Saint Michael's Chapel – Polignac Fortress loop from Le Puy-en-Velay

Hiking trails & Routes

Saint Michael's Chapel – Polignac Fortress loop from Le Puy-en-Velay

Moderate

4.7

(21)

hikers

Saint Michael's Chapel – Polignac Fortress loop from Le Puy-en-Velay

03:15

11.1km

300m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

175 m

Old Town of Le Puy-en-Velay

Highlight • Historical Site

One of the most beautiful old towns in France with over a thousand years of history. The stone houses in the narrow streets date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. Recommendation: stroll until evening - the atmosphere then changes again

Translated by Google •

Tip by

747 m

Chapelle Saint Clair

Highlight • Religious Site

866 m

Saint Michael's Chapel

Highlight • Other

This very striking rock needle near Le Puy-en-Velay, crowned with a chapel, is dedicated to the Archangel Michael / Michel. After a strenuous day of pilgrimage it takes a little bit of effort to make the ascent here, but without exception all of our small group of pilgrims have conquered the steps and were thrilled by this simply designed Romanesque chapel, which offers a wonderful calm and prayer atmosphere .
About the patronage: The name Michael / Michel (coming from Hebrew) means "Who is like God?". He is often depicted - on paintings or as a statue - with a flaming sword, or occasionally a lance. Michael is - together with Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel - one of the four archangels who (according to human imagination) occupy the highest rank in the heavenly hierarchy of angelic beings. Their common feast day in the saints calendar is September 29th.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.24 km

View of the Polignac fortress

Highlight • Other

A fortress on a mountain spur that can be seen from afar. This can be visited during the day.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.02 km

Church of St. Martin

Highlight • Other

Church of Sainte-Anne and Saint-Martin de Polignac
Very beautiful church made of brown stones the color of lava

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.43 km

Polignac Fortress

Highlight • Castle

The fortress is clearly visible above the town of Polignac on a volcanic rock slab that slopes steeply to the sides. Because of this, among other things, the fortress was never taken by opponents. It has belonged to the Polignac family for over 1,000 years and is now an open-air museum with guided tours and an annual medieval spectacle.
Entry chips are available at the local tourist information office on the church square in town.

The view from the 32m high keep is breathtaking!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.98 km

Viewpoint

11.0 km

Le Puy-en-Velay Historic Center

Highlight • Historical Site

Le Puy-en-Velay is quite an incredible city. Granite and lava stones are everywhere. Several religious buildings, such as the huge statue of Notre-Dame de France and the church of Saint Michel-d'Aiguilhe are placed almost 100 meters high on old volcanic chimneys. These buildings serve as landmarks and can be reached by taking stairs in the rock. The city has two specialties: the famous green lentils from Puy and lace. Lacemakers still practice this unique art. You will find them especially near the steps leading to Notre Dame Cathedral. Do not miss this visit. The church and its cloister are austere but the Romanesque architecture is magnified here.
There is a beautiful atmosphere in the lively streets of Le Puy. Puy also means volcano.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.0 km

Place du Plot

Highlight • Other

The square is very lively, especially on weekends, when a market takes place around the Fontaine de la Bidoire (1246) fountain. In the 13th century, many traders from Poitou, Provence and Spain came here to sell weapons, woolen products, leather and jewelry. From 1544 it was then a fruit and vegetable market that was held on the square.

Translated by Google •

Tip by