Hiking - Le barrage de Soulage - St Chamond n°10
The right bank of the dam is quite rugged. This hike is for seasoned individuals wearing sturdy footwear. The route features 3 rocky sections overhanging the water, equipped with handrails.
Enjoy views of the dam and the various surrounding hillsides.
Sunken Ruins: When you reach the tail end of the dam, and if the water level is low enough, you may spot a stone bridge and an old factory (likely the Gillet-Thaon dye works) that were submerged under the water.
Cross Le barrage de Soulage and follow the edge of the body of water.
Navigate the rocky sections overhanging the water (handrail provided). Ford the stream before climbing left to reach the ruined buildings. Take the bridge that crosses the Gier and ascend to the road. Cross the spillway of Le barrage de la Rives and, before the last houses, descend the steep stairs on the right to reach the body of water. Follow the left bank of the dam to return to the starting car park.
⚠️ Caution, steep descent!
Enjoy views of the dam and the various surrounding hillsides.
Sunken Ruins: When you reach the tail end of the dam, and if the water level is low enough, you may spot a stone bridge and an old factory (likely the Gillet-Thaon dye works) that were submerged under the water.
Cross Le barrage de Soulage and follow the edge of the body of water.
Navigate the rocky sections overhanging the water (handrail provided). Ford the stream before climbing left to reach the ruined buildings. Take the bridge that crosses the Gier and ascend to the road. Cross the spillway of Le barrage de la Rives and, before the last houses, descend the steep stairs on the right to reach the body of water. Follow the left bank of the dam to return to the starting car park.
⚠️ Caution, steep descent!
Hiking Recommendations
Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Consequently, hikes are undertaken at your own risk. Stay on marked trails to preserve fragile areas.
Some useful recommendations:
- Check the weather before setting off
- Some routes cross busy roads: Be careful
- Keep dogs on a leash
- Do not light fires
- Pack out your trash
- Admire the flowers, do not pick them.
- Tick bites can lead to serious illnesses; as a preventive measure: wear covering clothing, use repellents, check yourself upon return, remove ticks using a tick remover without applying anything to them, consult a doctor in case of apparent redness, flu-like symptoms, or if you are an at-risk individual.
- For emergencies, dial 18 or 112.