Discover the Velay

Discovering the Velay and its riches

Historical monuments, Romanesque art, major hiking trails, natural sites, here is a non-exhaustive overview of the treasures of our region

Le Puy-en-Velay

Discover the capital city of Le Puy-en-Velay

Haute-Loire

Places to visit during your stay

Festivals and Events

Music, dance, and theater

The Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay

After an initial church built in the 5th century, the Cathedral was built on Mount Anis. In the 12th century, the influx of pilgrims led to the construction of four bays above a vaulted porch, to compensate for the slope of Mount Anis. The entrance was through a staircase that led into the middle of the central nave.

Hôtel-Dieu

Welcome to the "Hôtel des Lumières," the digital art center of the Cathedral and Hôtel-Dieu complex. After hosting major exhibitions in partnership with the Louvre, among others, the Hôtel-Dieu, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Cathedral (as part of the routes of Saint-Jacques), is partly transformed into a digital art center.

Statue of Notre-Dame

The Statue of Notre-Dame de France is a true technical feat of the 19th century. It was created with metal from 213 cannons captured from the Russians during the Crimean War and offered by Napoleon III to the city of Le Puy-en-Velay.

Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe

North of the city of Le Puy-en-Velay, the town of Aiguilhe is characterized by a Rock (former volcanic chimney) on which stands a surprising and magnificent chapel, dedicated to Saint Michael since the 10th century.

Crozatier Museum

The Crozatier Museum is 4 museums in 1: archaeology, Velay craftsmanship, Fine Arts, and sciences. It also features tactile models, talking paintings, interactive tablets... all devices that allow you to understand the masterpieces of this multifaceted museum. It's a real journey through the history of humanity that awaits you.

Markets

Velay is full of weekly markets highlighting local producers and beautiful seasonal products. In Le Puy, it's on Saturday mornings, throughout the city and open to the public.

The Velay

Discover some atypical places in our department

Polignac

The fortress is located at the gates of Le Puy-en-Velay. It is truly a unique site in the region and attracts the interest of many visitors. It inspired and seduced Georges Sand, who set the action of one of her novels there.

Castles and Buildings

From the Château de La Rochelambert to the Château de Lavoûte-Polignac and Bouzols, from the Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette to the Château d'Arlempdes and Saint-Vidal, the Velay region is rich in its historical buildings, reflecting a tumultuous history.

Mont Mézenc and volcanoes

Velay immerses you in its unique natural heritage. Its volcanic activity makes it a territory rich in varied landscapes and exceptional natural spaces. A rejuvenating escape with its summit, the highest point in Haute-Loire, Mont Mézenc offers you a 360° view...

Festivals and Events

Renaissance festivals, light shows, music and dance festivals, literature

Puy de Lumières

Puy de Lumières is a magical stroll among the emblematic monuments of Le Puy-en-Velay and Brives-Charensac. Magical sound and light shows are projected on the facades at nightfall. The Crozatier Museum, the Theater, the City Hall, the Cathedral, the Saint-Alexis Chapel, the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe Rock, the Media Library & the Old Bridge of Brives-Charensac come to life at night!

Fêtes du Roi de l'Oiseau

The exceptional heritage of the city of Le Puy-en-Velay gives the Renaissance Fêtes of the Roi de l'Oiseau a special dimension. From Thursday, the residents of Le Puy put on their costumes and live for 4 days in the Renaissance era. It all starts in the stalls of the big historical market held in the alleys of the Henri Vinay garden. Tables and taverns flourish everywhere in the city for feasting around a Renaissance menu. Taste Hypocras, Mead, and meet Renaissance camps!

Chaise-Dieu Festival

The plateau of La Chaise-Dieu has a unique heritage and natural wealth. Let yourself be tempted by the discovery of the village of La Chaise-Dieu, renowned for its festival of sacred music and its famous Saint-Robert abbey, a must-see.

Monastier Brass Festival

A must-see musical event paying a copper tribute to all music for 32 years, the Festival is a cornerstone of the musical life of the anti-Ligurian region.

Craponne Rendez-Vous Country Festival

Several days of concerts in the great spaces of Haute-Loire and conviviality, with the aim of offering an eclectic and original musical lineup mixing Country, Rock, Folk, and Blues.

Reading under the tree

At 1000m above sea level, between Haute-Loire and Ardèche, experience a whole week of readings and encounters in the heart of nature, around contemporary poetry.