Gorges of the Sioule and Loire France

Travelled: 157km

Visited:Sioule Gorge, St.Rirand, Villerest, Loire Gorge

Stay:le Chateau de la Roche : free parking N45.896632 E4.102675

We set off along the Sioule Gorge road and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It certainly wasn’t as dramatic as other Gorge drives we have done, but it still had a tunnel blown out of the rock and stone walls bordering the road to stop us from tumbling down the ravine. There were the obligatory camp sites and canoe hire places along the way as well. 

We thought to spend the morning exploring Vichy but alas we were thwarted by traffic congestion and decided to bypass the town and take a forest road towards Roanne. 

We took a breather from the windy roads in St.Rirand, a tiny village that had a pretty church and a free motorhome parking and service area next to the playground!

 We stretched our legs and had a cup of tea before continuing our journey to Villerest which is on the banks of the lake with the same name. 

Mark happily listened to the Bombers win against Westcoast Eagles and I walked up into the Medieval walled village. 

Then over the dam wall we crossed and followed the Loire Gorges Road to the pretty Chateau de la Roche. 

Parking under the shade we went to have a closer look at this quaint Chateau that had originally been built on a rocky outcrop over the river. However with the dam being built making the river water level rise, the Chateau appears to now be on a little island. Later we were joined by two other motor homes for the night.