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'.
Explore 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. You can enter the village through the 11th century stone gateway that was once part of the defensive walls around the castle, and called the poterne.
Arlempdes itself is very small, and has been substantially renovated in recent years. The village 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.
There are two principal historic monuments to see in Arlempdes:
- 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. The church of Saint-Pierre was built in the roman style in the 12th century and retains its entrance with four stone columns as well as an unusual belltower with a series of arches each containing one bell.
Take a look at the cross just in front of the church: this dates from the 15th century and you can see carvings of the crucifixion and a piéta on the cross.
More recently, Arlempdes has gained 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.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Loire guide and the Auvergne guide.
Photos of Arlempdes
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Map of Arlempdes and places nearby
Visit near Arlempdes with France This Way reviews
Pradelles
Both the picturesque historic village centre and the lovely viwes make Pradelles a highlight in the Haute-Loire department
Pradelles guide
Le Puy-en-Velay
The town of Le Puy-en-Velay is very interesting to visit and an important pilgrimage town, as seen in its many religious monuments and statues.
Le Puy-en-Velay guide
Thueyts
Thueyts is more 'renovated' than many of the Ardeche 'villages of character' and has lots of architectural highlights
Thueyts guide
Meyras
Smaller than many of the Ardeche villages, you will see an ancient covered passageway and a couple of trompe l'oeil paintings in the centre of Meyras
Meyras guide
Jaujac
The most unusual characteristic in Jaujac is the deep river gorge running through the centre of the village
Jaujac guide
Antraigues-sur-Volane
Antraigues-sur-Volane is a small medieval perched village, with most activity centred around its central square at the top of the hill
Antraigues-sur-Volane guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Loire
Tourist classifications for Arlempdes
Arlempdes is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Arlempdes, Pradelles, Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne, 43490, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.866, longitude 3.9238
Plan your visit to Arlempdes, Haute-Loire
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Cascade de la Beaume: site of natural beauty (9 km)
- Pradelles: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Lac du Bouchet: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Le Puy-en-Velay: recommended detour (20 km)
- Le Puy-en-Velay cathédrale Notre-Dame (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Le Puy-en-Velay Hotel-Dieu St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Prieuré de Saint Julien (Saint-Julien-Chapteuil): religious monument (22 km)
- Mont Gerbier de Jonc: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Cascade du Ray-Pic: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Tanargue: site of natural beauty (30 km)
- Monts d'Ardeche: regional natural parc (33 km)
- Eglise de Saint Georges (Saint-Paulien): religious monument (34 km)
The French version of this page is at Arlempdes (Francais)