Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle: Lake, Nature and Heritage

Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle brings together a variety of attractions for a stay: the lake and activities at the Plan d’eau des Prades, walking trails and climbing opportunities, as well as a Gothic church with artworks dating from several centuries. If you are looking for a hotel, these highlights can help you organise your interests for the trip.

Lake, arboretum and waterside activities

Since 2021, the lake at Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle has received the Pavillon Bleu label every year. At the Plan d’eau des Prades, the arboretum showcases around 30 plant species in their natural environment. The lake and arboretum give your stay a clear connection to the landscape, while the watersports centre offers a variety of activities on the water: canoe trips, paddleboarding and pedal boating are all available there.

The tourist information office of the Maison du Tourisme du Livradois-Forez is also located on the banks of the Plan d’eau des Prades. Its opening days may change seasonally. If you plan to visit, it is best to check the current opening days in advance.

Walking trails and distances

For a walk, there is an 800-metre fitness trail that is accessible to everyone. In addition, six hiking trails marked in purple are signposted in Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle. The “Randonnée de l’arboretum” hike starts near the car park by the boules court. For a walk, there is an 800-metre fitness trail that is accessible to everyone. In addition, six hiking trails marked in purple are signposted in Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle. The “Randonnée de l’arboretum” hike starts near the car park by the boules court.

A longer route option is the “Circuit n°33 – Le Calvaire”: the route is 16 kilometres long and starts in Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle. The details for the fitness trail and this route offer a direct comparison of their lengths. Trail details may be updated; conditions on Circuit n°33 may vary depending on the weather. Check route information before setting out.

Climbing and views

The natural climbing area at Le Calvaire has 13 routes on a 15-metre-high rock face. The rock is characterised by quartzite. The Le Rocher du Calvaire climbing rock also has thirteen routes, with grades ranging from 3a to 6c.

The Le Calvaire climbing area overlooks Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle and offers panoramic views of the Monts du Forez and the Massif Central. Anyone climbing does so at their own responsibility.

Church, art and local history

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle is a Gothic building dating from the 15th century. Six frescoes by Louis Dussour, painted in 1947, decorate the nave. They are joined by three polychrome wooden statues from the 17th century: Saint Rémy, Saint Julien and a female saint.

The three statues are classified as protected objects; the protection was registered on 9 September 1969. This classification applies to the statues. Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle was formerly called Saint-Rémy-sur-Thiers and is known as the world capital of corkscrew-wick manufacturing.

Another destination for exercise

The Piscine aqualudique de Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle is a heated aquatic complex with two pools, including a 25-metre swimming pool. Along with the watersports on the lake, the fitness trail and the hiking and climbing options, it expands the range of activities available.

Discover more destinations: Durtol, Royat, Auzelles, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, Miremont, Thiolières, Bertignat, Valcivières.

For the regional travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.