Arlempdes

Visit Arlempdes, Auvergne

Arlempdes village is 27 kilometres south of Le Puy-en-Velay, in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne region. It is classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Exploring Arlempdes

Your first glimpse of Arlempdes will take your breath away - the ruined castle on a rocky outcrop, and the beautiful valley below combine to make a very lovely view. Arlempdes has two principal highlights:

- the chateau, which is open for guided visits in the summer. Sitting on the cliff above the small village, the 12th century chateau is now a ruin. It is especially worth visiting for the fine panoramic views it provides;

- the magnificent setting on a rocky outcrop over the upper reaches of the Loire River (the source of the river is just 30 km further).

The little chapel and the Roman style church in the village also merit a visit.

Arlempdes itself is very small, and becoming increasingly prettified / renovated in recent years, and is now largely dependent on tourism for its income.

It won't take you long to explore - try and arrive around lunchtime so you have an excuse to have lunch in the restaurant at the entrance to the village, or have a picnic in the valley below.

The town is also gaining a reputation for the theatrical events that are held in the courtyard of the chateau for a week each summer - the 'Festival de théâtre d'Arlempdes'.

Attractions nearby

The countryside around the village is very attractive, with volcanic rock appearing dramatically from the landscape of valleys, streams and rivers. There are many villages of interest to see near Arlempdes, with Pradelles to the south being one of our favourites.

I must also emphasise that the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, north of Arlempdes, is one of the most interesting towns in central France and a visit is highly recommended.

See Auvergne and Haute-Loire (the region and department for Arlempdes) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Arlempdes: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Photos of Arlempdes

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Suggested places to visit near Arlempdes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Jaujac 37km; Antraigues-sur-Volane 38km; La Garde-Guerin 38km; Allier gorges 42km; Ailhon 44km; Aubenas 46km; Desaignes 49km;

Arlempdes tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Lac du Bouchet - site of natural beauty (12km) : Le Puy en Velay Cathedral - national monument (20km) : Prieuré de Saint Julien (Saint-Julien-Chapteuil) - religious monument (22km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame et church de Saint-Michel (Le Puy-en-Velay) - religious monument (22km) : Cascade du Ray-Pic - site of natural beauty (28km) : Monts d'Ardeche - regional natural parc (33km) : Eglise de Saint Georges (Saint-Paulien) - religious monument (34km) : Vals-les-Bains - recommended detour (41km) :

See more places and a map at places near Arlempdes