Usson-en-Forez is a commune in the Loire department in the Puy-de-Dôme and Haute-Loire in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, some 50 km west of Saint-Étienne.
Usson-en-Forez belongs to the natural and historical region of Forez, in the middle mountain, and the communal territory whose altitude varies from 767 to 1137 meters is sufficiently vast (47 km²) to include more than fifty hamlets.
The current population is about 1,500, but in the mid-19th century the city had 3,500.
With its medieval castle (which remains important remains), located on one of the pilgrimage paths of Santiago de Compostela, the village is developed around farming, livestock, forestry and forestry. Production of pitch (a coating used for waterproofing boats descending the Loire, obtained by the combustion and distillation of tar and pine or birch resins).
The preservation and enhancement of its historical and natural heritage allow Usson-en-Forez to be now a stage and a holiday resort appreciated by lovers of green tourism.
In terms of religious architectural heritage, a discovery trail must include the chapel Notre-Dame-de-Chambriac (12th century), built by the monks of La Chaise-Dieu. Featuring a choir and apse in Romanesque style, capitals with motifs reminiscent of Celtic tradition, it houses a black Madonna (fabric) of the XIIth century which is always the object of a procession every August 15th.
The parish church dedicated to Saint-Symphorien dates from the fifteenth century and replaced a church of the XIth, of which there remain elements. Enlarged over the centuries to respond to the increase in population, especially in the 17th century (two chapels are combined to form a transept) and in the 19th century (creation of collateral on both sides of the nave) Gothic forze. Outside, there are still shells which confirm that it welcomed pilgrims for Saint-Jacques...
Many crosses (sometimes Celtic), oratories (sometimes located on ancient pagan sites) and chapels punctuate the paths connecting the hamlets.
On the "civil" level, a tower and fortifications remind us of the grandeur of the old medieval castle, on a site that now houses the Forez ecomuseum: on 2500 m², inside and outside, exhibitions evoke the village's heritage And its region, the activities and everyday life of yesteryear (woodworking, crafts, stories...). Price: 4 and 1,50 euros. For further information, please call +33 4 77 50 67 97.
In the village, nearby hamlets and forests, restored pitch ovens, mills and "work" (where horses are treated, ferried and maintained) are also interesting heritage elements to discover.
They are included, as well as still older traces of human presence (stones with traces evoking Gallo-Roman pagan cults), and areas with remarkable flora and fauna in many hiking trails (190 km of trails And paths sometimes accessible also to the mountain bikers and riders of variable difficulty): topo-guides and information in +33 4 77 50 66 15.
Another means of discovering this rich heritage is to borrow a portion of the old railway line linking the town to Saint-Étienne via a small tourist train. Shuttles are available to reach the stopovers. The opportunity to discover the viaduct of Pontempeyrat which offers a unique point of view on this area, at the crossroads of Forez, Velay and Auvergne. Information at +33 4 77 50 82 03.
A city stadium, in the borough, will be appreciated by young or not so young sportsmen for the practice of football, volleyball, basketball... Free access.
The tree climbing activity is another sporty and fun way to enjoy the forest environment thanks to the Usson Adventure Park. Contact to +33 6 84 42 95 69.
Finally, the pleasant lake of Usson-en-Forez offers the possibility of swimming (monitored in July and August), family moments (picnic), in a space marked out with playful facilities (petanque in particular). Fishing is also permitted. Information on +33 4 77 50 66 15.
In July, the summer begins with the Défi du Haut-Forez (trail). The first weekend of July, again, the feast of the Bois evokes the past forest of the commune (forestry competition, fun and friendly animations).
The last weekend of August, patronal feast.
At the beginning of September, the feast of the Beef is a rendez-vous (tastings, animations for all publics).
Note that every Tuesday and Sunday morning, in the center of the town, a market makes it possible to better know the terroir and its products.
