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Southern Auvergne, between the Loire and the Allier Rivers,
is an infinite mosaic of sites and landscapes. Bathed by
the benevolent sun, this land loves to play upon the contrasts
of its elements, sculpted by water and fire. Southern Auvergne
is surprising! While its vast forests, green pastures and
volcanic plateaux slumber tranquilly, its rivers and streams
quietly tell their secrets to passing walkers. Not far from
there, the Loire, whose source is at Mont Gerbier-de -Jonc,
unabashedly strengthens its wild, impetuous character through
the gorges and valleys.
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what can be said about the tumultuous waters of the
River Allier, which have worked so hard to shape an
exceptional natural site: the Gorges de l’Allier!
The highest point in the département,
Mont Mézenc (1,753 m) welcomes you for open-air
activities, hiking, horseback riding and mountain
biking.
On your way back down, you can admire, in the distance,
the Ardèche mountains and volcanic peaks, as
well as the Vercors, Belledonne and Ecrins massifs.
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Along the stone-lined roads, you
will come upon superb châteaux (Saint-Vidal,
La Rochelambert, Polignac).
The Château de Chavaniac is where the Marquis
de La Fayette, hero of the American War of Independence,
was born in 1757.
Typical villages, often classified among “The
Most Beautiful Villages of France” – Moudeyres,
Arlempdes, Lavoûte-Chilhac, Lavaudieu, Pradelles
– will delight you with their splendour.
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The hamlet of Chalencon also likes to
show off its history. It was, in fact, a very important
barony in the 11th century, as well as a major pilgrimage
centre. Today, the village and the château are classified
as historical monuments.
To the east of Le Puy-en-Velay, Saint-Front Lake, the product
of a meeting between magma and an underground water table,
invites relaxation and meditation.
A spiritual land
Pilgrims and Knights Templars have left
their mark on this rich and proud area, with its many religious
buildings.
Not to be missed are Brioude Basilica, Lavaudieu and its
abbey, Notre-Dame Cathedral at Le Puy-en-Velay, which is
on the World Heritage list, witnesses to a destiny built
on faith.
Le Puy-en-Velay is also one of the main European meeting-points
for pilgrims leaving for Santiago de Compostela, the start
of the “Via Podiensis”, a major pilgrimage route.
Every year in August, near Le Puy-en-Velay, the town of
La Chaise-Dieu holds the Sacred Music Festival bringing
together music lovers from around the world.
   
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