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Prefecture of Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Le Puy-en-Velay is the prefecture and main town of the Haute-Loire department, in Auvergne, 150 km south-west from Lyon. It is an old town with legendary history, historically an important pilgrimage destination, and still a main starting point for the St. James' Way.
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Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation
Parts of the cathedral, probably built on a former pagan site, stem from the 5th century, although most of the present cathedral was built in the 12th century. Charlemagne made the pilgrimage to Le Puy twice. There is a copy (the original is destroyed) of an ivory image of Virgin Mary brought from the Holy Land by Saint Louis, king of France. Each morning pilgrims starting their journey to Santiago de Compostela gather in the cathedral to be blessed.
Chapel on a 85 m high volcanic plug.
Birthplace of General Lafayette, a centre of philanthropy for people affected by World War I, now a museum open to the public.
Art and archaeological artifacts from Velay and the Haute-Loire region.
An historic hospital that began operating around 1140 to receive pilgrims.
By bus
By train
There are several daily services from Saint-Étienne and some from Clermont-Ferrand.
By car
Regional road D130 follows the Loire valley from Saint-Étienne.
As a road transportation hub, the town is often congested. Walking is a more practical solution.
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Clermont-Ferrand · International · CFE
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