Are you fond of hiking or great views then you’re at the right place on the Col du Béal and the nearby higher situated Pierre-sur-Haute (1634 m).
Pierre-sur-Haute is the highest point of the Monts du Forez and the department of the Loire.
The passage from the Col du Béal to the Pierre-sur-Haute can be made along the road that has been built to reach the on the top situated French Military Radar post. Would you rather avoid hardened roads then several hiking trails lead to same point.
To the west as well to the east you’re offered an phenomenal panorama. To the west you can see the mountains of the Massif du Sancy and the old volcano Puy-de-Dôme and to the east you can see on a clear day the beautiful Massif du Mont Blanc in the Alps. However more nearby you get also a great view over the department of the Loire.
The Massif of the Mont-Blanc
View on the Puy-de-DômeOn the eastside of the Monts du Forez you can also find the ski resort of Chalmazel. In the proximity of the Col du Béal and Pierre-sur-haute there are lots of possibilities for hiking. Also it’s quite possible to climb the Col from lower situated places on the west or eastside.
The climbing of the Col du Béal is a challenge for the cyclists and the mountain bikers will be offered lots of biking trails.
Learn more on the Col du Béal on the following site http://www.col-du-beal.com/.
The road to the Col du Béal.......
.... in autumn colours
Again the Mont Blanc and the Loire
View to the west
View on the Monts du Livradois