Cleyssac, on the road between Malrevers and Rosières. It was carved from a single block of sandstone. One side depicts Christ, and the other a Madonna and Child wearing a tunic. Its material, date and the figures on its two sides provide different ways to describe it.

Visits to L’Écureuil glacier

At the L’Écureuil glacier farm in Malrevers, ice cream, yogurt and dairy products are made on site. Tastings are available year-round at the farm shop, and the area with the young calves is freely accessible. Visits to the farm and laboratory are offered during school holidays by advance booking. When planning your visit, note the distinction: confirm availability for tastings before you go; farm and laboratory visits are limited to school holidays and require advance booking.

Discover more destinations: Le Monastier-Sur-Gazeille, Saint-Just-Près-Brioude, Tiranges, Rauret, Champclause, Freycenet-La-Cuche, La Chaise-Dieu, Autrac.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Loire.