Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d'Allier
Stage 1 · Le Chemin du Puy
Le Puy-en-Velay → Saint-Privat-d'Allier
About this stage
Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d'Allier · 23.5 km · up 670 m, down 500 m
The Via Podiensis begins at the cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay, built into a volcanic landscape of dramatic basalt peaks. The statue of Notre-Dame de France stands on top of one needle, the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe perches on another. The route leaves this extraordinary city and climbs through open volcanic highlands.
The path crosses the Velay plateau through farming villages and wooded valleys. Watch for the distinctive red volcanic soil and the stone-built farmhouses with their steep slate roofs designed to shed heavy winter snow.
Saint-Privat-d'Allier sits on a cliff above the Allier gorge, with sweeping views into the dramatic river valley below.
Terrain: Urban cobblestones, volcanic hillsides, forest paths, rural lanes, exposed plateau sections
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Le Puy-en-Velay
cityA dramatic volcanic city in the Auvergne and the starting point of Le Chemin du Puy. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame perched atop a volcanic plug and the towering statue of the Virgin on Rocher Corneille are iconic landmarks.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusTrainPilgrim OfficeClinicPost Office
- 8.8km
- 23.5km
Saint-Privat-d'Allier
villageA small village perched above the Allier gorge with a gite, cafes, and views over the volcanic Auvergne landscape. The first overnight stop on Le Chemin du Puy.
View town guideRestaurantCafe
Places to stay along this stage
Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.
Loading places to stay…
Planning the Le Chemin du Puy?
Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay. Choosing is never booking.