Voie Verte de Brives-Charensac A Costaros

The railway line from Puy-en-Velay to Langogne was put into service in 1912 to provide a link between the industrial centers of the Saint-Etienne basin and those of the Cévennes. But since 1981, the trains have deserted this route and the rails have been removed to allow the development of a pleasant walk that will appeal to lovers of walking and cycling (VTC and mountain bike)!!!

Linking the Loire Valley (600m above sea level) to Solignac (850m), it rises continuously from Brives-Charensac, with an average gradient of 2%. This slope is regular, easy and therefore suitable for all audiences!
And finally, for the return, logically it goes down and you just have to let it roll!

The beginning of the route (north-south direction) is located 4 km from Le Puy en Velay at the exit of Brives-Charensac station (600 meters above sea level). It is then a gentle climb, (2%) accessible to all, up to the town of Brignon (940 meters above sea level). The greenway takes 5 lighted tunnels and a 184 meter viaduct with metal spans.

The Voie Verte first offers you beautiful views of the Loire Valley. Fairly shaded, it climbs steadily. We can see the castle of Bouzol.
After Coulon station, we discover a first tunnel 1,1km long, very well laid out and cool! Then appears on the right a splendid view of Puy-en-Velay, with the statue of Notre Dame de France which stands out on the Rocher Corneille.
A second tunnel of 1,3 km is crossed in peace because the ground is perfect. At its outlet, the Voie Verte dominates the valley, on the mountainside, and you can see the Auvergne mountains and Mont Mezenc in the distance.
The route continues in a sublime and soothing setting up to the gates of Costaros!

Technical specifications
A fine gravel was laid on the ballast, and well tamped. This coating is excellent for walking, rolling well in a hybrid bike, and practicable in a wheelchair (people with disabilities). The various bridges have renovated guardrails, and the decking of the Solignac-sur-Loire viaduct has been completely redone.

Sources: OT Le Puy en Velay; AF3V