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Just an hour from Lyon, this medieval village of 350 inhabitants hides a thousand-year-old priory where Francis I once stayed

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The Editor

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Just an hour from Lyon, Pommiers-en-Forez is one of those hidden gems that you stumble upon almost by chance. With its thousand-year-old priory, medieval bridge, and a fairy tale atmosphere, this tiny village in Roannais offers a true journey through over a thousand years of history.

Pommiers-en-Forez, a tiny village with monumental heritage

Don't be fooled by its size! With just about 350 residents, Pommiers-en-Forez holds an exceptional heritage that would put many larger towns to shame. Nestled in the extreme north of the Forez plain, this village of Roannais seems frozen in time. Here, every little street, every stone, and every monument tells a chapter of France's history.

You can't miss its majestic Benedictine priory, which dates back to the 9th century and truly flourished in the 11th and 12th centuries. It has become one of the most important religious establishments in the region, even hosting prestigious rulers like Charles VII and François I during their reigns.

A thousand-year-old priory that reveals itself from the ground... to the roofs

The priory of Pommiers-en-Forez is a true time machine. Its church, cloister, chapter house, and former refectory showcase the architectural richness of the medieval era. But the visit also has a lovely surprise waiting for you when you look up: the impressive wooden structures unveil all the craftsmanship of artisans from that time.

A large part of the building is now classified as a historical monument, proving its cultural significance. Just a few steps away, the old Aix bridge, built in the 15th century, perfectly complements the scenery. With its view over the village, it's hard not to imagine being in a medieval movie filled with knights, fortresses, and ancient legends.

Roannais, a territory brimming with hidden treasures

Pommiers-en-Forez is also a fantastic gateway to exploring Roannais. Often overshadowed by Beaujolais, this region is teeming with charming villages and remarkable monuments. Just a few kilometers away, Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire majestically overlooks the Loire with its 12th-century keep and its charming, winding streets. A little further...

Ambierle reveals its Cluniac abbey, whose church is among the first French buildings to be classified as historical monuments back in 1840.

So many great reasons to hit the road for a timeless getaway, just an hour from Lyon, in a region that definitely has more secrets to reveal.