Villerest is a commune in the Loire, Rhône-Alpes region, which lies on the outskirts of Roanne. On the edge of the Loire, it is known to harbor a major EDF dams in the Loire. Green station, the city impresses with its environment, full of greenery and the quality of their surroundings.
Ideal for a holiday in the countryside, the town of Villerest has, in addition to its welcoming nature, historical and architectural heritage of the most interesting. Its medieval town in particular is the opportunity to enjoy the sites of great historical importance.
Lively and animated, Villerest also offers an impressive range of cultural and sports activities, and full of interest. Paradise for walkers and lovers of greenery, Villerest is a destination that will delight all visitors.
The rich natural and architectural heritage of Villerest seduces all visitors passing through the medieval city.
The main tourist attraction is surely its Villerest fortified medieval village that beautifies the historic center. This town and its walls present a set of old streets with typical half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages or mansions dating from the Renaissance, as the home of the Dolphin. Inside the walls, the church dedicated to Saint Priest and St. John the Baptist is no shortage of interest with its apse of the thirteenth century and its style combines Romanesque Auvergne and Burgundy.
The Museum of Time and Fire to discover a typical home in the area with a recreation of a rural kitchen of the nineteenth century with old utensils and a collection of watches, clocks and other timepieces.
Located on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Loire, the vitrified Lourdon oppidum is a private site open during Heritage Days. A statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was built in the nineteenth century on the remains.
Located below the dam, the tourist train gazebos allows a walk along the lake Villerest, dam Villerest and stunning scenery.
Located in the gorges of the Loire, Lake Villerest is a paradise for the inhabitants of the municipality. Landscaped, it has two marinas and many water activities such as swimming, windsurfing, canoeing or pedal boating. Picnic areas are also installed everywhere, and walking tours allow to tour the lake.
Labeled green resort, the city of Villerest offers many outdoor activities with various hiking trails, tennis courts or golf course. A botanical tour of seven kilometers and the circuit path of the wells, along ten kilometers, can enjoy the surrounding nature.
Villerest is a full green station spirited and animated with events organized throughout the year.
Place in the march of February festival committee with different courses of six, eleven, seventeen, twenty-five twenty-nine and thirty-seven kilometers.
At the end of May, Villerest organizes storytelling festival for children of all ages. During three days of events around the tale are organized.
The feast of July 13 animates the city with fireworks or a popular dance.
The music festival Zikolac takes place in July with several rock free concerts.
In November, the city hosts the Ecureuil market that takes place in the medieval village, with farmers and local artisans, as well as entertainment.
The Festival of Lights takes place in December with a torchlight parade, the burning of the ramparts, fireworks and musical entertainment.
