Municipality of Haute-Loire, about sixty kilometers from Puy-en-Velay, Aurec-sur-Loire is located near Firmony, not far from Forez and at the gates of Velay. Crossed by the Loire, it is located on the edge of the Loire department, near Saint-Paul-en-Cornillon.
It was in the Middle Ages that the commune of Aurec-sur-Loire really took off, which led to numerous invasions, notably during the Hundred Years' War with the troops of Héracle II de Rochebaron. At the end of the 19th century, part of its territory was lost in order to create the town of Pont-Salomon.
Today very touristy, the city offers a wide choice of leisure infrastructures, as well as a rich historical heritage.
Several castles are located in the town of Aurec-sur-Loire. The first, former property of the Fustier family, is listed as a Historic Monument. Built in the 11th century, it underwent a profound transformation in the 15th, then in the 16th century. Its park, open to visitors, is a pleasant public garden rich in century-old trees.
Don't forget to admire the exteriors of the Château de Chazournes, today the college of the Gorges de la Loire, or the Château du Moine-Sacristain. The latter now houses a rural museum representing the life of the inhabitants as it was in the 19th century.
While passing through Aurec-sur-Loire, don't miss a visit to the Saint-Pierre church. Built in the 12th century, it is particularly appreciated for its 17th century altar attributed to Pierre Vaneau, its 12th century frescoes, its 15th century wall paintings, its 16th century Pieta and its stained glass windows created by Gaston Watkin.
Not far away, the Notre-Dame de la Faye chapel dates from the first half of the 17th century. Theater of many miracles and legends, according to local history, it hosts a pilgrimage every August 15.
The old town center of the commune also reveals an 18th century manor house listed as a Historic Monument, the remains of a Roman bridge over the Loire, the house of the former bailiff, also listed, or the tower of 'Oriol. The latter is the only vestige of the ancient feudal castle of Oriol which previously stood above the banks of the Semène.
As you stroll through the city, don't miss the route of medieval frescoes. Made up of eight paintings, this open-air museum is a pleasant walk.
Since 2010, the city has hosted a leisure center on the banks of the Loire. Swimming is supervised there in July and August.
A producers' market is organized every Friday at the end of the afternoon. A flea market - garage sale is organized every Sunday morning on the Place de la Fontaine. A large flea market is also offered on August 15.
On May 1st, the town offers its famous hat fair.
The spring festival offers its activities at the beginning of July.
The town celebrates the national holiday on July 14 with a popular ball and fireworks on the banks of the Loire.
From June to September, the Château du Moine-Sacristain hosts a major painting exhibition.
At the end of September, time for the Dyeing Festival. An event focused on urban art with street performances, artist exhibitions, street art frescoes and various workshops.
