The 15 things to do in Haute-Loire

Would you like to visit the Haute-Loire? Discover the 16 essential things to do in this beautiful French region!

Visiting the Haute-Loire is going to discover an exceptional heritage for several days. Nestled between the natural parks of Pilat, the Monts d’Ardèche and the Forez, this department houses many natural, cultural and historical treasures.

In the Haute-Loire there are so many for all tastes! Whether you’re a fan of history, nature or outdoor sports, you’ll find things to do in Haute-Loire. To help you visit this exceptional territory, we still listed the 16 must-sees of the Haute-Loire.

1. The Puy-en-Velay

If you plan to visit the Haute-Loire, your first step will obviously be its main city. The Puy-en-Velay is a real heritage jewel of the Auvergne. This unspoiled city houses lots of cultural and historical treasures to be discovered during your stay. It is at the start of Via Podiensis, the main path in Europe to Saint-Jacques-de- Compostelle .

Among the most important things to do in the Haute-Loire, located in Le Puy-en-Velay, is the sublime Notre-Dame-de-l’Annunciation Cathedral, which is listed in Unesco’s World Heritage. His cloister is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque ensembles in Auvergne and even in Europe.

You should also visit its Old Town. It includes beautiful and high houses with red roofs, around the Cornelius rock. The latter was surmounted by a colossal statue of Notre-Dame de France, erected in 1860. You will enjoy a magnificent view over the city and the surrounding countryside!

2. Brioude

Fourth city of the department, Brioude has a rich and exciting architectural and cultural heritage. If you plan to visit the Haute-Loire, you should not miss it! One of its wonders is obviously the Basilica of Saint-Julien de Brioude, one of the flowers of the Romanesque churches of Auvergne.

Located on the tomb of Saint-Julien, Brioude is a place of pilgrimage, especially for the Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle. Bordered by the Allier, the city is surrounded by sublime landscapes that you can discover during charming walks.

3. The Gorges de l’Allier

The Gorges de l’Allier are obviously one of the must-sees in Haute-Loire. The last wild strain of Western European salmon, this preserved river is lined with untouched landscapes, beautiful works of Roman art and ancient buildings.

Along the water, from Auzon to Pradelles, you will discover a whole range of the exceptional natural and cultural heritage of the Haute-Loire. Thus, you are warmly recommended to browse your canoe-kayak gorges, on foot or even by bike.

On the way you can visit Auzon, a beautiful medieval city, Brioude but also Chilhac and its Museum of Palaeontology or the Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette. Don’t miss a stop in Langeac, a great spot of live water sports! In terms of landscapes, you will surely enjoy the Plateau d’Ally, the Rocher de Prades or even Pradelles. Ranked among the "Best Villages of France", this village is located on a beautiful mountainous plateau that separates Velay, Vivarais and Gévaudan.

4. Le Lac de Lavalette

Just east of Yssingeaux, don’t miss a tour of the Lac de Lavalette, one of the must-sees in Haute-Loire. Powered by the waters of the Lignon, it spreads over 220 hectares at an altitude of 820 metres. This beautiful cut lake offers charming little coves you can discover thanks to water sports. Catamaran, windsurfing, kayaking, pedal boat or paddle will be as many ways to visit it and enjoy its beautiful landscapes.

5. The Pic du Lizieux

South of Yssingeaux, you can also discover the Pic du Lizieux. This summit, surrounded by erupts from the last glacial period, was the exit point of a viscous lava. The latter spread on each side of the peak to give the plateau located at its base.

A beautiful 3-hour hike will allow you to reach the peak of the Pic, at 1,386 meters above sea level. All up there, you will enjoy a superb panorama of all the massifs of Mézenc and Meygal.

6. Lavaudieu

Not far from Brioude, you can discover another must-see in the Haute-Loire : Lavaudieu, among the most famous in the Haute-Loire best villages France. Nestled between the gorges of Allier and the forests of Livradois, this haven of peace is organized around an ancient Benedictine abbey. Built in 1057, she is the only abbey in Auvergne to have kept her Roman cloister.

It also has beautiful Romanesque frescoes, including a beautiful Byzantine style fresco. This building alone is worth a visit, but the charm and picturesque of the rest of the village will seduce you as much.

7. The Cratère du Mont-Bar

Overlooking the medieval village of Allègre from its 1 167 meters, Mont Bar is a unique volcano in France, thanks to the existence in its crater of a peat tree. Once a regional nature reserve, the site is of great wealth in terms of biodiversity. If you come to visit the Haute-Loire and are passionate about nature, you should not miss it. The writer George Sand himself would have come to immerse himself of Mount Bar and its landscapes!

Also enjoy your passage near this extinct volcano to admire the romantic remains of the Château d’Allègre, built at the top of a former volcano. The village, a former rural town prospering by its fairs and markets, is known for its many medieval vestiges.

8. The Massif du Mézenc

At the border between Haute-Loire and Ardèche, near the Estables, you can discover this massif of the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Natural Park. Mont Mézenc, its highest point, has two summits: the South is the highest in Ardèche with 1,753 meters high, the North of Haute-Loire with 1,744 meters high.

On the Auvergnat side, you will climb in the middle of wide open and windy areas, suitable for summer pastures. On the way to the northern summit of Mt. Mézenc, travellers will also enjoy breathtaking views of the Auvergne, but also on the Alps in the distance.

9. The Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu

Nestled in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Livradois-Forez, La Chaise-Dieu presents an exceptional setting with its deep valleys, green forests and pure rivers. The city is also rich in an impressive architectural, musical and cultural heritage.

Among his treasures, there is obviously the ancient Benedictine abbey. Founded in 1048 by Saint Robert de Turlande, it was attended in the 15th century by the future Pope, Clément VI . The latter will even be buried in the abbatial Gothic church that he himself had erected.

In the building you can discover beautiful Flanders tapestries, as well as a fresco of the Macabre Dance. Every year at the end of August, you can attend the Festival de Musique de La Chaise-Dieu, dedicated to sacred music.

10. Le Rocher de Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe

Just north of Puy-en-Velay, you can discover another religious treasure of Haute-Loire. Built at the top of a 82-metre high volcanic chimney, the Chapel Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe is indeed a surprising religious building. 268 steps were built to the rock to allow the ascent to this jewel of the Roman art Auvergnat.

His foundation in 962 was to Bishop Gotescalc, the first French pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela. The rock like the chapel are both worth a visit. If you come to visit the Haute-Loire, you should not miss discovering them!

11. Returnnac

Located on the banks of the Loire, Returnnac does not lack natural, cultural and historical assets. Nestled in the heart of the gorges of the Loire and the country of the Sucks, the city is the ideal starting point for beautiful hikes in nature. But it also houses an exceptional religious and civil heritage. In particular, you can discover a sublime Romanesque church of the 12th century, the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Retournac.

Perched at 723 meters above sea level, on a basaltic pyramidal block, the Château d’Artias is another must. At the top of the remains, you will enjoy a superb view of the region. Finally, you can discover the Musée des Manufactures de Dentelles. This establishment also preserves the old local lace know-how, which is threatened with disappearance, from the tools and machines of the time.

12. Saint Julien des Chazes

Located on the left bank of the Allier, the town of Saint-Julien-des-Chazes is another must-see town in Haute-Loire. It houses one of the flowers of the Romanesque art of Auvergnat: Chapelle Sainte-Marie des Chazes.

Built in the 13th century, this charming church consists of a unique nave, with three narrow sections, vaulted in cradle. If you pass along the Allier, consider stopping to admire this small architectural treasure of the Auvergne.

13. Arlempdes

If you come to visit the Haute-Loire, you must absolutely go to Arlempdes, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. The village is located in the heart of the Loire Valley and is known for its beautiful site. A rocky piton thus serves as a pedestal to the ruins of its sublime castle, which overlooks a meander of the Loire.

In addition to the vestiges and charming village, you can discover beautiful volcanic landscapes here. The region is home to superb basaltic castings, sometimes as organ. During hikes, you will thus travel deep valleys, dug by tumultuous waters, discover some impressive plateaus that offer superb views.

14. La Cascade de la Beaume

North of Arlempdes, you can also visit the Cascade de la Beaume, another must-see in Haute-Loire. A superb hike will take you along a stream, in the middle of cliffs of dark rocks and old lava flows. Along the way, you will discover beautiful volcanic landscapes, the cascade being the highest point. This breathtaking scenery will certainly leave you compelling memories.

15. The Ravin de Corbeuf

The Corboeuf ravine is another must-see monument in Haute-Loire. Sometimes nicknamed the French Colorado, this multicolored clay canyon is located in Rosières, between the volcanoes and the gorges of Switzerland.

To admire it, you can follow the path of the Galoche, which follows the path of an old track. You can also go by car to the hamlet of Chastel. If you plan to visit the Haute-Loire, do not miss out on discovering this natural treasure of Auvergne.

How to go to the Haute-Loire?

By train

The Haute-Loire is easily accessible by car and by train only. To reach Le Puy-en-Velay, you must pass through Lyon or Saint-Étienne by train.

By plane

By plane you can thus land at the Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport and then reach Le Puy-en-Velay by train via Saint-Étienne. To find a plane ticket. From Paris , Montpellier or Marseille , you will also have to go by Lyon and Saint-Étienne by train. Once on site, you can use local buses to reach each of your destinations. To find a flight ticket at the best price, and which also meets your other criteria, use a flight comparison like Skyscanner .

By car

Your own vehicle is obviously the best option to reach and then visit the Haute-Loire easily. From Lyon, Le Puy-en-Velay is only 2 hours away. You will have to follow the A7 and A47 then the N88.

From Clermont-Ferrand, the department is also 2 hours away ( A75 then N102). From Montpellier, count 4 hours ( A75 then departmental) and 5 hours since Toulouse . From Paris, this beautiful region is 6 hours’ drive via the A71 or A77 then the A75 .

Where to stay in Haute-Loire?

If you plan to visit the Haute-Loire, you will necessarily ask in which city to stay. Fortunately, you will not miss options on this beautiful territory. You can opt for some of the cities mentioned above, such as Le Puy-en-Velay, Brioude, Yssingeaux or Lavaudieu.

Along the Allier Gorges, there are also many places to stay in Haute-Loire. You will have to choose according to your itinerary and places you absolutely want to visit in Haute-Loire.

Apartement, you will find everything in Haute-Loire: hotel room or lodging for the most classic, apartment Airbnb for more atypical housing. You can use a hotel comparison to find the accommodation that best suits you.

Now that you know what to do in Haute-Loire, prepare your suitcases and go for adventure!