The fire of the volcanoes
More than a hundred years ago, in the heart of the East Velay, the bowels of the earth were torn apart by explosions and charred by incandescent lava, giving birth to a multitude of volcanoes. An ideal landscape for vulcanologists, the volcanoes without craters of the vast Massif du Meygal, resemble giant molehills, while the domes of the Mount-Mézenc offer you breathtaking landscapes. On those highlands made of granite and lava, close to the springs of the Loire river, adventure is within reach and you will certainly get great pleasure climbing the 5785ft (1753m) of the Mount of Mézenc, which is the highest point of the Haute-Loire. Come and experience the land of the rocky peaks.

A few stops in the Meygal - Through the past millenniums, local men have become builders, playing on the shapes and colours of the volcanic rocks. After having taken shelter in the heart of the rock, and finding refuge in the troglodytiques caves of the high valley of the Loire, they have mastered the art of building Romanesque churches with red stones almost black, and vaulted openings, as can be admired in Saint-Pierre Eynac or in Saint-Julien Chapteuil. By using the tough straw from the growth of rye, which is less expensive than the lauze, they left us many signs of an animated rural history in their picturesque thatched roof cottages, which rooves will remind you of the Gallic huts architecture.

Discovery routes - Variety of the Mézenc and Meygal landscape, as well as the view of the snow capped Alps, together with the remarkably well preserved flora. On the circuit of Mont-Rouge, discover the most unexpected aspect of the rocky peaks geology, try to catch a glimpse of a marmot in the numerous "pierriers" (place, where the soil is covered with stones) of Mount-Mézenc and go through the shaded underwoods of the Meygal forest starting from "La maison des Copains" (the house of friends),of Jules Romain. Pilgrims and walkers will be able to go through these numerous routes by getting their itineraries at la Croisée des Chemins (Crossroads), the Hiking Departmental Committee in the Haute-Loire.

In the "Burle" region (a dry and cold north wind, which blows in winter) - A listed area for nordic skiing, these wide spaces of the Mount-Mézenc are shaken every winter by a violent wind of snow and crystal called "la burle" and are a real opportunity for winter sport lovers. With its tracks of different levels of difficulty and its 8 ski lifts. The family ski resort of the "Estables" welcomes people of all ages coming for sport involving sliding motion or for romantic sleigh rides. But at the "Estables", the adventure is not just a winter pleasure. During the summer season, come and try the "Escalarbre" (climbing trees) in the heart of the Tarzan Adventure Park to experience unusual feelings of your prehistoric ancestors.

Sweet and salty pleasures - A real cornucopia for gourmets and hikers’ stomach, this region will offer you delicious halts, where you will be able to try assorted cold meat and bovine meat "Fin Gras" (Fine fat), so tasty when cooked in "pot-au-feu" (boiled beef with vegetables) or in "daube" (meat braised in wine and stock with vegetables) served side by side with cèpes, edible mushrooms, raspberries, bilberries from the meadow and the under woods. Among these sweet pleasures, you will surely give priority to the tasty honey of the Mézenc plateau, which is famous worlwide.