Discover Haute-Loire during your stay
From our campsite near Le Puy-en-Velay, in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, you’re ideally placed to explore the Haute-Loire and its treasures. With its medieval heritage, volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages and outdoor activities, the Velay region offers a wide range of discoveries for all tastes and ages. Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille is an integral part of the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park and is just 20 km from Le Puy-en-Velay, the starting point of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the Haute-Loire from the l’Estela campsite combines the pleasure of a nature holiday with easy access to the region’s must-see sites. Get your hiking boots, your curiosity and your appetite ready: adventure awaits!
Towns and villages to visit around the campsite
Tourism in the Haute-Loire starts with the discovery of its remarkable towns and villages, with their exceptional historical and architectural heritage. Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, which has been awarded the ” Petite cité de caractère” label, is well worth a visit. Its Saint-Chaffre abbey church, built in 1074, is one of the finest examples ofRomanesque art in Auvergne, with its polychrome facade and remarkable sculptures. Don’t miss the château, which houses the Museum of Popular Beliefs, or the church of Saint-Jean with its circular fountains. The village is also the starting point of the famous Stevenson Trail, and a stele of the Scottish writer stands in the center of town. In August, the village hosts the Brass Festival. For more information, visit the Monastier-sur-Gazeille tourist office website.
Le Puy-en-Velay, 20 km away, is a must-see tourist attraction in the Haute-Loire. Its Notre-Dame cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site, dominates the old town from its promontory. Climb to the Rocher Corneille to admire an exceptional panorama over the red-tiled roofs, then climb the 268 steps to the Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel, voted 4ᵉ favorite monument of the French in 2014. Stroll through the medieval alleyways, visit the cloister, the lace museum and don’t miss the Plot market on Saturday mornings. In September, the Fêtes du Roi de l’Oiseau plunges the whole town into the Renaissance era. To prepare your visit, take a look at the Haute-Loire tourist map.
A number of charming villages in the surrounding area are well worth a visit:
- Arlempdes: perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Loire, one of France’s most beautiful villages;
- Pradelles: a charming medieval village, also classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages;
- Lavaudieu: famous for its Romanesque abbey and cloister;
- Polignac: its imposing fortress dominates the plain of Le Puy-en-Velay ;
- Lavoûte-Chilhac and Blesle: two other jewels in the crown of France’s most beautiful villages.
Must-see
Must-see sites in the Velay-Mézenc-Gerbier region
Exploring the Haute-Loire also means discovering a singularly rich natural and cultural heritage. The Velay-Mézenc-Gerbier region is brimming with sites that are sure to surprise you:
- Le Puy-en-Velay and its medieval center (20 km away);
- the Polignac fortress, one of the most imposing in Auvergne;
- Mount Mézenc (1,753 m) and its high volcanic plateaus, from which you can admire the Alps and the Cantal mountains on a clear day;
- Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc and the sources of the Loire;
- Lac du Bouchet, an ancient volcanic crater surrounded by forests;
- the Corbœuf ravine, a canyon-like geological curiosity;
- La Chaise-Dieu abbey church, a masterpiece of Gothic art;
- the thatched cottages of Saint-Front et Bigorre (15 km away), evidence of traditional housing;
- Moudeyres and the Perrel brothers’ farm (12 km away);
- the basalt organs of Saint-Julien-Chapteuil ;
- the Saint-Front educational farm, ideal for children;
- l’école du vent in Saint-Clément, a fun and educational area;
- the Bête du Gévaudan museum in Saugues.
In summer, in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, you can visit theabbey church of Saint-Chaffre and thecultural center (register at the tourist office), and stroll through the narrow streets, past fountains and secret passageways that tell the story of the village.
The best things to do in Haute-Loire
What to do starting from l’Estela campsite? The Velay region offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, from outdoor pursuits to sensational activities, in a generous natural setting in the south of the Auvergne.
Sports and outdoor activities
The natural space between river and mountain makes the Haute-Loire an exceptional playground for outdoor enthusiasts, in summer and winter alike.
Hiking: the campsite is the ideal starting point for numerous itineraries – from the GR70 (Stevenson trail) to the GR65 (Compostela trail), via the GR40 (tour of the Velay volcanoes) and the GR340 (Saint-Régis trail). Around Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, several marked trails are directly accessible: la Recoumène, le circuit de Meyzous, le circuit de l’Herm… You can also go hiking with a donkey or on horseback at the Domaine de Bonnefont in Saint-Martin-de-Fugères.
Sports and thrills:
- paragliding at Les Estables ;
- accrobranche at Les Estables and giant zip line at Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille ;
- bungee jumping at the Recoumène viaduct ;
- via ferrata des Juscles au Pertuis ;
- rock climbing: several nearby sites (Chamalière-sur-Loire, Chaudeyrolles, Fay-sur-Lignon, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil) ;
- Mountain biking on the trails and plateaus of the Velay ;
- rafting and canyoning on the Allier at Pradelles.
Water sports: paddle, canoe and pedalo are available at Lac du Bouchet and surrounding lakes (Issarlès, Coucouron, Les Planchas).
Family and children’s activities
It’s easy to discover the Haute-Loire as a family! Here’s our selection of activities to share with your children:
- adventure course in the trees at Les Estables: accessible from age 4, great fun for the whole family;
- Lugik Parc in Les Estables: 4-season sleds for young and old;
- Velorail in Pradelles: an original ride on an old railroad line;
- Saint-Front educational farm: meet the animals ;
- horse riding in a riding school close to the campsite ;
- escape game and treasure hunt in the historic center of Le Puy-en-Velay ;
- Brass festival at Monastier-sur-Gazeille in August.
For the little ones, the campsite’splayground and the pool’s paddling pool offer great moments of relaxation without leaving the site. For more ideas for family outings, consult the Puy-en-Velay tourist office’s guide to family activities.
Haute-loire
Haute-Loire, a fisherman’s paradise
Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted in the Haute-Loire. The Gazeille river is just a few steps away from the l’Estela campsite, where fishing is permitted with direct access.
The surrounding area is full of remarkable fishing spots:
- the Loire, near Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille;
- the Gazeille, on the edge of the campsite;
- Costaros pond, renowned for its trout fishing;
- Lac du Bouchet, Lac d’Issarlès and Lac de Coucouron, accessible on foot, by bike or by car.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, you can bring your own equipment and enjoy the peace and quiet of the riverbanks. The Haute-Loire is a prime destination for freshwater fishing enthusiasts, set in unspoilt natural surroundings.
Gastronomy and markets
Visiting the Haute-Loire also means treating your taste buds! The Velay region is renowned for its generous and authentic local produce:
- the famous green Puy lentils, AOC since 1996;
- farmhouse cheeses and mountain charcuterie;
- honey from Velay;
- Velay verbena, as an infusion or liqueur.
To discover these flavours, visit the local markets that punctuate the week:
Monday mornings: Saint-Julien-Chapteuil
Tuesday mornings: Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
Tuesday and Saturday mornings: Le Puy-en-Velay
Thursday mornings: Les Estables
Thursday evenings in summer, the Monastier-sur-Gazeille farmers’ and craftsmen’s market takes place on the Place du Vallat: the perfect opportunity to sample local specialities in a friendly atmosphere.
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