Saint-Genest-Malifaux is a town in the Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 15 km south of Saint-Étienne.
Its territory of 47 km² extends from 680 m to nearly 1300 m of altitude, occupying a high plateau of the Pilat massif. Crossed by the courses of Semène and Cotatay, at the crossroads of the former provinces of Forez, Vivarais and Velay, the locality is covered for more than 80% of its area of forests, meadows and cultivated land.
A mountain town, it was inhabited since Prehistoric times (cut flints have been brought to light), then, in the Middle Ages, a church is mentioned there depending on a priory itself under La Chaise-Dieu. Attached to France in the 12th century, Saint-Genest remains a rural village dedicated to agriculture (with the practice of summer breeding) then in the 18th century, mills were established. They first allow woodworking and then promote the development of textile units.
Nowadays, with nearly 3000 inhabitants, Saint-Genest-Malifaux wants to be an active municipality and above all a green lung near the metropolis of Saint-Etienne. We appreciate its offer of cultural and "nature" leisure activities in a preserved environment.
The village and the many hamlets of the locality have inherited a heritage of interest.
3 km from the center, this is the case of the Château du Bois, built in the 14th century on a plain in the form of a stronghold serving as a refuge in the event of trouble in this region which was particularly disputed during the wars of Religion. The site somewhat lost its military vocation when the Tardy family transformed it into a manor house in the 16th century. A tower and part of the enclosure were then removed in the 18th century, even though loopholes are still observed today. A legend says that the famous bandit Mandrin took refuge in the castle… The site is still private and is not open to visitors. The whole can however be observed from the outside. In addition, rooms are rented for receptions and an equestrian center is located there. Information on +33 6 89 30 16 38.
More recent, the Château de Pérusel was built in 1856 in a style inspired by the castles of the Loire. Flanked by towers, the neo-Renaissance facade overlooks the Velay range. Having once housed an institute for children, the property is private and occupied by individuals and can be admired from the RD 501.
Direction the church, then, which dates for its oldest parts to the end of the 15th century. century. It is in the ogival style (also known as Auvergne Gothic) and would have been designed according to plans of the monks of La Chaise-Dieu. A major renovation of the exteriors was carried out in 2006. Remodeled over the centuries (addition of aisles, enlargement of the choir, modification of the bell tower now equipped with a pyramidal roof), the church retains beautifully crafted stained glass windows. signed by master Barrellon de Grigny (1869). Also housed are a neo-Gothic-style white marble high altar adorned with a bas-relief representing Christ surrounded by two disciples of Emmaus, an old swimming pool in the choir and an organ from the end of the 20th century inspired by Dutch models. from the 18th century. A booklet is available at the entrance for visitors.
On the cultural level, Saint-Genest-Malifaux has a diversified offer with the Jules Verne cinema, classified Art house, which offers evening screenings on Friday, Saturday and Monday and Sunday afternoon. Contact +33 4 77 51 71 22. In addition, the Espace Jules Verne with its careful architecture, mixing stone and wood, program of shows (concerts, theater) and exhibitions. Information on +33 4 77 51 20 01. Finally, activities (meetings, readings) are organized at the media library: information on +33 4 77 79 10 00.
For athletes, the Croix de Garry complex has equipment allowing to practice football (including a synthetic field), pétanque as well as tennis courts and a climbing wall. Information on +33 4 77 51 20 01.
On the nature side, a 2 km botanical trail has been set up at the Parc de la Croix de Garry and a historical discovery trail, "Saint-Genest over time" is also accessible (2 km long). For more information, call +33 4 77 51 23 84.
In the surrounding countryside, several sites are worth seeing.
This is the case with the Plats dam built from 1957 to 1959 on the course of the Semène to supply the downstream region with drinking water. 20 m high, the dam has created a body of water surrounded by woods and natural spaces. The 8 km long tour is very pleasant to go.
The hamlet of the Sapt mill, moved when the dam was created, is also a popular hiking spot.
The highest point in the Hauts-Plateaux du Pilat, the Crêt de Chaussitre is also worth a look, at an altitude of 1240 m. Its summit (with an orientation table) is however located in the town of Saint-Régis du Coin. The route is dotted with moors and wetlands (peat bogs). The flora and fauna already announce the mountain. In summer, its slopes welcome sheep in the summer. Nearby, massive stones and rocks have given rise to legends, such as the Pierre Saint-Martin, a 15 m long rock hollowed out of cups and channels (cavities made by men during Prehistory for utilitarian or religious purposes.).
We will also mention the Font Ria, a source adjacent to two engraved stones that have also given birth to many legends…
All these sites and landscapes of woods, high meadows, valleys or rocky ridges, without forgetting the lake, give rise to hiking trails traced on the same town. Most of them are open to riders and two-wheelers. Let us quote in particular the circuits of Bois Ternay (11 km), Bois de la Trappe (12 km), Pierre Saint-Martin (15 km)… All the departures are located in the parking lot of Pêcher. Other loops lead to Saint-Étienne via green and secure routes. Maps and information on +33 4 77 51 23 84.
We will also not forget to find out about the activities (exhibitions, workshops, thematic hikes) offered by the Pilat Regional Natural Park of which the town is a member (contact at +33 4 74 87 52 00).
