Start of the Via Podiensis and visit of the town

The Via Podiensis, leaving from the cathedral

Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay

If you wish to assist the benediction Mass of the pilgrims, your pilgrimage will start from the steps of the cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay. You will go through the historical area of the city, the Rue des Tables, Rue Raphaël, the Place du Plot and then you’ll go into Rue Saint-Jacques, on the GR 65 Way of Santiago de Compostela! Follow then the markings red and white (warning! Never leave without a map or guidebook).

The treasures of Le Puy-en-Velay

Before leaving on the GR 65 Way to Santiago de Compostela, a visit of the historical sector of Le Puy-en-Velay imposes itself. True crossroads of hiking paths, the town will charm you by its cobbled little streets, its squares, and its impressive historic buildings. We advise you to plan a day to take the time to visit the following places:

•  The Place du Plot (and Rue Saint-Jacques), where pass each other the GR 65 Chemin de Compostelle and the GR 700 Chemin de Régordane (or Chemin de Saint Gilles). With the most ancient fountain of the city and the market bustling every Saturday mornings.
• The Camino, where you will be able to view, in a remarkable set and a modern scenography, the stages of the GR 65 Way of Santiago de Compostela.
• The cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay, listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an imposing architecture, where you will be able to admire the Black Madonna (17^th century), its cloister, listed historical monument, its gardens…
• The General Hospital also listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, today restored as an interactive museum.
• Perched on its rock of a height of 82 m, the Chapel Saint-Michel-d’Aiguilhe is an edifice among the most
  

  Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe

  spectacular of France and offers a remarkable view over the city.

• The statue Notre Dame de France, erected on the Rocher Corneille, also offers a not-to-be-missed panorama. The braver will be able to go inside the statue, to its crown, with an unobstructed 360-degree view.
• The district of the Pouzarot, one of the most ancient of the town, with remarkable charming little streets, ancient high walls, etc.Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe