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.
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
Visit near Pradelles with France This Way reviews
Arlempdes
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Arlempdes guide
La Garde-Guerin
The isolated village of La Garde-Guerin is one of the best preserved and unspoiled French villages that we have visited
La Garde-Guerin guide
Thueyts
Thueyts is more 'renovated' than many of the Ardeche 'villages of character' and has lots of architectural highlights
Thueyts 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
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... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Loire
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
- Arlempdes: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Lac du Bouchet: site of natural beauty (17 km)
- Cascade de la Beaume: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Tanargue: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- La Garde-Guerin: most beautiful village (28 km)
- Mont Gerbier de Jonc: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Cascade du Ray-Pic: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Le Puy-en-Velay: recommended detour (30 km)
- Le Puy-en-Velay cathédrale Notre-Dame (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (31 km)
- Le Puy-en-Velay Hotel-Dieu St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (31 km)
- Réserve de bisons d'Europe de Sainte-Eulalie: zoo or wildlife park (32 km)
- Monts d'Ardeche: regional natural parc (33 km)
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)