Le Puy-en-Velay, Medieval city center in Haute-Loire, France.
Le Puy-en-Velay is a town in the Haute-Loire department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, built around several volcanic rock spires. The center sits in a basin where medieval buildings cling to steep slopes and narrow lanes wind between houses made of dark stone.
The settlement grew in the early Middle Ages around a Roman sanctuary that later became a Christian pilgrimage site. In the 10th century, bishops built the first churches on the volcanic peaks, turning the town into a religious center.
The name comes from Latin 'Podium', meaning raised platform, which describes the volcanic outcrops that dominate the old town. Pilgrims traditionally gather near the cathedral steps before walking the long path toward Spain.
Visitors exploring the town center should wear comfortable shoes, as many routes include cobblestones and steep staircases. Most sites lie within walking distance, but those with limited mobility will find easier access to the lower quarters.
A small 10th-century chapel sits on top of Rocher Corneille, a narrow volcanic cone reached by climbing more than 250 steps. From there, a panoramic view opens over the entire old town and surrounding hills.
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