Come and discover the rich heritage of the city of Puy-en-Velay! You want to plan your days and your visiting times, then this section is for you! 2 visits are offered by the Tourist Office with the guided tour of the City of Puy-en-Velay, and the Unesco visit.

Guided visit

from Puy-en-Velay

With one of our expert guides, in partnership with the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Land of Art and History), let yourself be carried away through the city ​​of ponotus to glimpse all its treasures. A real time machine, you will leave from the lower town Renaissance to the upper town of Middle Ages. Finally, you will visit the Notre-Dame cathedral, included in the World Heritage ListUNESCO under paths of Saint-Jacques-of Compostela.

View of the Notre-Dame de France statue in Puy-en-Velay

Schedules

visits

  • From 04/04 to 27/06: Saturday at 14:30 p.m.
  • From July 4th to September 12th: every day at 10am except Sundays at 11am
  • From 26/09 to 24/10: Saturday at 14:30 p.m.

DEPARTURE: Place du Breuil Theatre
Duration 2h

UNESCO Treasures

Cathedral, Hôtel-Dieu and its pharmacy

The city of Puy-en-Velay has two monuments classified as world heritage sites, listed as World Heritage SitesUNESCO under the Paths of Saint-Jacques of Compostela: thecathedral complex and the Hospital.
Every Thursday, a 2-hour guided tour In collaboration with the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Land of Art and History), you will be taken to the thousand-year-old Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay to discover its secrets and treasures. The visit will continue at the Hôtel-Dieu of Le Puy-en-Velay, exploring its gardens and its pharmacy!

Classified in 1998

Le Puy-en-Velay can be proud of holding the UNESCO label thanks to its cathedral and its Hôtel-Dieu classified as part of the Chemins de Saint-Jacques of Compostela. Let yourself be captivated by the treasures of this majestic cathedral and discover the pharmacy and the Heart of the Hôtel-Dieu, a monumental work by Jean-Michel Othoniel.

The courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu

Hours

of your visits

From July 9th to August 27th: Thursdays at 5pm
DEPARTURE: in front of the stairs of the Puy-en-Velay Cathedral
(at the top of Rue des Tables)


Polignac, the most beautiful village in France

and its fortress

Polignac is classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of FranceHistorical, volcanic, and natural characteristics aptly describe this small village in the Velay region, which reveals its fortress as well as the Church of Saint-Martin, a fine example of architectural unity, which notably houses remarkable 12th and 14th-century murals. Polignac is a crossroads for hiking trails on the path to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, that of Saint-Michel and many other routes will allow you to discover the 17 hamlets of the commune.

View of the Polignac fortress

The impregnable medieval fortress of Polignac is an exceptional monument at the gates of Le Puy-en-Velay. Deeply rooted in the heritage of the Velay region, this thousand-year-old castle has withstood the test of time. Today, it stands as a testament to a rich and eventful history. Prized for its imposing keep, the fortress invites visitors to explore and reveal its many secrets.


The shrine

Saint Joseph in Espaly

Near Puy-en-Velay, in the heart of the Borne valley, the basilica of Saint-Joseph de Bon-Espoir d'Espaly, completed in 1918, occupies the site of the former chapel of a fortified castle. The monumental statue measures 22,40 meters high and seems to respond to Notre-Dame de France located on the Corneille rock in Puy-en-Velay.

Work of Brother André Besqueut, the statue was built in reinforced concrete. Its construction was approved by Pope Pius X. The inauguration and blessing took place on April 11, 1910. During your visit, admire the chapel nestled in the rock. Around the sanctuary, a few narrow and picturesque streets make up old Espaly.


Gourmet sunrise

at Mont Mézenc

Happiness belongs to those who rise early! You will experience the ascent of Mont Mézenc to enjoy the first rays of sunlight on the roof of the region, accompanied by a mountain guide! There's nothing like a sunrise to experience something unique and original.

After a short climb before the first rays of sunlight, you'll share a breakfast of local products prepared by your mountain guide. You'll cherish a unique memory of this sunrise and its colors over the Alps.


Visit and tasting at the estate

Clos du Paradis

A wine paradise in the heart of Velay…
Clos du Paradis is the story of an encounter between the vine and the largest volcanic territory in the Massif Central: the Velay. Nestled in the basalt landscapes of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, the estate combines the harmony of a historic territory with the passion of authentic know-how, in the purest winemaking tradition.

At Domaine Clos du Paradis, there is no penance, but a true understanding of the vine to offer unique wines imbued with character. Bathed in the spirituality of the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the Clos du Paradis offers a taste pilgrimage to the capital of Velay.

The visit to the estate allows the discovery of the Renaissance of wine in Velay, the history of this project, followed by a tasting of the estate's wines accompanied by local charcuterie and cheeses.


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GUIDED TOURS

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Visit the Notre-Dame statue

Just a few minutes' walk from the city center, the monumental statue of Notre-Dame de France is a technical marvel that never fails to amaze visitors. It has overlooked the city of Le Puy-en-Velay since 1860 and remains the most visited monument in the region, attracting nearly 100.000 visitors each year.


and even more inspirations…

IN GROUPS

Do you want to visit the city of Le Puy-en-Velay and dream of discovering its secrets with friends, family, or even with your club or association ? Find our group offers and benefit from personalized support from our team to immerse yourself in the ancient heritage of the Velay region! We take care of everything…

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