Why
Le Puy-en-Velay
is special

Le Puy-en-Velay is a major pilgrimage town with a dramatic landscape of volcano-core spires.

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Le Puy-en-Velay
tips & insights

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Setting

A 10th century chapel spectacularly perches on one of the rocky spires (see photo). Visiting it requires climbing over 200 steep, somewhat precarious steps.

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The other outcropping

The town's other volcanic outcropping is crowned with a 22-meter (72-foot) high red Madonna statue. There is nothing outstanding about it except for its size and the panoramic view from its platform.

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Pilgrimage

Le Puy-en-Velay is the starting point of the popular 1600 kilometer (1000 mile) walking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

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Blessing ritual

Participants walk up from the town to Le Puy-en-Velay's 12th century Romanesque cathedral for a blessing that will send them on their arduous journey.

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Black Virgin statue

The cathedral's main attraction is its Black Virgin statue (the hue developed as the wood aged).

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Local products

The area's best known products are locally grown green lentils, hand-made lace, and a digestive liqueur named "Verveine Verte".

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