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 At the foot of "Les Sucs", (a kind of rocky peaks) -
In the land of Yssingeaux, the observer will find an upland reg ion with many natural ressources. On the banks of the Loire river, you will be surprised by the small town of Retournac because of its almost mediterranean microclimate. Nearby, the sight of Yssingeaux, nestling at the foot of a line of volcanic "sucs", is astonishing because of its noble natural surroundings,where the gorges of the Loire river and the Mounts of the Velay contend with the steep valleys of Eastern Lignon (Lignon de l'Est), The city of the five Cocks (La Cité des cinq coqs) welcomes the tourists and the most renowned French chefs, who are received at the National Superior Pastry-making School of the Castle of Montbarnier, which is a worldwide famous innovation pole.
Ancient and contemporary treasures - In the heart of the former earldom of Velay (comté du Velay), you will find many historical landmarks. Yssingeaux reminds us of the genious of the earls and bishops of Le Puy, with its antique 14th century castle, which is the present townhall, and also its Chapel of the Penitents, where the magnificent statue of the crowned Virgin Mary has seen many pilgrims since the 16th century. Well before this period, Bishop Jean de Bourbon turned the nearby Romanesque church of Retournac into an abbey : a beautiful architectural construction which is worth a visit, especially for its clover-shaped choir and its square tower, built for defensive purposes. In the heart of the town, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste shelters a real contemporary treasure : its beautiful leaded-glass windows, which are a luminous creation of Henri Guerrin.
At the crossroads -
The Saint-Régis' paths ( Chemins de Saint-Régis) or Compostelles Road (Route de Compostelle), all these footpaths lead to the region of Yssingeaux and walkers are not fooled ! They know that they are on a territory which offers breathtaking landscapes, when, from the top of the Madeleine's plateau or the Saint-Roch's hill, the Mont-Blanc greets the visitor's eye. On the foothills the mysterious Miiaune Forest, close to Retournac, overhanging the walls of the Artias Castle and its Chapel, audacious hikers will hear the wind telling them Miaune and its gnomes' legends.
 Invigorating holidays on the river banks - As it is a well-preserved area, the region of Yssingeaux is an ideal place for authenticity-seeking sportsmen. In competition with rivers like the Tarn or the Ardèche, the “young“ Loire river offers its gorges to every canoeing lover and proposes various fishing tours all well-stocked with Fario trout, common ombre and fountain omble (two kinds of salmon). On the side of Lignon river, a 1750 acres (700 ha) dammed lake allows you to enjoy sailing and fishing. An ideal place to start learning outdoor sport.
The land of all kinds of appetites - It would be strange for a "greedy gourmet"not to find some tasty specialities in the region of Yssingeaux, which is the international showcase of French pastry. De facto, the Brioche of Yssingeaux as well as its snails, berries, currants and foie-gras' specialities are all the result of a great know-how and will embarrass diet addicts. Concerning Batavia, the most famous local "apéritif", which mixes gentiane bitters and a fruity aroma, could drive sober people crazy !
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