A whole house,
in the Forez
In Saint-Galmier, at 4 impasse Saint-Roch, a renovated townhouse is rented to a single group, two people maximum. Three levels, a jet bath, a bedroom under the eaves.
A weekend for two, an unusual stay in the Loire
Looking for an unusual stay in the Loire often means looking for an address that is more than just a bed. Here, you are entrusted with a whole townhouse over three levels, 4 impasse Saint-Roch, in Saint-Galmier, for just two people. A self check-in with a key box, free parking in the street, and the freedom of a place that shares nothing.
What makes the address remarkable is the programme you can build from it. The ground floor is devoted to bathing: an entire room, a corner jet bath, submerged lighting that colours the water in the chosen shade, a midnight blue wall, a basin on a light wood unit. You sleep upstairs, away from the humidity and the sound of the pump.
Saint-Galmier, sparkling water and stone
Saint-Galmier holds the Plus Beaux Détours de France label. Its naturally sparkling water source has been exploited by Saturnin Badoit since 1837. You will see the public draw kiosk, and the façade of the old factory, listed as a monument historique. The factory visit only takes place on weekdays, as production stops at the weekend. The 14th-century ramparts and the church built between 1420 and 1471, with its stained glass by Alexandre Mauvernay, make up an old centre that can be explored on foot.
La Roseraie, 7,000 m² beside the Coise, changes with the seasons. The Joseph Desjoyaux racecourse and the Le Lion Blanc casino complete the local outings. Pierre Marion, a glassblower, opens his workshop: a visit that slips easily into an afternoon. The roadbook details the opening times and the best hours for each of these stops.
Days 1 and 2: gorges, châteaux, thermal baths
A two-day weekend in the Forez comes together simply from the house. On the first day, head for the Gorges de la Loire and the Lac de Grangent, about 25 minutes by car. The Château de Bouthéon, about 15 minutes away, combines well with a loop through the plain. In the evening, return to Saint-Galmier for the jet bath and the first-floor kitchenette: ceramic hob, microwave, mini fridge, round wooden table for two.
On the second day, aim for Montrond-les-Bains, about 10 minutes away, for a thermal morning. The Parc du Pilat, about 40 minutes away, calls for half a day if you want to walk. Saint-Étienne is about 25 minutes away, around twenty kilometres, and Lyon about an hour. The Golf du Forez, at Craintilleux, is an option for players. Two days are enough to mix water, stone and landscapes.
The bath, the bedroom, the seasons
The corner jet bath occupies its own room on the ground floor. Chromotherapy colours the water in the chosen shade, the midnight blue wall is textured, the heated towel rail keeps towels warm. On the top floor, the bedroom is dressed in sage green and water green. The king-size 180 bed, the painted headboard, the wooden wall lights and the large screen with national channels make a calm floor. The bathroom with shower and WC is on the same level.
Each season has its own logic. In winter, the hot bath and the stone villages. In spring, La Roseraie and the banks of the Coise. In summer, the gorges and the Lac de Grangent. In autumn, the ramparts and the cellars. The house is air-conditioned, heated, with Wi-Fi. Linen is provided, beds are made, one towel per person, shower gel, shampoo, soap, and a few coffee capsules as a gift.
What remains when you only have two days
A short stay remembers what it did not have to share. Here, the house is rented to a single group, two people maximum. A rating of 4.79 out of 5 from 28 reviews, online booking, self check-in with a key box. Parking is free in the street, with no reserved space. The first floor serves as a base camp: kitchenette and round table for two. You take your coffee there, you unfold a map there.
The unusual quality of this address lies in its scale: a whole three-level house for two people, in a village of sparkling water. The ground floor for bathing, the first for meals, the last for sleep. The roadbook gathers the details of visits so you do not lose time between two stops. All that remains is to choose the season.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Badoit spring at the weekend?
The factory visit only takes place on weekdays, as production stops at the weekend. The public draw kiosk and the façade listed as a monument historique remain visible in all seasons. You can therefore plan Saint-Galmier on a Saturday or Sunday, bearing in mind that the interior of the factory is not open on those days. The roadbook sets out the possibilities.
How long does it take to reach the Gorges de la Loire and the Pilat?
The Gorges de la Loire and the Lac de Grangent are about 25 minutes by car. The Parc du Pilat is about 40 minutes. The Château de Bouthéon is about 15 minutes, Montrond-les-Bains about 10 minutes. Saint-Étienne about 25 minutes and Lyon about an hour. These times allow you to build a two-day programme without long drives.
Is the house suitable for a couple’s weekend?
It is rented to a single group, two people maximum. The king-size 180 bed occupies the top floor, with the bathroom, shower and WC on the same level. The ground floor houses the bath room, with the corner jet bath and chromotherapy. The first floor serves as a living area with kitchenette and round table for two. The whole is air-conditioned and heated.