Le Puy-en-Velay: Rocher Corneille and Notre-Dame-de-France statue
Statue on a volcanic rock
The Rocher Corneille is located in the heart of Le Puy-en-Velay. The rock itself is a volcanic formation that rises to a height of 757 meters above sea level. It is said to resemble the head of a crow, hence its name "Rocher Corneille."
Click here to see where the statue and rock are located on Google Maps
Click here to read our introduction to Le Puy-en-Velay
From the Cathedral to The Statue
There are two routes you can take to reach the rock and statue. The simpler of the two involves walking through the cathedral: ascend the stairs to the cathedral, pass through it, and then continue up the remaining ascent to the rock.
Alternatively, you could take the second path which requires you to walk to the front of the cathedral, turn left, and follow a narrow and sometimes steep path that leads to the rock. Eventually, you will arrive at the ticket booth for the Rocher Corneille and its statue.
When you arrive at the ticket booth, that’s when the real climb will start (see last photo). Remember, this is a volcanic rock, and it is quite steep:
To reach the top of the Rocher Corneille and see the statue, visitors must climb a staircase that consists of 268 steps. However, the climb is well worth it, as the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
TIP: You are allowed to bring your dog.
The Notre-Dame-de-France statue, which stands at the top of the Rocher Corneille, was commissioned by the bishop of Le Puy in the mid-19th century. The sculptor, Joseph Subirachs, was chosen to create the statue, and it took him four years to complete the project.
The statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus in her arms, with her gaze turned towards the city of Le Puy-en-Velay below. The statue is made of bronze and stands at 22 meters tall, making it one of the largest statues of the Virgin Mary in France.
From the top of the rock, visitors can see the city of Le Puy-en-Velay and the surrounding countryside, including the nearby volcanic peaks of the Massif Central.
Three particular views are of interest. The first one:
Rocher Saint-Michel is a rocky outcrop located in the town of Le Puy-en-Velay. The rock formation stands at 85 meters high and is topped by a statue of Saint Michael slaying a dragon.
The site of Rocher Saint-Michel has been an important pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. It is believed that the Archangel Michael appeared on the rock in the 5th century and it became a site of worship for both Christians and Pagans.
In the 10th century, a chapel was built on the top of the rock and a monastery was established at its base. The chapel and monastery were destroyed during the French Revolution, but the statue of Saint Michael was later erected in the 19th century.
Today, visitors can climb the 268 steps to the top of Rocher Saint-Michel and enjoy panoramic views of Le Puy-en-Velay and the surrounding landscape. The site is also a popular starting point for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which runs from Le Puy-en-Velay to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
… the next point of interest is:
The arrow points to where the GR65 hiking path enters the Le Puy town. This is part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
GR65, also known as the "Via Podiensis," is a long-distance hiking trail in France that stretches over 735 kilometers (457 miles) from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It is one of the many routes that make up the famous Camino de Santiago, which leads to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The GR65 is marked with red and white stripes and takes hikers through some of the most picturesque regions of France, including the volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central, the rolling hills of the Aveyron and Lot regions, and the scenic Pyrenees mountains. Along the way, hikers will encounter charming villages, historic churches and castles, and stunning natural scenery.
The GR65 is a popular pilgrimage route for those seeking a spiritual journey, as well as for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Many people choose to complete the entire trail in one go, which typically takes between 30 to 40 days, while others prefer to break it up into smaller sections over a longer period of time. The trail is well-maintained and offers a range of accommodations, including hostels, guesthouses, and campsites, as well as plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine and wine.
… and finally, the last point of interest is:
The statue of Saint Joseph on top of the Basilica St. Joseph and Shrine in Le Puy-en-Velay is a bronze statue that stands 6 meters tall (about 20 feet) and weighs approximately 4 tons. The statue depicts Saint Joseph holding the infant Jesus in his arms, and it is placed atop a 23-meter (75-foot) tower that rises from the center of the dome of the basilica.
The statue was created by the French sculptor Henri Charlier and was installed on the basilica in 1955. The statue is an important symbol of the basilica and is visible from many points in the town and the surrounding countryside. It is a popular attraction for visitors to Le Puy-en-Velay, and many people climb the stairs to the top of the basilica to see the statue up close and enjoy the panoramic views from the tower.
More about this basilica and statue in a future article.
Conclusion
The Rocher Corneille and the Notre-Dame-de-France statue are not only important religious sites, but also popular tourist attractions. Each year, thousands of visitors come to Le Puy-en-Velay to climb the steps to the top of the Rocher Corneille and see the statue.