Le Puy en Velay and beyond

Located in the south-east of the Massif Central, in the Auvergne region and in the heart of the Velay, the basin of Le Puy en Velay has much to offer visitors. Coming down into Le Puy you will enjoy the scenic views of the town and its monuments perched on volcanic dykes. Those not to miss are the striking 10th-century Aiguilhe Chapel, the Cathedral with its 12th-century cloister and listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site, and the tour Pannessac, a royal gate to the town dating back to the 13th century.

The Velay and entire region of the Auvergne have a tremendous heritage to offer Romanesque art aficionados. You can choose from over 250 sites, including the world-famous 11th-century Chaise-Dieu Abbey which boasts exceptional frescoes and hosts a renowned classical music festival every summer. The tiny chapel of Rochegude, a little unassuming gem perched over Monistrol d'Allier and overlooking the Allier river valley, is also worth a visit. For more information, visit www.auvergne-tourisme.info/uk/decouvrir/patrimoine

If you fancy a long walk, Le Puy is also the starting point for Via Podiensis, one of the pilgrimage routes going from France to Santiago de Compostela. But you may prefer to get fit by cycling, rafting or kayaking along the Allier gorge, or enjoy a bird's eye view of Le Puy and the surrounding area from a hot air balloon. For more information, visit www.auvergne-tourisme.info/php/sport_loisir

And if you simply want to relax, visit Etang du Repos around 25km north-west of Le Puy. You can spend a leisurely day fishing for trout and enjoying the great lamb or pork barbecues prepared with loving care by the owners. Take the opportunity to stroll to the nearby watermill - guided visits are available and it's highly recommended! For more information, visit www.etangdurepos.com

Le Puy highlights

La lentille verte

The green lentil produced in the Velay basin is coveted by many of the greatest chefs. For more information, visit www.confrerie-lentilleverte-dupuy.com
(French site)

Verveine du Velay

A liqueur made from over 32 different plants, including a large proportion of the locally grown verbena. For more information, visit www.verveine.com/gb/index.htm

Lace

Le Puy is also very famous for its bobbin lace, which some say dates back as far as the beginning of the 15th century. Should you wish to try your hand, a number of courses are available from the bobbin lace learning centre in Le Puy. For more information, visit www.ladentelledupuy.com/uk/i_accueil.html

The linguistic corner