In 2025, discover a destination renowned for its exceptional heritage, its authentic nature and its gentle way of life. Coming to Le Puy-en-Velay means choosing to take the grand departure of legendary routes such as the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle or Stevenson.
With the charm and rhythm of each season, there is bound to be an activity or event to seduce you! Gorges de la Loire or de l'Allier, mountain of Mézenc, country of La Chaise Dieu, come and discover our playgrounds. Gastronomy, producers, festival, sporting events, come and fill up on energy.
In 2025, the Vellaves lands promise to make you “simply happy”!
1) Hike a historic path
All roads lead to Le Puy-en-Velay! The city is both a starting point, an arrival point but also a crossing point for many hiking trails. 8 itineraries of Great hike have the capital of Velay in common! Can you name them all?
2) Taste the gastronomy of Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay and its region offer you a whole selection of restaurants to delight your taste buds, take a quick lunch break or take the time to settle down at a beautiful table. Discover our local produce headlights during our weekly markets such as the AOP green lentil from Puy-en-Velay, verbena, tomme aux artisous, craft beers and hypocras.
3) Party at one of our summer festivals
With many events, especially in the summer, enjoy your stay at the whim of festivals, exhibitions and also the many activities in the Velay region! With major events such as The Nights of Saint-Jacques, The La Chaise Dieu festival or, The Bird King not to be missed…
4) Dive into the last wild gorges
Between the Loire and the Allier, you will definitely find what you are looking for around our natural sites exceptional. Come and recharge your batteries in the Loire gorges, the longest river in France which has its source at Mont Gerbier de Jonc (1 hour from Le Puy-en-Velay) in Ardèche.
Go and discover a swimming spot in the Allier gorgesLet yourself be seduced by our villages classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France such as Blesle, Lavaudieu, Lavoûte-Chilhac and Pradelles.
5) Get your fill of sensations
Are you a sports enthusiast or a lover of the great outdoors? Velay is made for you! On the water, on dry land or in the air, there will always be an activity that will appeal to you here. Come and explore our routesclimbing, Rafting, zip lines, paraglider and even Himalayan Gateway (Lignon Gorges).
6) Visit historic castles
Let yourself be tempted to discover our territory and in particular its cultural heritage. exceptional building! The history of Velay is offered to you with a visit to its emblematic fortresses. Among them, the Polignac fortress and its village classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France or even the Chateau de Chavaniac-Lafayette, fiefdom of the Marquis, hero of the Two Worlds.
7) Visit surprising monuments
Capital of the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the city of Puy-en-Velay is unique due to its emblematic monuments built on volcanic lands. Come and visit the statue of Our Lady of France perched at 750 meters or even the Notre-Dame cathedral and its cloister or the Chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe accessible only by a staircase of 268 steps!
8) Climb onto the roof of the Velay
By gaining a little height, it is quite easy to realize the immensity of the Velay landscapes. It is also in front of this breathtaking environment that we fall in love again with preserved nature. As on the Mont-Mezenc, which you will walk on until its 1753 meter high summit! Without a doubt, it is the most beautiful viewpoint that the horizons of Velay can offer.
9) Discover Velay by bike, mountain bike or gravel
Rediscover the taste of freedom, the great outdoors, take the hiking trails, get out your bikes... So many great breaths of fresh air that the destination of Puy-en-Velay and its surroundings offers. More of a two-wheeler? green ways and mountain bike trail will give you something to sweat about and get away from it all!
10) Visit a unique cathedral
La Cathedral of Our Lady of Le Puy-en-Velay is a major monument of Romanesque art and of the Christian West.
It was registered in 1998 on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in France.
It sits enthroned in the upper town of the city of Le Puy and sees many visitors and pilgrims pass through its majestic staircase every year!
11) Stay in the heart of authentic nature
You will find with us a varied range of accommodation, ranging from hotels (in French only) at guest rooms charming. For an authentic experience, opt for a bed and breakfast in a traditional stone house. If you prefer classic hospitality, the city's hotels offer you different services from 2 to 4 stars.
12) Fly over Velay in a hot air balloon
To appreciate the beauty of the landscapes of Velay, take to the heights by traveling in hot air balloon ! As soon as the sun rises, you will be able to fly over our most beautiful places in the region such as the Fortress of Polignac, the castle of Lavoûte-sur-Loire or Arlempdes, but also the gorges of the Loire or the Allier!
