Haute-Loire: Volcanic Craters, Gorges and Culture

Volcanic Craters, Gorges and Biodiversity

Haute-Loire showcases nature in striking forms: Lac du Bouchet lies in an ancient volcanic crater, while the Ravin de Corboeuf near Rosières is a multicoloured clay gorge. The two sites offer very different geological impressions. In the Vallée de la Senouire, landscape and biodiversity come together: the Natura 2000 site is home to 20 bat species, and hiking and fishing are among the leisure activities available there. Allègre–Le Mont-Bar is one of Haute-Loire’s publicly accessible natural sites and is home to an interpretation centre. When planning your trip, you can choose between striking geological formations and nature-focused experiences, such as discovering the wildlife in the valley.

Hiking Trails for Different Distances

The GR470 Sources et gorges de l’Allier is 190 kilometres long and can be completed in 11 stages. Its landscapes include steep gorges, granite or basalt plateaus, heathland and forests. For a hike, you can travel by train to Brioude, walk towards Langogne and return by train. To help you prepare, the Livradois-Forez RANDO portal provides descriptions, illustrations, guidebooks and 3D routes. This gives you access to different planning resources, from an overview in a description to a spatial representation of the route. The GR®65 Saint-Jacques de Compostelle is also one of Haute-Loire’s major hiking trails.

Cycling and Waterways

Cycling and water routes offer further ways to experience the landscape. Within Haute-Loire, the Via Fluvia is a 62-kilometre véloroute and greenway running from Lavoûte-sur-Loire to the Tunnel du Tracol. It follows a former railway line with a gentle gradient; its paved section is open to cycling and other non-motorised uses. For a canoe trip on the Loire, you can choose a distance of between 10 and 70 kilometres between Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Aurec-sur-Loire. The Gorges de l’Allier offer around 100 kilometres of canoe and kayak routes. The Allier canoe route starting from Prades is described as accessible to everyone and has a difficulty rating of 2. In addition, leisure activities in Haute-Loire include swimming, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, white-water sports, cani-rando, vélorail and putting golf. There are also natural climbing areas and adventure parks aimed at families.

History, Crafts and Museum Visits

The Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette is the birthplace of General Lafayette. Arlempdes, Lavaudieu and Pradelles are characterful villages for exploring history. Le Puy-en-Velay, with its cathedral and monuments, is connected to the UNESCO-listed Routes of Santiago de Compostela. The Musée Crozatier is one of the museums and exhibition venues in Haute-Loire. The Route des Savoir-Faire de Haute-Loire includes visits to businesses, introductory workshops with craftspeople and farm visits. Tourist trains offer guided insights into natural landscapes, panoramic views and village history. Together, these offer a range of ways to discover history, crafts and landscapes.

Local Produce from the Velay

Lentille Verte du Puy is grown in the Velay, at elevations of between 600 and 1,200 metres, across 87 municipalities, predominantly on volcanic soils. In 1996, it became the first dried vegetable to receive AOC protection; today, it is protected as an AOP. Other Haute-Loire specialities include Fin Gras du Mézenc, Verveine and Agneau noir du Velay. If you are interested in local produce, the lentil offers a tangible connection to the Velay, while the other specialities provide further culinary discoveries.

Find a Hotel to Suit Your Itinerary

Consider whether hiking, cycling, history or local produce will shape your trip, then look for a hotel that suits your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Queyrières, Saint Beauzire, Saint-Bérain, Saint-Georges-D'aurac, Saint-Jean-Lachalm, Saint-Julien-D'ance, Saint-Julien-Du-Pinet, Blavozy, Azerat, Vieille-Brioude, Saint-Hostien, Saint-Georges-Lagricol, Retournac, Blesle, Blassac, Saint-Privat-D'allier, Beaulieu, Aiguilhe, Sembadel, Malvières, La Chapelle-Geneste, Saint-Arcons-D'allier, Les Vastres, Saint-Géron, Varennes-Saint-Honorat, Saint-Pal-De-Chalencon, Saint-Austremoine, Coubon, Saint-Vincent, Roche-En-Régnier, Saint-Martin-De-Fugères, Landos, Vals-Près-Le-Puy, Saint-Julien-Molhesabate, Bains, Saint-Didier-Sur-Doulon, Chanteuges, Connangles, Séneujols, Laval-sur-Doulon, Grazac, Saint-Romain-Lachalm, Salettes, Tiranges, Arsac-en-Velay, Saint-Pierre-du-Champ, Beaune-sur-Arzon, Saint-Pal-de-Senouire, Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison, Venteuges, Freycenet-La-Cuche, Rauret, Bas-En-Basset, Champclause, Chomelix, Mazet-Saint-Voy, Le Pertuis, Saint-Pierre-Eynac, Charraix, Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, Champagnac-Le-Vieux, Beauzac, Vorey, La Chapelle-Bertin, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Autrac, Bellevue-La-Montagne, Brioude, Arlempdes, Saint-Just-Près-Brioude, Pinols, Malrevers, Polignac, Loudes, Monlet, Goudet, Monistrol-D'allier, Langeac, Lapte, Lavaudieu, Le Brignon, Montregard, Paulhaguet, Puy-En-Velay, Saint-Maurice-De-Lignon, Saint-Paul-De-Tartas, Saint-Paulien, Saint-Vénérand, Saugues, Vergezac, Vergongheon, Vielprat, Villeneuve-D'allier, Yssingeaux, Prades, Couteuges, Saint-Victor-Malescours, Saint-Julien-Des-Chazes, Allègre, Chilhac, Mazerat-Aurouze, Solignac-sur-Loire, Chavaniac-Lafayette, Araules, Montfaucon-en-Velay, Freycenet-la-Tour, Paulhac, Saint-Hilaire, Vernassal, Saint-Front, La Chomette, Monistrol-Sur-Loire, La Chaise-Dieu, Alleyras, Solignac-Sous-Roche, Saint-Privat-Du-Dragon, Salzuit, Le Monastier-Sur-Gazeille, Sainte-Florine, Moudeyres, Le Chambon-Sur-Lignon, Lavoûte-Chilhac, Alleyrac, Saint-Ilpize, Sanssac-L'église, Saint-Didier-En-Velay, Craponne-Sur-Arzon, Cussac-Sur-Loire, Pradelles, Tence, Ouides, Valprivas, Saint-Christophe-D'allier, Dunières, Saint-Just-Malmont, Lantriac, Tailhac, Chastel, Chaspuzac, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Froid, Lempdes Sur Allagnon, Laussonne, Montagnac, Les Estables, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, Beaux, Cayres, Céaux-D'allègre, Cerzat, Chamalières-Sur-Loire, Jullianges, Saint-Jeures, Lorlanges, Brives-Charensac, Saint-Arcons-De-Barges

For the broader travel overview: Auvergne.