People go on a pilgrimage to Le Puy-en-Velay since the Middle-Age, but it wasn't before 1954 that the coloured ribbon formed by the peloton of the Tour came for the first time. At the footstep of the Notre-Dame de France statue, dominating the city, Dominique Forlini had triumphed after a long breakaway. The last stage finish in the Préfecture of Haute-Loire was back in 2005. Among the four escapees inspired by the day's stage, Italian Giuseppe Guerini proved to be the smartest. He maneuvered in the final kilometres with the finesse of the renowned lacemakers of the city.
Visit the historic town
Le Puy-en-Velay is the starting point of the “Via Podiensis” to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. You will be able to discover the stunning chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation Cathedral and its cloister, the Corneille rock and the Notre-Dame de France statue. The whole of the upper town lies within a protected area extending to 35 hectares, where the architectural elements of the old buildings are safeguarded.
Puy de Lumières
A free light-show running throughout the city. Five historic sites will be enhanced by sound and lights: the cathedral, the Saint-Alexis Chapel, the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe rock, the town hall and the theatre. Takes place every evening from nightfall to midnight between 12 May and 30 September. www.puydelumières.fr
Picasso Exhibition at the Hôtel-Dieu
Running until 11 October in the remarkable Hôtel-Dieu building is the superb “Picasso and Maternity” exhibition, which features about 40 of the artist's works.
The Beaume waterfall
A unique walk at a spectacular site about 15km from Le Puy-en-Velay. At an altitude of 900m, the Beaume waterfall is the result of erosion. Its waters cut through the basalt and gush from the top of a cliff, falling for 27 metres before reaching the Loire. There's a 10km marked trail or it can be accessed in 20 minutes from a car park.
Lake Bouchet
Twenty minutes from Le Puy-en-Velay, an ancient crater that was the result of a volcanic explosion at an altitude of 1,200 metres has become a natural lake. Its waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and there are numerous walks and hikes.
Polignac Castle
6 kilometres from Le Puy-en-Velay, this medieval fortress, with a path around it and a unique defensive system, stands on a basalt pedestal. It was the home of the Polignac family, one of the most illustrious in French history. Perched 32 metres above the surrounding countryside, this 14th century keep offers an exceptional panorama.
www.forteressedepolignac.fr
Le Puy-en-Velay golf course
A few kilometres from the city centre, the golf course offers a unique view across the Le Puy-en-Velay basin, its famous volcanic peaks and monuments. With its dry stone walls that are typical of the Velay, the nine-hole course, which is more than 3,000 metres long, will seduce
