📍 France

HAUTE-LOIRE: VOLCANOES, PILGRIMAGE AND CHARACTER VILLAGES

Volcanic peaks glow rust and gold, pilgrimage bells ring beneath stone vaults, monasteries crown the heights. Haute-Loire is sacred ground.

≈ 9
Days
244
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Polignac castle on its lava plateau, Lavaudieu cloister, Brioude basilica, La Chaise-Dieu abbey and Arlempdes castle perched on its volcanic cone. Haute-Loire, land of volcanoes and pilgrimages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Polignac

lava platform crown high

Polignac - Photo 1Polignac - Photo 2Polignac - Photo 3Polignac - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval fortress on volcanic peak.
2
Exceptional panorama.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike around the site.
→
Discovery of volcanic heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 49.4 km
Travel time: 1h39
2
Day

Lavaudieu

monastery garden cloistered peace

Lavaudieu - Photo 1Lavaudieu - Photo 2Lavaudieu - Photo 3Lavaudieu - Photo 4Lavaudieu - Photo 5Lavaudieu - Photo 6Lavaudieu - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Romanesque abbey.
2
Cloister Plus Beaux Villages de France.
3
Frescoes.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Sénouire.
→
Discovery of religious heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8.9 km
Travel time: 18min
3
Day

Brioude

basilica majesty pilgrimage site

Brioude - Photo 1Brioude - Photo 2Brioude - Photo 3Brioude - Photo 4Brioude - Photo 5Brioude - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Basilica of Saint-Julien (largest Romanesque church in Auvergne).
2
Gothic abbey.
🎯

Activities

→
Classical music concert (August).
→
Hiking in the forests.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 31.8 km
Travel time: 1h04
4
Day

La Chaise Dieu

gothic heritage monastery crown

La Chaise Dieu - Photo 1La Chaise Dieu - Photo 2La Chaise Dieu - Photo 3La Chaise Dieu - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Tapestries.
2
Dance of death.
3
Music festival.
4
Castle on volcanic peak.
🎯

Activities

→
Panorama of the Chaîne des Puys.
→
Hiking to the gorges of the wild Loire.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16.8 km
Travel time: 34min
5
Day

Allegre

village character mountain stone

Allegre - Photo 1Allegre - Photo 2Allegre - Photo 3Allegre - Photo 4Allegre - Photo 5Allegre - Photo 6Allegre - Photo 7Allegre - Photo 8Allegre - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Sources of the Loire.
2
Plus Beaux Villages de France village.
🎯

Activities

→
Stevenson Trail.
→
Canoeing on the Allier.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 48.7 km
Travel time: 1h37
6
Day

Arlempdes

volcanic cone perch tower

Arlempdes - Photo 1Arlempdes - Photo 2Arlempdes - Photo 3Arlempdes - Photo 4Arlempdes - Photo 5Arlempdes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Fortified gate.
2
Allier Gorges.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the wild gorges.
→
Fishing.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18.4 km
Travel time: 37min
7
Day

Pradelles

mountain village glow stone

Pradelles - Photo 1Pradelles - Photo 2Pradelles - Photo 3Pradelles - Photo 4Pradelles - Photo 5Pradelles - Photo 6Pradelles - Photo 7Pradelles - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Plus Beaux Villages de France village.
2
Fortified gate.
3
Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Stevenson Trail.
→
Walk through the cobblestone streets.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h10
8
Day

Lavoute Chilhac

river sanctuary flowing peace

Lavoute Chilhac - Photo 1Lavoute Chilhac - Photo 2Lavoute Chilhac - Photo 3Lavoute Chilhac - Photo 4Lavoute Chilhac - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Benedictine abbey.
2
Allier Gorges.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Canoeing on the Allier.
→
Hiking in the wild gorges.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

AUTHENTIC ARDÈCHE: 18 VILLAGES OF CHARACTER

📅 19 days 🛣️ 279 Km

WILD GORGES AND CHARACTER VILLAGES

📅 10 days 🛣️ 171.29999999999998 Km

AUTHENTIC AUVERGNE: PERCHED VILLAGES AND VOLCANIC VALLEYS IN LOGICAL SEQUENCE

📅 8 days 🛣️ 248 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.