This Breathtaking French City Is Surrounded By Hiking Trails And Steeped In History

The inspiration for countless fairytales, romance novels, and period masterpieces, France is teeming with medieval cities full of architectural wonders and centuries-old traditions. One of these quintessentially French cities is Le Puy-en-Velay. Built on the precarious slopes of an ancient volcano, this breathtaking city is steeped in rich history, adorned with massive architectural feats, and surrounded by natural wonders shaped by the volcanoes on which it was built.

Perched atop its many rocky precipices are medieval buildings, cathedrals, and statues, including the Hôtel-Dieu, the Chapel Saint-Michel, the black Statue of Madonna, and at the heart of the city, the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral's namesake statue, a towering 75-foot-tall representation of the Virgin Mary and Holy Child, seemingly melts into the sky above. Below the city's dizzying heights, a maze of cobblestoned streets and surrounding mountain trails invites exploration on two feet or two wheels, guiding visitors through the city's layered history, vibrant culture, and picturesque scenery.

Located in the Massif Central mountain region, Le Puy-en-Velay is more than 5 hours south of Paris by car. Visitors can fly directly to the city's regional airport (LPY)  on most days — with the option for same-day round-trip flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays  — or opt for more frequent routes into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. From Lyon, it's about a 2-hour drive to Le Puy-en-Velay's historic city center, UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, and vast outdoor adventures.

While not the only charming French village with majestic views nestled amongst the clouds, Le Puy-en-Velay is particularly renowned for its deep-rooted religious significance and centuries-old lace-making traditions. Dating back to the Renaissance, this delicate craft is still practiced by local artisans. Visitors can spend the day learning about its intricate construction and manufacturing process and browsing specialty shops to find a unique piece of the city's history to take home. Le Puy-en-Velay's winding cobblestone streets and alleyways teem with important museums, bustling markets, rich gardens, and significant pilgrimage destinations, including the Romanesque cloister and Chapelle des Penitents. 

Beyond its culture-rich core, three natural regional parks, each with unique landscapes, topographies, and outdoor activities, offer adventurers a chance to hike, bike, and swim through some of the most unique landscapes in France. The Gorges of the Allier, 20 miles west of Le Puy-en-Velay, is a prime location for rafting, canoeing, and fishing. Less than 12 miles north of the city's center, hiking and climbing enthusiasts can explore "The Colorado of Velay" at the Ravine of Corboeuf with its multicolored clay canyons and peaks. Roughly 30 minutes southwest of the city, Lake Bouchet rests in a volcanic crater formed by an ancient eruption and is now filled with deep, shimmering blue-green water. The vast lake is an ideal destination for a day full of swimming, paddle-boarding, sailing, or fishing.

While just one stop on the infamous Camino de Santiago, Europe's scenic equivalent to the Appalachian Trail, Le Puy-en-Velay is an intriguing refuge for weary pilgrims and excited tourists alike. The city plays host to a variety of seasonal events. From May to October, an evening light show, the Puy de Lumières, is set against the Chapel Saint-Michel. Visitors in August can experience the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Festival de la Chaise-Dieu, a classical music festival. There is also a Renaissance Festival, the Le Roi de l'Oiseau, held in September, and a Hot Air Balloon Festival in November.

For foodies, Le-Puy-en-Velay is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants: Le Charmarlenc, which offers a 4-course lunch and tasting menus; L'émotion, which focuses on seasonal ingredients; and L'Ermitage, which offers classic French cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options. Those seeking a quintessential French patisserie experience should visit the highly-rated Pâtisserie Rix Didier. With a wide variety of freshly-made pastries, chocolates, ice cream, confectionery, and even wedding cakes, "the best pastry shop in the world" has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Once you've had your fill of food and festivals, enjoy the many family-friendly activities scattered throughout the city. Alti Arena, a trampoline park, and Black Owl Escape Games are less than 3 miles from the Notre-Dame Cathedral. If you're visiting in the summer, spend some time at the Le Puy-en-Velay Golf Club. Surrounded by mesmerizing volcanic formations, this stunning golf course features both 9-hole and "foot golf" courses and hosts an annual food truck festival in July.