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Bains walks
The Chemin des Sources in Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison
Visorando Member
5.93 mi
+246 ft
-243 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison (Haute-Loire)
Starting from the pretty little village of Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison, this easy, undemanding hike leads across the plateau through farmland and pastureland to the pretty hamlets of Tallobre, Eycenac and Dolaison. Water is plentiful here, with streams flowing down towards Le Puy-en-Velay. The end of the route is on the GR®65 (Way of St James).
Tour of the shepherd's huts of Vals-près-le-Puy
1.09 mi
+236 ft
-233 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Vals-près-le-Puy (Haute-Loire)
A short family walk to admire the shepherd's huts, dry-stone structures typical of the Vals-près-le-Puy region, near the Way of St James, with a panoramic view of the Loire Valley to the south of Le Puy.
Stroll around Saint-Jean-Lachalm
0.98 mi
+112 ft
-108 ft
0h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Jean-Lachalm (Haute-Loire)
A short hike to discover this village in the Devès region, a Cluniac site.
Towards the rebirth of the Château de Saint-Vidal
5.90 mi
+935 ft
-935 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Polignac (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
A walk offering numerous and varied views of a key part of the Haute-Loire's heritage: the fortress of Saint-Vidal.
Saint-Privat-d'Allier - Saugues
12.76 mi
+2,313 ft
-2,175 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Privat-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
This seventeenth "mountain" stage with significant elevation gain takes you to the village of Monistrol-d'Allier and the troglodyte chapel of La Madeleine, which are must-see sights before arriving in Saugues.
Saint-Didier
6.65 mi
+1,220 ft
-1,204 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Privat-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
A walk to discover the village of Saint-Didier-d'Allier from above. A beautiful descent from Chier to Saint-Didier overlooking the Allier valley, the Rouchoux Gorges and the castle of Saint-Didier.The return to Saint-Privat d'Allier is partly along the road, but it is narrow and very beautiful.
The Treuil cave
3.74 mi
+892 ft
-873 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Privat-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
Starting from Saint-Privat-d'Allier, a large mountain village at an altitude of 870 metres, follow this route to discover the imposing Treuil cave, with the added bonus of beautiful views of the Allier Gorges.
The chapel and tower of Rochegude
4.79 mi
+938 ft
-961 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Privat-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
This easy hike takes you along theGR® 65 (the famous Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle trail) to discover the chapel and keep of Rochegude, which dominate the Allier valley. Then a beautiful descent through a forest will take you to Pratclaux for a return to the village of Saint-Privat.
Lac de l'Oeuf
6.46 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,129 ft
4h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Privat-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
From the village of Saint-Privat d'Allier, walk along the Saint-Jacques path to Lac de l'Oeuf, an ancient crater filled with a bog. On the way back, the descent to Dallas and Le Villard will give you distant views of the surrounding area.
Around Saint-Privat-d'Allier
7.02 mi
+1,227 ft
-1,234 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Privat-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
This is a very pleasant walk to enjoy with family or friends. It passes through numerous small hamlets while winding its way along the national road.
The Shepherd's Huts Trail
3.46 mi
+735 ft
-738 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Vals-près-le-Puy (Haute-Loire)
Discover the Chibottes Valley, a site classified as a landscape of outstanding beauty since 8 March 2016. These small dry stone huts, built from stones cleared from the plots of land, were used as shelters by shepherds and farmers who cultivated orchards and terraced vineyards (known as "chambées").
This trail forms a loop, partly following the Way of St James on the way back.
Lac du Bouchet via Cayres
11.88 mi
+1,322 ft
-1,316 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-Lachalm (Haute-Loire)
Starting with a short circular route in the Devès, near Cayres, a visit to Lac du Bouchet, well known to volcanology enthusiasts, is a must.
La Durande
8.51 mi
+1,027 ft
-1,024 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Le Vernet (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
Starting from Le Vernet, this walk offers beautiful panoramic views of the Devès at the summit of La Durande.
Circular route via Le Vernet and the Limagne Marshes from Saint-Jean-de-Nay
10.03 mi
+1,043 ft
-1,037 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-de-Nay (Haute-Loire)
Through plains and woodland, this easy route offers stunning panoramic views from the plateau towards the Massif du Mezenc to the east, then over the Gorges de l’Allier to the west after La Durande. The route runs alongside the Marais de Limagne, a protected area of peat bogs.
Mont Denise
4.57 mi
+1,004 ft
-988 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
Starting from Le Puy-en-Velay, this route takes you to the summit of the volcanic Mont Denise. From the top, there is a breathtaking view of the Polignac fortress, the town of Le Puy and, in the background, the Mézenc massif.
A circular walk around Le Puy-en-Velay starting from Polignac
6.33 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,020 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Polignac (Haute-Loire) (Haute-Loire)
If you want to avoid the traffic and paid car parks in Le Puy-en-Velay, why not set off from the pretty village of Polignac? The journey towards Le Puy is pleasant, with lovely views of Polignac Fortress and then of the town of Le Puy and its iconic monuments. The route through the town can be adapted to suit your interests. The return journey along the steep streets of Aiguilhe can be a bit of a slog in hot weather, but you’ll finish on a high note with a quick tour of the village of Polignac.
On the Way of St James from Le Puy-en-Velay to Chanaleilles
35.71 mi
+4,216 ft
-2,694 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
First stage of the Way of St James by bike, heading to Chanaleilles from Le Puy-en-Velay. This route follows the Way of St James, avoiding roads with traffic as much as possible and respecting pilgrims on foot. There are, however, a few technical sections that can be avoided by taking the road.
Discovery tour of Le Puy-en-Velay and its monuments
3.14 mi
+722 ft
-705 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
As you follow this route, discover Le Puy-en-Velay (the starting point of the Way of St James) and its monuments: the cathedral, Rocher Corneille and the Statue of Notre-Dame de France, the Chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe, the cloister, the town hall, the theatre, the Crozatier Museum and the Henri-Vinay Garden.
The Way of St James. Stage 1. Puy-en-Velay / St Privat d'Allier
14.56 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,316 ft
8h 25
Moderate
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
Twenty to thirty thousand walkers set out from Puy-en-Velay every year to do the pilgrimage along the Way of St. James. Discover the Way of St. James by doing the first stage by foot. You can return to Puy-en-Velay in the evening in a special coach.
Le Puy-en-Velay, a City of Art and History
4.64 mi
+702 ft
-699 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
Le Puy-en-Velay is a crossroads for several long-distance hiking trails such as theGR®70, the Stevenson Trail, theGR®3Loire Trail, theGR®700, the Regordane Trail and, of course, the Way of St James. As soon as you arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay, you can already sense the significant influence that religion has had on the town.
Le Puy-en-Velay marks my first rest day after 15 days of walking on my Way of St James
I discovered a town of Art and History, famous for its lace, its green lentils, its verbena, but above all for its incredible religious heritage.
Le Puy-en-Velay - Saint-Privat-d'Allier
15.52 mi
+2,172 ft
-1,270 ft
9h 00
Difficult
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
Sixteenth stage of the Way of St James. From Le Puy-en-Velay to the picturesque village of Saint-Privat-d’Allier, don’t forget to look back and admire the view of the Marian city. Once you arrive in Saint-Privat-d’Allier, you’ll look out over the impressive Gorges de l’Allier and its still-wild river.
Crossing the Velay region and its fields of lentils, as well as the Devès mountain range, is on the itinerary for this stage.
Loop starting from Solignac-sur-Loire
5.90 mi
+469 ft
-479 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Solignac-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
A very beautiful walk, with views in all directions over the peaks of the Haute-Loire. An easy hike, although there is a slightly uneven descent at the end of the route, requiring good footwear.
The Saint Joseph sanctuary via the Chemin de la Borne
7.74 mi
+909 ft
-919 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
A walk up the right bank of the Borne to reach the monumental statue of Saint Joseph, at the foot of which you will be utterly surprised to discover the panoramic view of the town of Le Puy-en-Velay and its surroundings.
The Polignac Fortress
8.27 mi
+1,165 ft
-1,142 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aiguilhe (Haute-Loire)
This loop between Aiguilhe and the village of Polignac, classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", combines sustained climbs, flat sections and fast descents. As you climb, it offers beautiful views of the town of Le Puy-en-Velay and the Polignac Fortress perched on its volcanic hill. Return via the path along the Borne.
Le Puy-en-Velay - Monastier-sur-Gazeille
11.65 mi
+1,919 ft
-938 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
This route is the first stage of a complete journey along the Chemin de Stevenson between Le-Puy-en-Velay and Alès. Please note that the signposting to follow the Chemin de Stevenson has been modified since 2016. On this first stage, following road repairs on the Le Puy bypass, this description follows this modified itinerary.
Chemin de Stevenson (Robert Louis Stevenson Trail)
158.68 mi
+22,723 ft
-24,337 ft
13 days
Difficult
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
A 13-stage journey along the famous route described by Robert Louis Stevenson in his 1878 travel notes. This tour follows the complete route from le Puy-en-Velay to Alès.
From Le Puy-en-Velay to Lavoûte via Chaspinhac and Saint-Quentin
12.39 mi
+1,985 ft
-2,188 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
A very pleasant walk, fully signposted (Voie Verte in Le Puy, then the GR® Red and White trail). The village of Chaspinhac is well worth a visit, and Saint-Quentin is also a must-see. The route is often shaded, which can be very pleasant in summer.
The Beaume Waterfall
6.81 mi
+768 ft
-764 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Solignac-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
An easy walk through the countryside around Solignac-sur-Loire. Ideal for autumn, when the days are getting shorter, or for a half-day outing. The waterfall is well worth a visit, especially after rain, as is the passage under the Baume.
Ancient Roman road and the Devès Plateau
7.18 mi
+479 ft
-509 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Ouides (Haute-Loire)
A hike with completely unobstructed views, at an altitude of 1,200 m, offering a beautiful view of the Margeride plateaus, via the old track running alongside the Forêt du Devès. Return via the hamlets and farm tracks of the plateau.
Chapelle Saint-Étienne from Monistrol-d'Allier
6.33 mi
+1,079 ft
-1,089 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Monistrol-d'Allier (Haute-Loire)
Circular route on the heights of the Allier, around Monistrol, to discover a chapel overlooking the valley. See the variation in the Practical Information section for a round trip to Château de la Beaume.
According to one review, it seems thatthe Visorando app is necessary to follow the route properly.
The path around Lac du Bouchet
1.62 mi
+13 ft
-16 ft
0h 45
Easy
Departure from Cayres (Haute-Loire)
An ideal place for a walk, Lac du Bouchet is reminiscent of a Canadian lake. A real gem in its forest setting, this circular lake of volcanic origin occupies the site of an ancient crater.
The suggested route allows you to walk around it. It is a very easy walk that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Beaume Waterfall
1.33 mi
+220 ft
-220 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Solignac-sur-Loire (Haute-Loire)
Short circuit to visit the Beaume waterfall. Wear good shoes for the descent to the waterfall. Avoid pushchairs. In summer, you can swim.
Views of the Château de Lavoûte-sur-Loire and the Fortress of Polignac
8.25 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,047 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Blanzac (Haute-Loire)
This beautiful hike offers, in turn, a bird's eye view of the Château de Lavoûte-sur-Loire along the banks of the Loire, a distant view of the Château de Polignac and, finally, the discovery of two shepherd's huts in the heart of a vineyard that has almost disappeared.
Circular walk of the castles and fortified towns of Alleyras
12.92 mi
+2,569 ft
-2,543 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Alleyras (Haute-Loire)
Starting from Pont d’Alleyras station, a crossing point over the Allier for over 2,000 years, the Vabres plain has always been dotted with numerous castles and watchtowers to control the passage of travellers. This route follows one of the two Roman roads designed to link Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine, with Lyon, the capital of Gaul, passing through the southern part of the Massif Central towards Rodez and Cahors. In the Middle Ages, the River Allier formed the boundary between the Velay and the Gévaudan regions.