Charming little town in the Loire region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Saint-Étienne-le-Molard takes place about fifty kilometers from Saint-Etienne, in the heart of Drill. It is not far from Montverdun, Mornand-en-Forez and Arthun.
Old, as evidenced by the remains found on site, Saint-Étienne-le-Molard the town grew slowly over the centuries, gradually taking its present authentic look.
Saint-Étienne-le-Molard impresses with its simple charm and richness of its architectural and historical heritage.
| Municipality | Saint-Étienne-le-Molard |
|---|---|
| Postcode | 42130 |
| Latitude | 45.7315910 (N 45° 43’ 54”) |
| Longitude | 4.0886770 (E 4° 5’ 19”) |
| Altitude | From 338m to 397m |
| Surface area | 16.55 km² |
| Population | 1051 inhabitants |
| Density | 63 inhabitants/km² |
| Prefecture | Saint-Etienne (51 km, 39 min) |
| Insee code | 42219 |
| Intercommunality | CA Loire Forez Agglomération |
| Department | Loire |
| Territories | Lyonnais, Massif Central |
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alps |
| Sainte-Foy-Saint-Sulpice | 5.5 km (8 min) |
|---|---|
| Sainte-Agathe-la-Bouteresse | 5.6 km (6 min) |
| Montverdun | 5.9 km (8 min) |
| Poncins | 7.3 km (9 min) |
| Saint-Paul-d'Uzore | 7.3 km (9 min) |
| Mornand-en-Forez | 7.7 km (9 min) |
| Boën-sur-Lignon | 8.3 km (9 min) |
| Trelins | 9.5 km (11 min) |
| Chalain-d'Uzore | 9.8 km (12 min) |
| Nervieux | 10.2 km (11 min) |
| Leigneux | 10.6 km (15 min) |
| Arthun | 11.3 km (11 min) |
| Magneux-Haute-Rive | 11.3 km (13 min) |
| Feurs | 11.8 km (13 min) |
A fine example of Renaissance architecture, Château de la Bastie d'Urfé is a true masterpiece. Ranked historic monument and labeled House of Illustrious for hosting Honoré d'Urfé in the composition of his famous work, the Astraea, the site is open to the public all year. Built in the mid-sixteenth century, it was completely renovated in the late twentieth century to regain its former glory. The castle consists of a strong and enlarged house of a dungeon. This is a very beautiful architectural unveiling including a loggia with twelve columns or a sphinx serving as guardian to the whole. It is also possible to discover on site the only cave of chills always accessible Renaissance in France. a mythological decor admired are based pebbles, shells or of colored sand. Be sure not to admire the chapel seduced by his paintings, woodwork, inlays, coffered ceiling or tiled pavement. Enrolled in pre-inventory of remarkable gardens, the castle gardens of the Bastie d'Urfé are a true wonder. During your walks, you will enjoy the boxwood parterres with geometric shapes, white marble fountain and pergola. The site hosts the annual cultural events.
The church also presents some interest with its set of windows in particular characters representing St. Peter, Christ showing his wounds or Saint Augustus and St. Jacques.
| Leisure centres | |
|---|---|
| Monuments |
Estival of Batie stands the castle of the Bastie d'Urfé each year in July. For a month, visitors can enjoy performances in music, theater or dance and attend many activities for all ages.
In early August, up to the main festival and its various activities for young and old.
| Last name | Activity type | Rate | City |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Culture and education | 4 € to 6 € | Bussières (18.2 km) |
 | Nature and the great outdoors | 27 € to 90 € | Vollore-Montagne (32 km) |
 | Arts and Crafts | Free | Arconsat (33 km) |
 | Sports sensations | 30 € to 40 € | Bessenay (37 km) |
 | Arts and Crafts | Free | La Monnerie-le-Montel (40 km) |
| Last name | Outing type | Difficulty | Duration | Departure municipality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Village visit | Intermediate | 1:00 | Saint-Bonnet-le-Courreau (13.8 km) |
 | Mountain bike itinerary | Athletic | 1:25 | Montbrison (15.5 km) |
 | Hike | Intermediate | 3:05 | Lézigneux (18.5 km) |
 | Hike | Intermediate | 3:25 | Saint-Anthème (23 km) |
 | Hike | Intermediate | 3:10 | Saint-Anthème (23 km) |
