Pradelles

Visit Pradelles, Auvergne

Pradelles village is 30 km south of Le Puy-en-Velay, in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne region and is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

At the southern edge of the Haute-Loire department, near Lozere and the Ardeche, Pradelles is situated on the edge of the volcanic chain of Deves.

Exploring Pradelles

Pradelles is a small, very old, historic and picturesque town perched high above the Allier Valley and there are several places in the village with impressive viewpoints across the surrounding countryside.

The church at Pradelles - the Church of Notre-Dame - was long the home to a cult that developed around a statue found buried nearby. By the early 17th century the location had become a well known pilgrimage town, with various miracles attributed to Notre-Dame. The story continued until 1793 when revolutionaries threw the statue in a fire - although it was retrieved it needed extensive renovation.

The best day to visit the town is the 15 August when the statue is carried in procession around Pradelles.

The town has a few other highlights such as the Chapel des Penitents, a watchtower (the Tour de Rochely) and two of the original 13th century gateways into the historic centre (the Porte de la Verdette and the Porte du Besset). There are some attractive medieval buildings around the Place de la Halle (the market hall itself after which the square is named is no longer here).

These monuments along with the far-reaching views make Pradelles a very pleasant town well-deserving of a visit.

Attractions nearby

The town has a live museum of working horses (Musée du Cheval Trait) and a VeloRail that provides a fascinating glimpse of bygone France as you gently pedal along the side of the valley on route of an old railway track, with views of the Plan de Naussac, a large man-made lake with water sports and camping facilities, past St Etienne du Vigan to Landos.

Pradelles is also well placed for exploring the Gorges de l'Allier, the path carved by the upper reaches of the Allier river, and for pursuing the numerous outdoor activities that are popular in the region eg hiking, cycling and canoeing.

Note: photo is copyright

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

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

Suggested places to visit near Pradelles, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Meyras 32km; Jaujac 33km; Antraigues-sur-Volane 38km; Ailhon 41km; Mende 41km; Joyeuse 43km; Aubenas 43km; Naves 45km; Le Pont de Montvert 46km; Allier gorges 47km; Aumont Aubrac 48km;

Pradelles tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Lac du Bouchet - site of natural beauty (17km) : Cascade du Ray-Pic - site of natural beauty (29km) : Le Puy en Velay Cathedral - national monument (30km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame et church de Saint-Michel (Le Puy-en-Velay) - religious monument (32km) : Prieuré de Saint Julien (Saint-Julien-Chapteuil) - religious monument (33km) : Monts d'Ardeche - regional natural parc (33km) : Gorges du Gardon - grand site of france (39km) : Vals-les-Bains - recommended detour (40km) :

See more places and a map at places near Pradelles