History buffs, nature lovers, pilgrims in search of spirituality... the picturesque town of Puy-en-Velay, nestled in the heart of a preserved natural environment, is for you.
Renowned for its historical heritage and its unique urban landscape with, among other things, its volcanic rock peaks overlooked by statues, chapels or castles, the capital of the Haute-Loire reveals numerous treasures. On one of the rocky needles, stands proudly the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel and built at the foot of the Corneille rock, the Notre-Dame du Puy-en-Velay cathedral is another marvel. Listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural masterpiece of Romanesque art with multiple influences is famous for its polychrome statues and its magnificent cloister. It is accessible from the lower town by a staircase of 134 steps.
Starting point since the Middle Ages of the famous Via Podiensis, one of the paths to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the Auvergne town is a major place of pilgrimage.
Around Puy-en-Velay, the landscapes offer a multitude of possibilities for lovers of outdoor activities: canoeing in the Allier gorges, magnificent hikes in the heart of dormant volcanoes...
Gastronomy will also be an integral part of your discovery with, among others, the green lentil of Puy, the fine gras of Mézenc (an exceptional beef) and local cheeses.