Spring is here! - Le Puy-en-Velay Tourism

Le Puy-en-Velay is bursting with spring colors and invites you to escape for an unforgettable stay. From visiting its must-see monuments to enjoying its generous and delicious cuisine, not forgetting its hiking trails and the Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay will fulfill your springtime wanderlust! So, whether it's a short break or a long weekend in May, don't wait any longer, spring is here!

Spring in Velay

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Head off for a cultural and gastronomic weekend in Le Puy-en-Velay or opt for the experience of the first stage of the mythical pilgrimage route. Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle!

Premiers pas sur le mythique chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle

Le Puy-en-Velay

First steps on the mythical path of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle

Patrimoine et gastronomie au Puy-en-Velay

Le Puy-en-Velay

View of the rock and the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel

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

The Pass'Card offer in Velay is valid from March 30th to November 11th

Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral

UNESCO JEWEL

Start your day with a jewel of Romanesque art, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Le Puy, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Saint-JacquesIt dominates the city with its facades in ever-changing colors, from pale pink to vibrant ochre. Inside, let yourself be enveloped by the serenity of the vaulted ceilings and feel the spirit of the pilgrimage. Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.

Its Black Madonna, venerated since the Middle Ages, still attracts pilgrims from all over the world today. Climb the 134 steps of the Renaissance staircase for a breathtaking view of the city. A spectacular start to your day in Le Puy-en-Velay!

The Statue of Our Lady of France

and the crow rock

After the cathedral, head towards the top of the Corneille rock where the statue of Our Lady of France stands proudly . Standing 16 meters tall and weighing 110 tons, this cast-iron Virgin, forged from 213 cannons captured at Sevastopol, has watched over the city since 1860.

Climb the few remaining steps to reach the platform and take in a breathtaking view: the red tiled roofs of Puy-en-Velay, the green valleys and the surrounding peaks.

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

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To stroll

IN THE city

Terraces and restaurants in Puy-en-Velay — Terraces and restaurants in Le Puy-en-Velay, © Luc Olivier

Head back down towards the historic center, taking the cobbled lanes that wind between the half-timbered houses. The Rue des Tables, where artisans display their creations, will charm you with its lace, pottery, and lava jewelry. Each shop tells a story, each facade hides an architectural detail waiting to be discovered. Along the way, let yourself be drawn to the town's shopping streets: Rue Courrerie, Rue Raphaël…

Continue on to Place du Plot, with its lively market (if you're there on a Saturday morning), which is a must-see. Sample the local specialties: the Puy green lentil PDO, the cheese with artisous or the famous Verveine Verte du Velay, a digestive liqueur made from plants.

A quick stop at the Tourist Office! You can pick up all the information you need for your stay and, most importantly, get valuable advice from our staff based on your preferences! See you at Place du Breuil – 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay

The extraordinary ascent

from the Rocher SAINT-MICHEL d'Aiguilhe

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Just a few minutes from the center of Le Puy-en-Velay, the Aiguilhe rock Awaiting you is the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel, listed among the most beautiful monuments in France, which awaits you. You will have to climb the 268 steps carved into the rock. But what a reward!
Perched 82 meters high, this 10th-century sanctuary, a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine art, offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

The cloister of the cathedral

An exceptional Romanesque cloister, built in the 12th century against the north side of the cathedral, boasts a great diversity of Romanesque sculptures. The chapter house, or chapter room, hosted the assemblies of the cathedral canons.

gourmet break

savor the local specialties

The gastronomy of Puy-en-Velay — The gastronomy of Le Puy-en-Velay, © Luc Olivier

After your climb, treat yourself to a well-deserved break in one of Le Puy-en-Velay's typical cafés or restaurants . Savor the traditional green lentils of Le Puy-en-Velay in a variety of recipes. Salted pork with lentils or creamy soups will delight your taste buds. And don't forget the dishes featuring Vourzac trout, Fin Gras du Mézenc beef, or the Auvergne truffade!

For those with a sweet tooth, accompany your meal with a glass of local wine such as a Côtes-d'Auvergne. And don't forget to bring back some delicious souvenirs: local honey, cheeses with artichokes, or verbena candies will easily find their place in your bag!

A Journey Through Art and History

discover the Crozatier museum

The collections of the Crozatier museum in Puy-en-Velay — The collections of the Crozatier Museum in Le Puy-en-Velay, © Amandine Riou

Continue your day with a cultural immersion at Crozatier MuseumLocated in a verdant setting in the heart of the Henri-Vinay garden, this eclectic museum houses diverse collections: archaeology, fine arts, lace, and natural sciences.
Don't miss the room dedicated to the lace of Le Puy-en-Velay, a local craft listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Children will love the science gallery's collections, where they can discover paleontology and the animals of the region, including a life-size Mastodon from Auvergne!

Puy-en-Velay lace

a know-how unique in the world

Le Puy-en-Velay is inextricably linked to lace, an art that has brought it renown since the 16th century. Visit the Lace Teaching Center , where demonstrations immerse you in the meticulous world of lacemakers. Observe their nimble fingers manipulating bobbins with goldsmith-like precision, creating exquisitely delicate patterns. You can even try your hand at it (with a little patience!) or take home a piece of this unique tradition. Le Puy lace has adorned queens and stars: why not you?