Welcome to the greenway that connects Le Puy-en-Velay and Landos, known as the Via Velay . Discover the former railway line between Le Puy-en-Velay and Langogne, now a greenway. A walk for everyone, rich in natural and built heritage in the heart of the Velay region.
The incredible story
of a railway line
The railway line from Le Puy-en-Velay to Langogne was opened in 1912 to connect the industrial centers of the Saint-Étienne basin with those of the Cévennes mountains. However, since 1981, trains have no longer run on this line, and the tracks have been removed to create a pleasant walking and cycling path that will appeal to walkers and cyclists, including those using hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes.
Linking Le Puy-en-Velay via the Loire Valley (600m altitude) to Landos, the route climbs steadily from Brives-Charensac, with an average gradient of 2%. This gradient is consistent, easy, and therefore suitable for all levels! And finally, for the return journey, it's all downhill, so you can just let your bike roll!
The route begins at the Puy-en-Velay Intermodal Hub, at the train station (629 meters altitude). From there, it's a gentle climb (2%), accessible to all, up to the town of Landos.
5 tunnels to take
and a viaduct!
The Via Velay route passes through five illuminated tunnels and over a 184-meter-long viaduct with metal spans. It initially offers beautiful views of the Loire Valley. Quite shaded, it climbs steadily. The Château de Bouzols comes into view. After the Coubon station, you'll discover a first tunnel, 1,1 km long, very well laid out and cool! Then, to the right, a splendid view of Le Puy-en-Velay appears, with the statue of Notre-Dame de France standing out against the Corneille rock.
A second tunnel, 1,3km long, is crossed without any problems thanks to the perfect surface. At its exit, the Via Velay overlooks the valley, clinging to the mountainside, and the Auvergne mountains and Mont Mézenc can be seen in the distance. The route continues through a sublime and peaceful setting all the way to the outskirts of Landos!
A renowned
breathtaking
From the connection between Le Puy-en-Velay and the Green Way, via the banks of the Borne River, a whole heritage unfolds before you. From the Massot Stadium, you've explored Le Puy-en-Velay and now you'll walk alongside the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe rock . A refreshing and pleasant stroll by the water.
Throughout the Green Way, local heritage takes center stage. Explore the banks of the Loire at Brives-Charensac, the village of Coubon, and especially, in Solignac-sur-Loire, the Beaume waterfall . At kilometer 17,6 of the Green Way, follow the PR67 trail for 2km to discover an exceptional natural site and its 27m high waterfall.
the route in brief from Le Puy-en-Velay
- Departure from the Intermodal Hub (SNCF train station) of Le Puy-en-Velay
- Take the greenway to Brives-Charensac via avenue de Belges and cross the activity zone
- Take the streets along the left bank of the Loire, towards upstream: rue de la Poterie, rue de la République, then the D37.
- Views of the Loire then glimpse of the Bouzols castle from the Coubon road.
- After Coubon station, a first tunnel 1,1km long
- Exiting the tunnel: splendid view of Puy-en-Velay, with the statue of Notre-Dame de France standing out against the Corneille rock.
- A second tunnel of 1,3 km then 3 more tunnels
- Passage over the Gagne viaduct and arrival at Solignac-sur-Loire
- Cross Solignac then head towards the village of Brignon
- Follow the route of the old railway line to Costaros then Landos.
- Possibility of joining the Via Allier route (approximately 4km via the D88)
Practical
How far is Via Velay?
35km separate Le Puy-en-Velay from Landos. 70km round trip to travel the Via Velay!
What is the origin of the Via Velay?
It was originally the railway line from Puy-en-Velay to Langogne which was put into service in 1912 to ensure the connection between the industrial centers of the Saint-Etienne basin and those of the Cévennes. But the trains have deserted this route and the rails removed to allow the development of a pleasant walk which will appeal to walking and cycling enthusiasts!
