Pradelles travel guide

Photo of Pradelles

Visit Pradelles (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)

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

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

Explore Pradelles

France This Way review: the presence of several interesting buildings and monuments, along with the far-reaching views, make Pradelles a very pleasant village well-deserving of a visit.

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

The most important historic monument in Pradelles is the Chapel of Notre-Dame: once part of a medieval hospital, for a long time the chapel was 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.

 
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The story continued until 1793 when revolutionaries threw the statue in a fire - although it was retrieved it needed extensive renovation. If you visit on the 15 August you can see the statue carried in procession around Pradelles.

As you explore the village you will discover 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.

As well as these, you will notice some attractive medieval buildings around the Place de la Halle, although the market hall after which the square is named is no longer here.

Attractions nearby

There is a live museum of working horses in Pradelles called the Musée du Cheval Trait.

Another activity is 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, passed Saint-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 e.g. hiking, cycling and canoeing.

Note: photo is copyright

Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Loire guide and the Auvergne guide.

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Map of Pradelles and places nearby

 
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Visit near Pradelles with France This Way reviews

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Tourist classifications for Pradelles

Pradelles is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)

Address: Pradelles, Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne, 43420, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.77, longitude 3.883

Plan your visit to Pradelles, Haute-Loire

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby

Market days in Pradelles, France

Regular market(s) are held in Pradelles each Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Pradelles (Francais)

 
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