Discover Changy from different perspectives: the 10.5-kilometre L’étang d’Arçon circular walk passes ponds, while the Le Tour du Pont – Demain route takes in a varied landscape. The area is also home to the Moulin Berthier mill, the Colombier de Changy and the story of Blessed Philippa de Champ-Milan. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether you want to focus on nature, architectural history or both.

Circular Walk and Birdlife

The L’étang d’Arçon circular walk is 10.5 kilometres long and is designated as a loop. Birds nest at the ponds along the route, while migratory birds pass through during the colder months. This offers two distinct opportunities for observation: nesting birds and seasonal migration. If one of these particularly interests you, the time of year can be a useful factor when planning your stay. The circular route and its distance give you a specific figure to work with when planning your day. The Étang d’Arçon itself is a private pond. Tables and facilities are reserved exclusively for anglers, so do not count on them as general-purpose places to rest. The parking address for the circular route is listed as Salle d’animation, Vers Mont, 42310 Changy.

A Different Perspective on the Landscape

Le Tour du Pont – Demain takes in rivers, waterfalls, vineyards, forests and former mills, with sweeping views of the Monts de la Madeleine and the Roanne plain. The two outings therefore differ mainly in what they offer: L’étang d’Arçon focuses on ponds and seasonal birdlife, while Le Tour du Pont – Demain combines different landscape features with far-reaching views. To choose between them, consider whether you would rather focus on water and birdlife or on varied landscapes and wide-open views.

Church, Mill and Colombier

Changy’s present-day church tells the story of Blessed Philippa de Champ-Milan. She was born in Changy in the 15th century and died on 15 October 1451 while caring for people stricken with the plague. Her birthplace, the century in which she lived and the date of her death provide clear historical reference points; her service to the sick remains a central part of her biography. This personal perspective on local history differs from exploring the area’s paths and buildings.

The Moulin Berthier is the only one of the three mills near the village of Changy that has survived. The Colombier de Changy adds another distinctive feature to the area’s architectural history: it dates from the early 19th century, is circular in shape and has a hemispherical roof. Inside, around 600 boulins can be viewed via a central ladder. Boulins are nesting openings in a dovecote. At the Colombier, visitors can therefore appreciate both the building’s exterior form and its interior features. For travellers interested in historic architecture, the building combines a specific period with a clearly described interior structure.

Discover more destinations: Chalmazel, Champdieu, Neaux, Commelle-Vernay, Sauvain, Unieux, St. Alban Les Eaux, Ouches

View the regional travel guide: Loire.