Le Puy-en-Velay is a picturesque city located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It has a population of around 18,000 people and is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Lyon. The city is built on a rocky outcrop of volcanic origin, which is known as the "puys," and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Sights and Buildings
Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral
One of the most notable landmarks in Le Puy-en-Velay is the Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and is considered one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Its distinctive silhouette, with its two towers and elongated nave, is visible from miles around.
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Rocher Corneille and the Notre-Dame-de-France statue
Another iconic monument in Le Puy-en-Velay is the Rocher Corneille, a towering statue of the Virgin Mary that stands on a rock outcrop overlooking the city. The statue was erected in the 19th century to commemorate the Virgin's protection of the city during a cholera epidemic. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
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Click here to read our article for more information about this rock and statue
Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe
The Rocher Saint-Michel is a historic site in Le Puy-en-Velay. It is a rocky promontory that rises above the town and is crowned by a statue of the Archangel Michael, which stands 22 meters tall.
The statue was designed by the French sculptor Emmanuel Frémiet and was erected in 1860. It replaced an earlier statue of the Archangel Michael that had been destroyed during the French Revolution.
The Rocher Saint-Michel is an important pilgrimage site, and it is believed that Saint Louis, the King of France, prayed at the site during his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in the 13th century. Today, visitors can climb up the winding staircase inside the statue to reach a viewing platform at the top, which offers panoramic views of Le Puy-en-Velay and the surrounding countryside.
In addition to the statue of the Archangel Michael, the Rocher Saint-Michel also features a small chapel dedicated to Saint Michael and a series of stone steps and paths that lead up to the summit. The site is open to visitors year-round, and it is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
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Basilica Saint-Joseph and Shrine
The Basilique Saint Joseph is a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to Saint Joseph and is situated on a hill overlooking the town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The basilica was built in the early 20th century, between 1914 and 1924, by the architect Emile Boizard in a Neo-Byzantine style. The building is made of stone and features a large dome, which is one of the largest in Europe, reaching a height of 72 meters. The dome is decorated with a mosaic depicting the Holy Trinity and the four evangelists.
Inside the basilica, visitors can admire beautiful stained glass windows, mosaics, and frescoes, which depict scenes from the life of Saint Joseph and other biblical stories. The basilica also houses a crypt, which contains the remains of several saints and martyrs.
One of the most impressive features of the basilica is its carillon, which consists of 76 bells that weigh a total of 16 tons. The bells were cast in the Netherlands and were installed in the basilica in 1930.
On the top of the dome of the Basilique Saint Joseph there is a statue that depicts Saint Joseph holding the infant Jesus in his arms and is made of gilded bronze.
The statue of Saint Joseph was created by the French sculptor Paul Landowski, who also designed the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue of Saint Joseph in Le Puy-en-Velay is one of the most prominent features of the basilica and can be seen from many parts of the town.
The statue was installed in 1955 and is approximately 6 meters high. It was designed to complement the basilica's Neo-Byzantine architecture and serves as a symbol of Saint Joseph's role as the protector of the church and the Holy Family. Visitors to the basilica can admire the statue of Saint Joseph from the town below or from the interior of the basilica, where it can be seen from the nave.
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Click here to read our article on the Basilica, shrine and statue.
Wall frescos
The "fresque murale" in Le Puy-en-Velay is a large-scale mural painting that covers the entire side of a building in the historic center of the city. The fresco depicts various scenes from the city's history, including the pilgrims who traveled to the city on their way to Santiago de Compostela, the local lace-making industry, and the volcanic landscape of the region.
The fresco was created in 1995 by a team of artists led by the painter Jean-Pierre Lefèvre, who used a technique of spray-painting and stenciling to create the images on the wall. The fresco is over 50 meters long and 15 meters high, and is one of the largest murals in France.
The fresco has become a major tourist attraction in Le Puy-en-Velay, drawing visitors from all over the world to admire its vibrant colors and detailed scenes. It is also a source of pride for the people of the city, who see it as a celebration of their history and culture.
Another recent fresco is called "Les grands hommes du Puy " (The great men of Le Puy) and was painted by the artist Jean-Marc Forax on the facade of a building in 2012. The fresco is over 50 meters long and 8 meters high, and depicts various figures from the history of Le Puy-en-Velay, including religious figures, writers, and artists.
The style of the fresco is inspired by the Renaissance period, with an emphasis on realistic depictions of the figures and detailed background scenes. The fresco has become a popular attraction in the city and is considered a celebration of the cultural heritage of Le Puy-en-Velay.
In the last photo above, in the cupboard, you can see the products that make Le Puy famous (amongst others lentilles, lace and verveine).
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The City
Le Puy-en-Velay exudes an air of antiquity, with its small and narrow streets often paved with cobblestones. As you stroll along these streets, you can easily imagine what it was like centuries ago. Numerous old buildings, including towers, still stand in the city.
The pleasure of strolling through the city is not just limited to its old-style houses. Gardens, fountains, and charming small alleyways also add to the delight of exploring the city.
Saint-Laurent du Puy-en-Velay church and convent
The Eglise et Couvent Saint-Laurent is a church and monastery located in Le Puy-en-Velay, France, which dates back to 1221, and then upgraded in the 14th century.
The church and convent was originally founded to provide shelter for pilgrims who arrived in Le Puy-en-Velay too late at night to enter the city gates. The church and monastery provided a safe and welcoming place for these travelers to rest and recuperate before continuing on their journey.
Today, the church and monastery still serve this important function, providing accommodation for pilgrims who are walking the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which passes through Le Puy-en-Velay. Many travelers choose to stay at the monastery as a way to experience the history and tradition of the pilgrimage, and to connect with other travelers who are on the same journey.
In addition to providing accommodation, the church and monastery also offer a range of other services and activities for pilgrims, including spiritual guidance, communal meals, and group activities such as prayer and meditation. This helps to create a supportive and welcoming environment for pilgrims, and to ensure that their journey is as meaningful and fulfilling as possible.
The church and monastery were founded by the Dominican Order, and the building's architecture reflects the Gothic style of the period. The church features a single nave, with a series of chapels on either side, and an ornate altarpiece in the choir.
The monastery is adjacent to the church and features a cloister with a central garden, which was designed as a peaceful place for the monks to meditate and reflect. The cloister is adorned with a series of stone carvings, which depict scenes from the life of Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order.
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College Church
The Eglise du College, also known as the College Church, is a historic church located in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay, France. The church is situated near the center of the city, in the heart of the historic district.
The Eglise du College was originally built in the 17th century, between 1655 and 1660, as a chapel for the Jesuit college that was located nearby. The church was designed in the Baroque style by the architect François Derand, who also designed several other buildings in the city.
The Eglise du College has a richly decorated interior, with ornate altarpieces, frescoes, and sculptures. The church's high altar, which dates from the 18th century, is particularly impressive, featuring a large painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary by the artist Jean-Baptiste Huguet.
The church has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including a major restoration in the 19th century. Today, the Eglise du College is still used as a place of worship, and is also a popular tourist attraction in Le Puy-en-Velay.
In addition to its architectural and artistic significance, the Eglise du College is also associated with several important historical events. During the French Revolution, the church was used as a prison for political prisoners, and it was also the site of the famous "Velay insurrection" in 1793, when local peasants rose up against the revolutionary government.
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Chapelle Saint Claire
The Chapelle Saint Claire is a historic chapel situated at the foot of the Rocher Corneille, a prominent hill in the town that is home to several other religious buildings.
The chapel is named after Saint Clare of Assisi, an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its striking Baroque architecture. The chapel features a white façade with ornate carvings and sculptures, as well as a prominent bell tower.
Inside the chapel, visitors can admire a number of beautiful frescoes and paintings, including works by the famous French artist Jean-Baptiste Blaise. One of the highlights of the interior is a large altarpiece depicting the life of Saint Clare.
The Chapelle Saint Claire is considered to be one of the most important religious buildings in Le Puy-en-Velay, and is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year. It is also an important site of religious pilgrimage, as Saint Clare is the patron saint of television and communications, and the chapel is often visited by people seeking spiritual guidance or healing.
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Local Products
In addition to its architectural heritage, Le Puy-en-Velay is also famous for its traditional lace-making. The art of lace-making has been practiced in the city for centuries, and it remains an important part of the local culture. Visitors can see demonstrations of lace-making at the Musée Crozatier, which also features exhibits on the history and geology of the region.
Another local specialty is lentils, which are grown in the volcanic soil around Le Puy-en-Velay. These lentils are smaller and darker than other varieties and are prized for their nutty flavor and firm texture. They are used in many local dishes, including the famous lentil soup known as "potée auvergnate."
And another local specialty is verveine. Verveine of Le Puy-en-Velay, also known as "Verveine du Velay," is a type of liqueur that is made using the herb verbena.
The production of Verveine of Le Puy-en-Velay dates back to the 1850s, when it was first created by a local pharmacist named Joseph Rumillet-Charretier. He developed a recipe for a digestive liqueur made from the herb verbena, which was believed to have medicinal properties.
Verveine of Le Puy-en-Velay is made by infusing verbena leaves in alcohol and then adding a mixture of sugar and water. The resulting liqueur is typically bright green in color and has a sweet, herbal flavor with a hint of bitterness.
Today, Verveine of Le Puy-en-Velay is produced by several different distilleries in the region, and it is commonly enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif. It is also used in cocktails and as a flavoring in desserts and pastries.
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela
Le Puy-en-Velay is also an important pilgrimage destination. The city is the starting point for the Way of St. James, a popular pilgrimage route that crosses through France, Spain, and Portugal. The route begins at the cathedral in Le Puy-en-Velay and continues for over 800 kilometers to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Pilgrims can obtain a pilgrim's passport at the cathedral and receive a special "compostela" certificate upon completing the pilgrimage.
Conclusion
Overall, Le Puy-en-Velay is a charming and historically-rich city that offers visitors a glimpse into the culture and traditions of rural France. Le Puy-en-Velay is a fascinating destination with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, and it is definitely worth a visit if you are traveling to France.