Polignac, Plus Beau Village de France

Polignac is located just 5 minutes from Le Puy-en-Velay! Perched on its volcanic promontory which serves as its pedestal, the imposing fortress of Polignac watches over the village and offers a 360° panorama of the Velay mountains and the Meygal and Mézenc massifs.

In our volcanic territory of Velay, Polignac was born under the waters of a lake covering the surrounding area more than 2,5 million years ago. Numerous explosions attenuated by the large quantity of water thus created the relief and in particular this basaltic dike on which the fortress was built.

This, like a large part of the buildings of Polignac and its numerous hamlets, was designed from this lava stone formerly quarried on the outskirts of the village. Originally from the 11th century, the Saint-Martin church constitutes another example of construction made from volcanic breccias. As if echoing its history, the geological origins of Polignac give the village both power and elegance.

The village is located on several major hiking routes, including the GR®765 (Chemin de Saint-Jacques-of Compostela on the Lyon/Cluny – Le Puy routes), making it an ideal stop for hikers and pilgrims.