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”!
01
Hiking a historic path
All roads lead to Le Puy-en-Velay! The city is a starting point, a destination, and a transit point for numerous long-distance hiking trails. Eight GR ( Grande Randonnée) routes share a common link in the capital of the Velay region! Can you name them all?
02
Taste the gastronomy of Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay and its surrounding area offer a wide selection of restaurants to delight your taste buds, whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely meal at a fine table . Discover our flagship local products at our weekly markets , such as Puy-en-Velay green lentils (AOP), verbena, Tomme aux Artisous cheese, craft beers, and hypocras (a local spiced wine).
03
Celebrate 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…
04
Dive into the last wild gorges
Between the Loire and the Allier rivers, you're sure to find something to delight you among our exceptional natural sites . Come and recharge your batteries in the Loire gorges , home to the longest river in France, which rises at Mont Gerbier de Jonc (1 hour from Le Puy-en-Velay) in the Ardèche region.
Discover a swimming spot in the Allier gorges . Let yourself be charmed by our villages, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, such as Blesle, Lavaudieu, Lavoûte-Chilhac and Pradelles.
05
Fill up on sensations
Are you a sports enthusiast or an outdoor lover? Velay is the place for you! On the water, on land, or in the air, there's always an activity to tempt you here. Come explore our climbing routes , rafting , zip lines, paragliding , and even our Himalayan footbridge (Gorges du Lignon).
06
Visit historic castles
Let yourself be tempted by the discovery of our region and, in particular, its exceptional architectural heritage ! The history of Velay unfolds before you with visits to its iconic fortresses. Among them are the fortress of Polignac and its village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, and the Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette , stronghold of the Marquis, hero of the Two Worlds.
07
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!
08
Climbing on the roof of Velay
Gaining a little altitude makes it easy to appreciate the vastness of the Velay landscapes. It's in this breathtaking environment that one falls in love all over again with unspoiled nature. Like on Mont Mézenc , which you can climb to its 1753-meter summit! Without a doubt, it's the most beautiful viewpoint the Velay region has to offer.
09
Discover Velay by bike
Rediscover the taste of freedom, wide open spaces, hiking trails, and cycling… The Puy-en-Velay region and its surroundings offer a breath of fresh air. Prefer two wheels? The greenways and mountain biking trails will give you plenty of opportunities to work up a sweat and experience a change of scenery!
10
Visit a unique cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay is a major monument of Romanesque art and of Western Christianity.
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 authentic nature
Here you'll find a diverse range of accommodations, from hotels to charming bed and breakfasts . For an authentic experience, choose a bed and breakfast in a traditional stone house. If you prefer classic hotels, the city offers a variety of services, from 2 to 4 stars.
12
Fly over Velay in a hot air balloon
To appreciate the beauty of the Velay landscapes, take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride ! From sunrise, you can fly over our most beautiful sites in the region, such as the Polignac Fortress, the castles of Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Arlempdes, as well as the Loire and Allier gorges!
