It’s France’s best-kept secret destination according to this European travel guide.
Secret destinations, far from the crowds and off the beaten track… Every year, the European Best Destinations travel site, which aims to promote culture and tourism in Europe, unveils its ranking of the best hidden treasures in Europe. From Naantali in Finland to the island of Pico and its volcano in the Azores, via the colorful villages of Villajoyosa in Spain, a secret destination, “the best kept in France”, according to the site, has slipped into the ranking of 2024. We reveal to you THE French pearl according to Europeans.
With its “magical heritage”, this French destination attracts history buffs, hiking enthusiasts or travelers in search of spirituality. This jewel nestled in the heart of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, on the GR65 route, immediately dazzles visitors with its monumental religious statue, almost 23 meters high, dominating the city! This is the commune of Puy-en-Velay, European capital of the routes to Santiago de Compostela and a true heritage gem.
We are entering the “land of spirituality”. The panorama offered by Puy-en-Velay immediately fascinates with its Notre-Dame de France statue representing the Virgin Mary topped with a crown of stars with the Child Jesus in her arms, standing facing the city as if to bless her. 33 stone steps provide access to the interior of the statue placed on the Corneille rock. And surprise, once you arrive, 58 additional steps will allow you to reach the crown of the Virgin at the top. And the spectacle doesn’t stop there: to the north of the city, a surprising chapel dedicated to Saint Michael stands on a volcanic chimney. Here again, you will need good walking shoes to climb the 268 steps that take you there. The rock and the Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel are one of the most remarkable symbols of the town.
Puy-en-Velay attracts not only pilgrims from all over the world, but also lace lovers. According to European Best Destinations, there reigns “an ancestral know-how still mastered by a few lacemakers who create refined and 100% artisanal lace”. A stone’s throw from the city center, we set off to discover the surprising collections of the Crozatier museum, on the theme of Velay craftsmanship but also archaeology, fine arts and sciences. An artistic system “Echo street & land art in Velay” invites you to discover the landscapes and architecture of the Agglomeration every year.
Are you won over? If you decide to go to Puy-en-Velay this fall, don’t miss the Renaissance celebrations of the Bird King from September 18 to 22. Like every year in the 3rd week of September, the upper town brings you back to life in a life-size 16th century!