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Le Puy en Velay
Le Puy en Velay, in the heart of the Massif central, is in an amazing setting surrounded by mountains and the famous conical volcano forms of the region. This does make Le Puy a bit difficult to reach, but it is a journey worth the trouble.
Le Puy is above all famous for two things: lentils; and being the start point of one of the main pilgrimage paths in France that lead to Santiago de Compostella. For those of us who are not pilgrims, and don't eat lentils, there is still much to enjoy...
Start off by ascending the Rocher Corneille, for views over the town and far beyond. This is the rock with a large statue of the Virgin Mary and Child - trust me, you can't miss it. From here you can also see the Church of St Michel (photo above) sat on its own rocky needle point a few hundred metres away.
As you pass through the narrow streets, avoiding the temptation to stock up on lace napkins as you go (lace was historically a big industry in the town), you will reach the Cathedral, Le Puy's man-made attraction and the starting point for the pilgrims. If you are in town on August 15 you can see the black virgin being escorted through the street, otherwise you can see her in the cathedral.
Pilgrims about to set off on the 1600 kilometre walk to Santiago are blessed in the cathedral each morning.
As a contrast to the splendours of the cathedral, which only required you to climb 60 steps, hike up the (many) steps to the Church of St Michel, and be glad that you are not carrying the material for its construction with you - a remarkable feat, and completed in the 10th century.
Overall, Le Puy is an attractive, not overly-commercialised, town and well worth the effort to get there, as much for its setting as its individual sights of interest.
The cathedral in Le Puy en Velay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town is listed as a 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire.
Le Puy en Velay: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Le Puy en Velay
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Le Puy en Velay.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Le Puy en Velay are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Arlempdes Most beautiful village at 20 km
Tourist Classifications for Le Puy en Velay
- Listed as "Plus Beaux Detour" town in France (ie recommended stopover place)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Le Puy en Velay when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
