Pinols: Hiking, Heritage and Farm Visits

In Pinols, you can choose between hiking, mountain biking and exploring local history; there is also a farm that offers visits and products for sale. The two routes differ in their mode of travel and destination: the PR322 runs through coniferous forest to views of the Sancy, while the Chemin de la Résistance leads to the Monument National de la Résistance. Other points of interest include a 19th-century church, the history of the Montgros mine and what the Ferme du Boussillon has to offer. This gives you a way to choose which activities and historical topics to include in your stay in Pinols.

Circular Hike with Views of the Sancy

The PR322 La Pierre Trouée is a circular hike starting in Pinols and signposted as a “Petite Randonnée.” Along the loop, clearings in the extensive coniferous forest open up views of the Sancy. Forest sections and open spots with mountain views shape the scenery along this route. If you are considering adding a hike to your travel plans, the combination of a circular route, forest and views of the Sancy offers a specific point of reference when choosing. Check trail conditions locally before planning the hike.

Mountain Bike Loop and Memorial Site

Le chemin de la Résistance is a signposted 32.8 km mountain bike loop starting in Pinols. It differs from the PR322 in being designed for mountain biking; both are described as circular routes. The stated distance is an additional concrete feature to consider when choosing the Chemin. The route leads to the Monument National de la Résistance, a memorial site, museum and picnic area. Along with its stated length, the loop therefore has a named memorial site as its destination. Check trail conditions locally for this route as well.

Church and Mining History

The parish church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours in Pinols was built from 1859 onwards to plans by the departmental architect Normand. The start of construction and the named architect give the church a specific historical context. Together with the history of mining, the church offers a distinct perspective on the town’s built heritage.

The Montgros mine was discovered in 1890. It was in continuous, active operation from 1899 to 1906 and was finally abandoned in July 1912. These dates distinguish the mine’s discovery, period of operation and eventual abandonment. The geographical context includes the Pinols concession and the Montgros deposit: it covered areas of the communes of Desges, Nozeyrolles and Pinols, lay south of Pinols and was crossed by the deep Courgueyre gorge. The story of Montgros thus combines a history of mining over time with the geographical extent of the concession.

Visits and Products at the Ferme du Boussillon

The Ferme du Boussillon offers visits to the farm, followed by a goûter or casse-croûte. Confirm the visit arrangements locally. The farm also sells its own produce, such as cured meats, eggs and small fruits, and has an outlet for direct sales. A visit and a purchase are two different reasons to stop by: you can combine a farm visit with the meal afterwards, or include the farm’s products in your travel plans as a separate point of interest. The products listed give you specific examples of what is available for sale.

Discover more destinations: Mazerat-Aurouze, Sanssac-L'église, Laval-sur-Doulon, Loudes, Brioude, Le Pertuis, Séneujols, Saint-Hostien

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Loire.