Le Puy-en-Velay Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Le Puy-en-Velay, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and religious significance. Nestled amidst volcanic landscapes, this picturesque destination attracts visitors with its stunning architecture, cultural heritage, and breathtaking views.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent cathedral, perched on top of a volcanic plug, is a testament to the city's religious heritage and features intricate carvings and stunning stained glass windows. Climb the 268 steps to the top of the cathedral and be rewarded with panoramic views of Le Puy and its surrounding countryside.

Le Puy-en-Velay is also known for its pilgrimage routes. The city is a starting point for the famous Way of Saint James, a spiritual journey that leads pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Explore the narrow streets of the old town, where you can find charming houses, medieval squares, and the Hôtel-Dieu, a former hospital that now houses a museum showcasing the history of the pilgrimage.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the beauty of Le Puy-en-Velay's surroundings. Take a trip to the nearby volcanic landscapes of the Monts d'Ardèche and discover stunning views, deep gorges, and ancient volcanic formations. The iconic rock formation known as Rocher Corneille offers an incredible panorama of the city and the picturesque countryside.

For a taste of local culture, visit the Saturday market in Le Puy-en-Velay. Wander through the stalls filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional crafts. Don't forget to try the famous green lentils, a specialty of the region.

As the day comes to an end, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a traditional French meal in one of the charming restaurants or indulge in local specialties like le pounti, a savory cake made with bacon and prunes. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets, illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights, and soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting city.

Alternative names: Population: 22.7 thous. (2019)Area: 6.48 mi²Elevation: 2106 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°2'36"N, 3°52'58"E

Location

Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesFrance

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Le Puy-en-Velay Top Attractions

Le Puy-en-Velay Attractions - What to See and Explore

Le Puy-en-Velay offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Le Puy Cathedral, Musée Crozatier, Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe, St. Lawrence Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Romanesque cathedral with striped facade
Le Puy Cathedral
Le Puy Cathedral, formally known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, is an architectural treasure nestled in the heart of Le Puy-en-Velay, France. This historic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its unique blend of Romanesque architecture...
Museum • Art museum
Musée Crozatier
Nestled in the heart of the historic French city of Le Puy-en-Velay, the Musée Crozatier is a cultural gem waiting to be discovered. This museum, housed in a splendid 19th-century building, offers a rich tapestry of art and history that reflects the region's heritage...
Church • Romanesque architecture • Historical place
Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe
Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe is a chapel in Aiguilhe, near Le Puy-en-Velay, France. The chapel is reached by 268 steps carved into the rock. It was built in 969 on a volcanic plug 85 metres high. The surface on top of the plug is 57 metres in diameter.

Church
St. Lawrence Church
The Saint-Laurent church is a Catholic church located in Puy-en-Velay, France. It houses, in the choir, a tomb containing the entrails of the Constable Bertrand Du Guesclin.
Historical place • Memorial
Statue de Notre-Dame de France
The statue of Notre-Dame de France is a monumental cast iron work located in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay in France. Built between 1856 and 1860, from cannons captured during the siege of Sebastopol and on the plans of Jean-Marie Bonnassieux, it was...
Bridge
Pont de Roderie
The Roderie bridge is a bridge located in Aiguilhe, France.
45°2'56"N • 3°52'59"E
Chapelle Saint-Clair
The Saint-Clair chapel is a Romanesque chapel from Auvergne located in Aiguilhe, in the French department of Haute-Loire in the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It is also known as the Temple of Diana.
45°2'45"N • 3°53'7"E
Baptistère Saint-Jean
The Saint-Jean Baptistery is a baptistery located in Le Puy-en-Velay, in the French department of Haute-Loire in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
45°2'45"N • 3°53'5"E
Cloître de la Cathédrale du Puy-en-Velay
Museum

Day trips

Le Puy-en-Velay – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Le Puy-en-Velay, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Garabit viaduct, Mont Gerbier de Jonc (Saint-Martial), Lac du Bouchet (Cayres).

35 milesW
Bridge
Garabit viaduct
The Garabit Viaduct is a marvel of 19th-century engineering, gracefully arching over the Truyère River in southern France. Completed in 1884, this wrought iron railway bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same mastermind behind the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris.
21 milesSE
Natural attraction, Mountain, Park
Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Saint-Martial
Mont Gerbier de Jonc is a mountain of volcanic origin located in the Massif Central in France. It is made of a type of rock called phonolite.
10 milesSW
Natural attraction, Body of water, Park
Lac du Bouchet, Cayres
Bouchet lake is located in Haute-Loire, France next to Le Puy-en-Velay. It is about 1.6 km north of the village of Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas. It is located on the territory of the communes of Cayres and Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas Bouchet is a crater lake formed from an old volcano, and thus roughly circular.
26 milesNW
Forts and castles
Château de Saint-Ilpize
Perched on a volcanic outcrop overlooking the Allier River, the Château de Saint-Ilpize is a historic fortress in the Haute-Loire department of France. This medieval castle, whose origins date back to the 13th century, stands as a testament to the region's rich...
17 milesNW
Forts and castles, Specialty museum, History museum
Château de Chavaniac, Chavaniac-Lafayette
The Château de Chavaniac aka Chateau Lafayette is a fortified manor house of eighteen rooms furnished in the Louis XIII style located in Chavaniac-Lafayette, Haute-Loire, in Auvergne, France.

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Best Time To Visit Le Puy-en-Velay

Learn when is the best time to travel to Le Puy-en-Velay weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and March. Most of it rains in May and October.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Le Puy-en-Velay?

The top attractions to visit in Le Puy-en-Velay are:

What is the best time to visit Le Puy-en-Velay?

July and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.