Discover Velay, a summer between nature, culture and emotion!
Let yourself be seduced by a land of a thousand facets! Between characterful villages and preserved spaces like the Allier and Loire gorges, experience authentic and revitalizing stays. Discover an exceptional heritage between Romanesque chapels and surprising fortresses. From the town of Puy-en-Velay to the site of La Chaise Dieu, passing through Polignac, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, every step is an encounter and every day, an adventure.
Together, let’s write your summer in Velay!
01
Visit Le Puy-en-Velay
Capital of the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the city of Puy-en-Velay is unique due to its emblematic monuments built on volcanic lands. Come and visit the statue of Our Lady of France perched at 750 meters or even the Notre-Dame cathedral and its cloister or the Chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe accessible only by a staircase of 268 steps!
02
Discover La Chaise Dieu and the Craponne region
A 40-minute drive from Le Puy-en-Velay, set off to discover the jewel of The God ChairNestled on a granite promontory at over 1080 meters, this village enchants with the beauty of the place and its visits, also renowned for its famous Saint-Robert Abbey.
Also take a trip to the Arzon Gorges, around Craponne-sur-Arzon, to enjoy the surrounding nature while hiking or cycling!
03
Experience the thrill of the Allier Gorges
The Allier Gorges, a natural jewel of the Velay region, invite you to enjoy a unique experience amidst exceptional natural landscapes and sporting activities, where wild salmon have made their home. From rafting and canoeing to kayaking and canyoning , come and test yourself against the whitewater of the Allier Gorges.
04
Visit the Loire Gorges
The Loire Gorges offer a breathtaking panorama, where the clear waters of the Loire River wind between majestic cliffs. Come and recharge your batteries on the banks of France's longest river, which rises at Mont Gerbier de Jonc in Ardèche (a 1-hour drive from Le Puy-en-Velay). Here you'll find the very first châteaux of the Loire: Arlempdes, Goudet, Arsarc, Coubon, and Lavoûte-sur-Loire.
05
Explore one of the most beautiful villages
Just a 5-minute drive from Le Puy-en-Velay, discover the Polignac fortress and its village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France . From its rocky spur, this medieval castle offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the Velay region.
06
Discover the summer exhibitions
If you are an art and exhibition enthusiast, you will be delighted with two of our major temporary exhibitions in the Velay region. In Le Puy-en-Velay, Japan takes center stage at the Musée Crozatier , while in La Chaise-Dieu, photographer Raymond Depardon is being honored at the Abbey.
07
Cycle on our greenways
Hop on your best bike to discover our two must-see greenways in the region:
– the Via Velay between Le Puy-en-Velay and Landos (37 km long)
– the Via Fluvia between Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Annonay (120 km long)
08
Experience a land of festivals
Thanks to our many highlights this summer, experience your stay through the Velay festivals:
– the Interflok festival (Le Puy-en-Velay) from July 22nd to 27th
– the festival of Nights of Saint-Jacques (Le Puy-en-Velay) from July 24 to 26
– the Country festival (Craponne-sur-Arzon) from July 26 to 27
– the Basaltics Festival (Le Puy-en-Velay) from July 30th to August 2nd
– the Celtic festival in Gévaudan (Saugues) from August 07th to 09th
– the La Chaise Dieu festival from August 20 to 30
– the 40th edition of the King of the Birds (Le Puy-en-Velay) from September 17 to 21
09
Taste local products from Velay
Looking for good local products in Puy-en-Velay and its surroundings? Then don't miss out on discovering the Velay producers' route : more than 70 producers committed to promoting short supply chains, respecting seasonality and selling directly from the farm.
You can also find the complete list of our markets here.
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