Le Puy-en-Velay (Chemin de Saint-Jacques)

Each time I visit Le Puy-en-Velay, I find something else about it to love and it is now one of my favourite places to visit in France. Although the town sprawls over quite a large area, the historical heart is a charming mixture of quaint alleys, colourful houses and more than enough cafés and monuments to keep me fed and entertained for a day or two.

Le Puy-en-Velay is the starting point of two of France’s most loved long-distance walking paths:

• The Chemin de Saint-Jacques which stretches for 740 kilometres (463 miles) south-east to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the start of the Camino across Spain to Santiago, and
• The Chemin de Stevenson which follows the footsteps of the Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, as he walked with his donkey, Modestine, towards Alès, some 270 kilometres (169 miles) to the south.

Before strapping on your hiking boots and hitting either trail, there is much to see and do in Le Puy-en-Velay, and it is well worth allowing a full day to explore the town and visit the many monuments and museums.

(Published November 2015, last updated April 2022)

Not to be missed—

Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy

Said to resemble an enormous ship but only ever partially visible from the narrow streets below, the brown, black and red bricks of the cathedral give the impression of a small and welcoming parish church rather than the grand structure revealed from higher up the hill.

Worshippers have been coming to this spot since the fourth century but after Bishop Gothescale made the first pilgrimage from here in 951 AD, the small church was unable to cope with the influx of pilgrims and a larger church was needed.

The current building dates from the twelfth century and originally housed a statue of the Black Virgin donated by Saint-Louis. It was, unfortunately, burned during the French Revolution but later replaced by the current seventeenth-century statue.

As a walker, a visit to the cathedral is de rigueur as this is the starting point for the 1,522-kilometre pilgrimage to Santiago and most walkers set out only after attending the 7 am Pilgrims’ Mass (I confess I wasn’t among them!).

Cloister and Treasury

I have an unhealthy obsession with cloisters and will always suggest you visit but I do think this one is particularly beautiful.

Built in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and lovingly restored, it features red and black tiles laid out in mosaic patterns. It retains many of the original capitals and the wall of the Chapter House, where the Cannons met (and many were later buried), features a painting of the crucifixion from the early thirteenth century.

Downstairs, the Treasury displays many religious artefacts—mostly a collection of gold and silver liturgical items and several beautifully embroidered garments. Among other rare and interesting objects, is a nail believed to have been used during the crucifixion and later fashioned into a horse’s bit for Emperor Constantine. It was found in an abbey near Le Puy and has been on display here since the nineteenth century. 

Le Camino Musée and le Café des Pèlerins

To get you in the mood for the walk along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (or perhaps inspire you for another time), this museum (located behind the cathedral, next to the café) traces the history of the Camino from earliest times through to modern day. A short film (in French) features walkers from the 1940s, 1960s and more recently as they recount their experiences—the highs and the lows—along the Camino!

Next to the museum and open to everyone (not just pilgrims!), the Camino Café is a great place to relax, perhaps bump into some fellow walkers and ask any last minute questions you may have about the walk.

Every afternoon at 5.30, the Friends of Saint-Jacques host a gathering here where walkers setting out the next day can meet and share their hopes and plans for the following days. If you are walking alone, this can be a good opportunity to find some walking buddies while sharing a glass or two of Verveine, a herbal concoction made on the premises and a local speciality of this area.

The Friends of Saint-Jacques will also make sure everyone is well-prepared and has a bed arranged for the first night.

Rocher Corneille and Statue Notre-Dame de France

Watching over the cathedral from Rocher Corneille (rocher refers to a rocky peak en français), is an enormous statue of Mary holding the baby Jesus.

Made from the metal of Russian cannons captured during the Crimean War, it stands 22.7 metres (six storeys) high and offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside from the base and from a viewing platform inside the statue.

Rocher Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe

Perhaps the most stirring of the monuments in Le Puy-en-Velay is the tiny Chapelle Saint-Michel, overlooking the town from the top of Rocher Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe. A climb of 268 steps will bring you inside the chapel which was built in 961 AD and still oozes with charm and an overwhelming sense of history and serenity.

Lace-making history of Le Puy-en-Velay

Le Puy-en-Velay was once the centre of a thriving lace-making industry and there are many shops in town that display and sell delicate tablecloths, napkins and clothing. In some stores, it is possible to see original lace-making equipment in action and watch these exquisite pieces being created.

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits Le Puy-en-Velay?

Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 1: Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac)
and
Chemin de Stevenson  

Where is Le Puy-en-Velay, France?   Find it on Google maps

You’ll find my suggested itinerary for both walks on the posts mentioned above, but if you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)

Train services to Le Puy-en-Velay arrive from Lyon or Clermont-Ferrand, both of which have daily connections from Paris.

The Compostel’Bus service runs every morning, connecting Le Puy-en-Velay with villages along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques as far as Conques and making the return journey each afternoon. Other stops include Montbonnet, Saint-Privat-d’Allier, Monistrol-d’Allier, Saugues, Villeret-d’Apchier, La Roche, Les Faux, Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, Aubrac, Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac, Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Espalion, Estaing, Golinhac, Espeyrac and Sénergues.

Tourist Office in Le Puy-en-Velay 

You’ll find the Tourist Office on Place du Clauzel.

Before you arrive, download the Guide Practique which includes details of several guided visits offered by the Tourist Office or three circuits around town if you prefer to explore on your own.

Accommodation in Le Puy-en-Velay 

There are several options for accommodation in Le Puy-en-Velay, with something for every taste and budget. Many walkers stay at one of the two gîtes for the opportunity to meet some fellow pilgrims.

Both my overnight stays have been spent at Hôtel Regina which is conveniently located two blocks from the train station, is a short stroll (650 metres) to the centre of town and provides easy access to the GR 65 path in the morning.

If I planned to attend the 7 am Pilgrims’ Mass before starting my walk, I would probably opt for somewhere a little closer to the cathedral. You’ll find accommodation at –

Hotels 
Appart’Hôtel des Capucins  
Ibis Centre  
Ibis Styles  
The Originals
Hôtel le Regina
Hôtel Chris’tel
Hôtel Saint-Jacques
Dyke Hôtel
Hôtel le Bilboquet
Ibis Budget   
Logis du Cagaire

Chambres d’hôtes
Une Coquille sous l’Oreiller  
L’Epicurium  
La Terrasse de Marie  
Logis Meymard  
Jerphanion Cambacérès  
Les Jardins de Champfleury
Demeure du Lac de Fugeres 
Villa Loriline
Maison au Loup
Le Prevoté
Les Cimes de Puy-en-Velay
La Maison de Cluny   

Gîtes
Gîte d’Étape des Capucins    
Gîte Saint-François  

Camping 
Camping du Puy-en-Velay  

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in Le Puy-en-Velay 

Although I stay at Hôtel Regina each time I visit Le Puy-en-Velay and the hotel’s restaurant has an excellent reputation for fine food, I confess I have not yet eaten there. (I plan to rectify this on my next visit.) Usually, I find myself close to Place du Plot as dinner time approaches and choose from one of the many cafés lining the square. There are also several cafés close by in Rue Raphaël and many more along the main road. You’ll find a comprehensive list of restaurants here.

There is also a full range of bakeries, supermarkets and speciality food stores in town where you can stock up on trail mix and nibbles to carry you through the next few days.  

Fresh food markets are held at Place du Plot every Saturday morning.

Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters