The 14 things to do at Puy-en-Velay

Pack your bags in the Haute-Loire by visiting Puy-en-Velay, a city full of surprises!

The prefecture of the Haute-Loire is a unique city of its kind. Frequented by the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle for centuries, it contains historic monuments and extraordinary religious buildings.

Its panorama is recognizable between a thousand, with the cathedral, the virgin and the rock Saint-Michel. You will be charmed by its paved alleys, craft shops and restaurants with traditional flavours.

So don’t wait anymore and follow us in discovering the best things to do at Puy-en-Velay!

1. Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral and its cloister

When you arrive at the Rue des Tables, you rise your eyes to the monumental building that overlooks the city. All the travellers who come to visit the Puy-en-Velay are fascinated by the monumental porch that seems suspended in the sky.

By taking the stairs below, you arrive immediately at the heart of the nave. Then turn to the altar to admire the 17th century Black Virgin, then observe the various frescoes that decorate the walls. The cathedral is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Santiago de Compostela trails.

It marks the departure of the Puy road. Don’t miss visiting the cloister, one of Europe’s most beautiful novel ensembles.

2. La statue Notre-Dame-de-France

The Notre-Dame-de-France statue is a must-see at Puy-en-Velay. This representation of the virgin is erected on the Cornelius rock, a stone cone of volcanic origin.

It peaks at 757 meters above sea level and 132 meters above the city. The virgin holds the child Jesus in his arms to bless the city. Ascension is easily accessible, with observation platforms, fountains and rest point throughout the climb.

Interpretive panels detail the history of the statue, made from the steel of the 213 guns taken to the Russian troops during the Crimean War.

You can climb inside the statue to access its crown, and enjoy a 360° view from the translucent dome.

3. The rock Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe

Like the virgin, the chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe is built on an old volcano chimney. This rock, with a height of 82 meters, is one of the most amazing in the country.

It also welcomes a chapel dedicated to Saint-Michel since the year 961. The monument was listed on the first list of Historical Monuments in 1840. You will then be subjugated by the way in which the building seems embedded in the rock itself.

The staircase hanging on the cliff is a symbol of ascension to the heavens and is in itself a strong time of the visit. From the top you thus enjoy an exceptional view of the city and the statue next to the virgin.

4. Jardin Henri Vinay

In the heart of Puy, close to Breuil Square, there is a huge park of 4.3 hectares. It is a privileged place for the Ponots and tourists who came to visit the Puy-en-Velay.

400 trees over 50 years provide a welcome shade in the summer. Some are carved, others left in free push, and some remarkable specimens reach 3 meters of circumference! A signage accompanies trees to allow the most curious visitors to discover the particularities of each species.

The garden is also a refuge for birds who come to build their nest. A path of the nest boxes allows to observe them, and enclosed spaces are home to a multitude of other animals.

The children are happy to go to see the daims and goats in their enclosures, the ducks in semi-freedom and the swans in the central basin. It is thus possible to settle on the grass for a picnic between friends or a restorative nap between two visits.

5. Crozatier Museum

Charles Crozatier was a bronze founder born in Puy in 1794. He was awarded the Napoleon of the Vendôme column and the equestrian statue of Louis XIV at the court of Versailles. When he died, he gave many gifts to the city of Puy, and the Crozatier Museum was baptized in his honour.

The museum has 4 galleries: History, Velay, Fine Arts and Sciences. They welcome local and international works, and highlight the history of the department, through its artists, craftsmanship, but also its geology, fauna and flora.

6. Hotel-God

This building was originally a hospital for the care of pilgrims and the sick. It is located right next to the cathedral and today welcomes the Art & Heritage Area of the Country of Art and History.

Its purpose is to tell the construction and development of the Velay and the city of Puy as the high place of Christianity. Various themes are then addressed as "Le Puy, a sanctuary town", "Le Velay par monts et par vaux" or "Lace et savoir-faire".

Through the rooms you will discover friezes, models, interactive maps and sound and olfactory atmospheres for an immersive and complete experience. Don't miss the hospital pharmacy, preserved in its 19th century state. You can observe ancient instruments of medicine and a collection of medicinal plants.

7. Le Centre d’enseignement de lantelle au fuseau

Visiting Puy-en-Velay is also discovering its terroir and know-how. Lace fields have been linked to the history of the city for centuries, and the centre of lace teaching allows us to continue this tradition.

There are exhibitions presenting the dentellier heritage, and courses are also offered. You can participate in an initiation of one or two hours or even follow a one-week internship to create your own works. Otherwise, a shop offers hundreds of dwarfs, curtains, cushions and other pieces of unmatched finesse.

8. The distillery of Verveine Pagès

Not far from Puy-en-Velay, discover the Verveine Pagès distillery for a dive in the history of this region’s iconic alcohol.

Considered sacred by the elders, the verb was named herb of Venus by the Romans. It is used in gastronomy, herbal tea and liqueur. During your visit, you will learn the different stages of recipes, from maceration to aging in oak barrels.

About 60,000 liters of nectar come out of the 7 large red copper alambics each year. You will then be entitled to a tasting and can buy a small souvenir at the shop.

9. The beginning of path of Santiago de Compostela

Put on your hiking shoes and put yourself in the skin of a pilgrim en route to Santiago de Compostela! A 6.8-kilometre route allows you to visit the Puy-en-Velay, in the footsteps of the walkers on the GR65.

So, go to the tourist office to get your card back and take the departure. You will pass through several of the main monuments of the city, take narrow alleys and lead to exceptional views.

After walking along the Borne River, you will cross the garden Henri Vinay and gradually go back to the cathedral. You will have the opportunity to discover the museum spaces of the Hôtel-Dieu and the Camino.

10. The feasts of the King of the Bird

If you come to visit Le Puy-en-Velay after the summer, do not miss the holidays of the King of the Bird! The third week of September, the whole city has its Renaissance clothes.

It’s gone for 4 days of celebration in a more real setting than nature. Camps and tavernas are installed on all the places, where you can enjoy a real medium-age kitchen. Get ready for the game and then put on your most beautiful costume to melt in the mass of knights, pilgrims, nobles and menants who invade the streets.

Among the highlights of the party, the Renaissance balls, the costumes Mostra, the battle tournament and of course the archery contest whose winner will be designated king for a year!

On Sunday, the King of the Bird closes with a great historic parade, where thousands of costumed people descend from the cathedral accompanied by bands of saltimbanques.

11. The show « Puy de lumières »

Since 2017, the summer nights of Puy-en-Velay have lightened with a thousand lights. Light shows are projected on the main monuments of the city: this is the opportunity to rediscover its architectural wonders.

Each show is therefore unique and highlights a facet of history and territory. It is also possible to attend the whole show in one evening, during a beautiful night walk.

You will thus leave the Saint-Michel rock, pass through the Cathedral, the Crozatier Museum and continue to Brives-Charensac. In all, you'll be attending 9 bright shows.

12. Saint Joseph's Shrine of Bon Espoir and its statue

If you're looking for what to do in Puy-en-Velay and around, the basilica Saint-Joseph de Bon-Espoir is not to be missed. You will visit the basilica but also the caves chapels, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Puy.

The shrine is surrounded by a monumental statue of Saint Joseph. From the top of her 22 meters high, she seems to answer the statue of the virgin facing her.

13. The castle of Polignac

On a volcanic hill above the village of Polignac stand the remains of a grandiose fortress. If the majority of the building was destroyed over the centuries, the imposing dungeon proudly dominates the valley around it.

During a 1h30 visit, you will discover the history of the place through 14 points of interest. This is all the defensive system you will observe, as well as life inside the castle at its great time.

14. Gastronomy

It’s impossible to visit the Puy-en-Velay without attracting from one of its many traditional restaurants. At the foot of the cathedral in the street of the tables, place of the Plot or in one of the small streets, the best chefs will let you discover the cuisine of the terroir vellave.

The star of the plates is undoubtedly the green lens of the Velay, accompanied by peasant sausages or charcuterie. The region’s flagship products are also the Mezenc fin-grass beef or the black lamb.

The cheeses are also delicious, like the "artisous" cheese whose manufacturing process will surely surprise you... To water everything, then choose a good Vellavia beer and a green verveine, liqueur or syrup.

15. Turn around Montgolfière

What better to close this top of the must-have things to do to visit Puy-en-Velay than to have head in the clouds?

You will discover the unique beauty of the Auvergne while flying over its many castles including the mythical Forteresse de Polignac, but also the sumptuous landscapes typical of the Haute-Loire region. In love or with family, discover the beautiful volcanic landscapes of the region and take a good bowl of fresh air.

How do I get to Puy-en-Velay?

There are several ways to get to Puy-en-Velay.

• By car : to visit the Puy-en-Velay by car from Lyon, follow the RN88 during 1:30. From Clermont-Ferrand, you will borrow theA75 until Lempdes-sur-Allagnon then the N102. The journey lasts about 1:30 ;
• By plane : the nearest airport is that of Loudes, which is connected to Paris-Orly. Otherwise, you can make it Saint-Etienne, Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon, then rent a car or take the train. In any case, use a flight comparison as Skyscanner to find tickets at the best price;
• By train : la station TER du Puy-en-Velay is connected to Saint-Etienne by a direct line. The journey lasts 1h45.

Where to stay at Puy-en-Velay?

Whether you want to sleep in the heart of the city or in the surrounding countryside, there are plenty of accommodation to visit Puy-en-Velay.

Opt for a beautiful hotel close to the centre or rent a hotel Airbnb near the cathedral.

If you prefer a relaxing stay, put your suitcases in a guest room or a gite from one of the neighbouring villages. To find the ideal nest, enter your criteria in a Compare hotels !