Le Puy Sights and Landmarks Guide, France

It is filled with history and religious fervor, a reason for visitors from all over the world to come and try to rediscover humanity’s roots in an era of modernism and science.

Le Puy Sights– The Cathedral Notre-Dame du Puy

The street of Tables takes us to the foot of the great stairway of the Cathedral (134 steps). Built in Roman style, the Cathedral presents different influences (Byzantine or Moorish). The pilgrimage to the Cathedral Notre-Dame du Puy has contributed to the development and the prosperity of the city for ages. Inside you will wonder at the statue of Saint Mary, named the Black Virgin Statue (17th century) or at the rich mural settings like "L'Archange Saint Michel" (Saint Michael Archangel, 5,5 m high and 2,17 m large).

Le Puy Sights– The Statue Notre Dame de France

You cannot miss this sight, as it protects the entire city from the altitude of 757 meters on the Corneille Rock, of volcanic origin. Put here between 1856 and 1860, the statue of Notre Dame represents the Virgin holding the Child Jesus in her arms. Made of 213 canons of cast iron from the battle of Sebastopol, the statue measures 16 meters high and weights 110 tones. The climb is accessible, with rest points, toilets and an orientation map giving you a very nice panorama on the Cathedral, the city and the whole region.

Le Puy Sights– The road to Compostella - Via Podiensis

In 950, the archbishop of Puy was the first non Spanish pilgrim to start the road to Compostella. Today it is the most common roads of the four important historical ones that head towards Saint James in Spain. The attraction for this Christian road comes from the beauty of its itinerary, the architectural jewelries that line it up, but also because of its good infrastructure and accommodation. On its 750 kilometers, the pilgrims find shelter in different forms. It is a hiking path, GR 65, with marks all along its length.

Le Puy Sights -The Cloister

Classified as a historical monument since 1860, it is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Someone said that its archways can be compared to those of the Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. Leant against the Cathedral, it was built in the same time; in the 11th and 12th century it suffered different restorations, being now famous for its polychromy and capitals and the exquisite fresco of Crucifixion (13th century).