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 The heritage of Le Puy-en Velay -
Velay and its region combine a natural heritage and an exceptional culture in perfect harmony. A mixture of water and magma, this land takes pride in all the signs of its volcanic background : the crater lake of Bouchet, created by the explosive meeting of water and melting rocks or enormous volcanic vents, either dikes or necks (two kinds of vents). As far as know how is concerned, the nimble fingers of Le Puy-en Velay's women, called "ponotes", lead us to the heart one of the region's specialties, the lace art of Le Puy, renowned for its fineness. By reviving another popular tradition, the town becomes festive during the renaissance feasts of "Le Roi de l'Oiseau" (King of the Birds), which takes place every year in September and allows you to travel through time. Colourful traditons.
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Castles and houses of the Velay -
As a sentry watching over Le Puy, the fortress of Polignac, a unique defensive system, brings you back to the eventful history of the medieval Velay. In the castle's vestiges, you can still hear the voices of Polignac viscounts echoing, who were the opponents of the bishops of Le Puy. The rebellious lords of Saint Vidal  had their castle, which is now listed historical, besieged by Henry the fourth's troops in 1591. Furthermore, the castle reminds the visitor of a taste for an elegant Renaissance residence as much as a need for defensive structures. The somewhat modest thatched or lauze-roofed cottages (lauze is a 1 to 2 inches thick slab of schist) of the Velay will also delight you in a less impressive way.
A trip through the lanes -
Whether you arrive from Langeac or Yssingeaux the vision of Le Puy will cause you an unforgettable emotion with its basaltic obelisks,  the thousand year old chapel and the pedestal of the monumental statue of Notre-Dame-de-France. From the top of these slender rocks, the panorama becomes breathtaking, it also invites you to plunge into the heart of the upper part of the town, which has been protected from the damages of time. The Christian temple of the west, which is a the Romanesque Cathedral which was listed as part of the world heritage by Unesco, is an eye-catching monument with its Byzantine and Moorish influences as well as its Black Virgin. From this wide architectural whole you can discover the rest of the town and its stone treasures.
Move with the nature - There are many ways to discover  this land of "puys" and "sucs" (kind of rocky peaks) and along the almost 94 miles (150 km) of signposted footpaths, hikers, pony-, barouche- as well as wagon lovers will certainly have a good time and if you like gripping panoramas, there is nothing better than flying with airplanes, glides, paraglides or hot-air balloons to take the plunge above the volcanoes of Le Puy. Concerning snow lovers, they will be able to carry out their wishes on the lac du Bouchet's banks that are turned into a cross-country skiing track during the winter season.
A gastronomy capital - Gourmet, take up your fork ! If you stay in Le Puy-en Velay, you have to taste the green lentils (les lentilles vertes) and the verbena flavoured liqueur of the Velay. Green lentils,  being part of the exclusive circle of the AOC label (Appelation d'Origine Contrôlée) are today on the best chefs' menus while the famous liqueur from Auvergne, discovered in the 19th century by a brilliant apothecary, is renowned throughout the whole of France for its digestive properties. These national celebrities should not let us forget the wealth of Le Puy's cuisine, which harbours many tasty specialties of homemade cheese.
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