Haute-Loire

In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, between volcanoes and mountains, Haute-Loire is a haven of peace, conducive to discovery.

In Haute-Loire, the puys, gorges, waterfalls and forests draw landscapes of breathtaking beauty. Nestled between the Monts d'Ardèche, Pilat and Forez, the little-known department of Haute-Loire undoubtedly deserves to be discovered during your next vacation.

The essentials of the Haute-Loire department

During your stay in Haute-Loire, start your escapades in the capital, the Puy-en-Velay. This preserved city is indeed a real treasure of Auvergne. It is then the magnificent villages and the mysterious puys that will delight young and old.

Remarkable natural sites

In Haute-Loire, the gorges of the Allier, the peak of Lizieux, the massif of Mézenc, but also the crater of Mont-Bar will all leave you with unforgettable memories. North of Arlempdes, the Beaume waterfall flows along ancient lava flows… The Corboeuf ravine is a surprising canyon of multicolored clay, nicknamed the French Colorado.

Outdoor sports

In Haute-Loire, the multitude of trails through the puys and forests offer hours of hiking on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. And did you know that Puy-en-Velay is the starting point of Via Podensis, one of the wonderful ways to Compostela. In the gorges of Haut-Allier, do not miss an impressive descent of this preserved waterway by rafting or canoe. Guaranteed sensations!

Historic sites

On the heritage side, in the heart of the valleys and forests of Haute-Loire, the Chaise-Dieu abbey is a sumptuous Benedictine abbey. In Puy-en-Velay, it is obviously the Rock of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe which attracts all eyes, hanging on its volcanic chimney more than 80 meters high. TO Saint-Julien-des-Chazes, visit a typical hamlet of Auvergne Romanesque art.