The Jewels Trail… from the Velay region to the Allier gorges, passing through southern Auvergne! It's a journey, an immersive tour into the heart of an exceptional region where monumental heritage and spectacular landscapes blend harmoniously. It reveals a land shaped by volcanoes, faith, and the great moments of history. Famous names echo along this route: Le Puy-en-Velay, Brioude, La Chaise-Dieu… Explore the most beautiful villages in France, the Small Towns of Character, and the remarkable villages of the region!
Step 1
Le Puy-en-Velay
Starting from Le Puy-en-Velay, this route invites you to discover two spectacular sites that set the tone for the "Route des Jewels" (Route of Jewels) between Velay, southern Auvergne, and the Allier Gorges. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Le Puy, built from the 11th century onwards and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the routes of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, is worth the detour after about 134 steps and already offers a unique atmosphere.
Right next door, the famous Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe and its 10th-century chapel, reached after climbing 268 steps, reward visitors with a breathtaking view. These initial discoveries inspire a desire to continue the adventure along this route to Prades, linking other remarkable stops along the way through volcanic landscapes and the wild gorges of the Allier River.
Step 2
Polignac, the most beautiful village in France
The second stage takes you to the magnificent village of Polignac , listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Dominating the entire Velay landscape, the famous Polignac Fortress impresses with its spectacular position on an ancient volcanic plateau. Exploring the village and the fortress ramparts reveals a place steeped in history and remarkable panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A significant stop on the circuit before moving on to the next equally impressive stage on the road to the jewels.
Step 3
Saint-Paulien, a city of character
The tour continues with a stop in Saint-Paulien , a town classified as a "City of Character," renowned for its heritage and history dating back to the Gallo-Roman era. The village is perched on a plateau offering superb panoramic views of the Velay volcanoes and the surrounding gorges. At the heart of the village stands the remarkable Church of Saint-Georges of Saint-Paulien , a fine example of Romanesque architecture with its ancient stones and its atmosphere steeped in history.
Walking through its streets and around the church, you discover an authentic place that marks a new and charming stage on the road to the jewels.
Step 4
Allègre, the medieval
The route then makes a stop in Allègre , yet another City of Character with medieval charm.
The village, with its cobbled streets, old houses and remains of ramparts, retains a unique medieval atmosphere that immediately transports visitors into the past.
Dominating the town, the remains of Allègre castle recall its former strategic importance and offer breathtaking panoramas of Velay and its surroundings.
Between historical heritage and impressive landscapes, Allègre is a fascinating stop for young and old on the road to the jewels, before joining the next discovery on the circuit.
Step 5
La Chaise-Dieu, an exceptional heritage
Another remarkable site, The Chaise-Dieu attracts visitors with its 19th century Benedictine abbey, considered a true jewel of Gothic architecture in Auvergne. The Abbey Church of Saint Robert It impresses with its large nave, its slender vaults and its luminous stained-glass windows which tell the religious and cultural history of the city in the Middle Ages.
Inside, the furnishings and frescoes bear witness to the artistic flourishing of the era. The visit is complemented by modern museum displays that retrace the history of the abbey, explain its role in monastic life, and highlight its heritage treasures. Perched on a plateau, La Chaise-Dieu also offers a peaceful and picturesque setting that allows visitors to fully appreciate the importance of this unique site within the region's heritage.
Step 6
Brioude, a remarkable basilica
A town with a rich historical past, Brioude is particularly known for housing the remarkable Basilica of Saint-Julien , considered the largest Romanesque church in Auvergne. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, it is distinguished by its polychrome stones, sculpted capitals, and magnificent frescoes, which bear witness to Romanesque art in the region. The interior, bright and richly decorated, also features contemporary stained-glass windows that engage in a dialogue with the ancient architecture.
Walking through the historic center of Brioude, you discover a city full of character, marked by its religious heritage and authentic atmosphere.
Step 7
Blesle, the most beautiful village in France
Among the most remarkable villages in the region, Blesle Blesle is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. This medieval village, bisected by the Alagnon River, charms visitors with its picturesque alleyways, old stone and half-timbered houses, and vestiges of its historical past. A stroll through the heart of the village reveals the remains of its ancient fortifications and several towers, reminders of Blesle's importance in the Middle Ages. The whole village offers a charming setting, typical of the characterful villages of the Auvergne region.
Step 8
Lavaudieu, a breathtaking abbey
Among the remarkable villages of the region, Lavaudieu is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and constitutes a true heritage site thanks to its well-preserved monastic complex.
At the heart of the village lies the renowned Cloister of Lavaudieu Abbey , one of the few Romanesque cloisters still preserved in the Auvergne region. With its elegant galleries, sculpted columns, and peaceful atmosphere, it testifies to the importance of the abbey, founded in the 11th century, and the role it played in the history of the area. The village's narrow streets, old houses, and the river that flows through it complete the charm of this place steeped in history.
Step 9
LavoûTe-Chilhac, the most beautiful village in France
Dominated by the spectacular landscapes of the Allier Valley, Lavoûte-Chilhac is also listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Nestled in a bend of the river, the village charms visitors with its remarkable natural setting and rich historical heritage. In the heart of the village, the Saint-André Priory recalls the site's religious importance, while the remains of an old castle bear witness to its medieval past and its former strategic role.
The narrow streets of this village, the traditional houses and the bridge that spans the Allier confirm the authentic charm of this village where history and landscapes blend harmoniously.
Step 10
Chanteuges, its abbey and its priory
Nestled on the banks of the Allier river, the village of Chanteuges offers a remarkable setting between the river and volcanic landscapes. The village is particularly known for the Priory of Saint-Marcellin of Chanteuges and the remains of its former abbey, which testify to the site's importance since the Middle Ages. Above the village, the imposing silhouette of Mount La Durande It dominates the valley and immediately catches the eye. This iconic volcanic peak offers a spectacular panorama of the Allier gorges and the surrounding landscapes, making Chanteuges a place that is both striking and pleasant to discover.
Visit with PASS' CARD in VElay
Pass' Card en Velay is a unique, pre-paid ticket that gives access to 3 or 5 visits during your stay.
For a single shared ticket, you visit at a preferential rate:
- The Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe rock and its chapel
- The Notre-Dame de France statue
- The Fortress of Polignac
- The Crozatier museum
- The cloister of Puy-en-Velay Cathedral
