Paris to Le Puy-en-Velay: A Journey into Volcanic France

Why Go

This journey leads into a France many visitors never see. Leaving Paris behind, the landscape grows steadily wilder — river gorges, volcanic cones, open plateaus — until you reach Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the country’s most dramatic and spiritual towns.

A Little Background

Le Puy has been a major pilgrimage centre for over a thousand years and is the traditional starting point of the Via Podiensis Camino route. Its cathedral rises improbably from volcanic rock pinnacles, dominating the town.

What to Expect on the Train

The final TER stretch is slow and contemplative, with wide views and quiet carriages. This is not a rush journey — connections require patience, which suits the destination perfectly.

How to Do the Journey

• Paris → St-Étienne or Clermont-Ferrand

• TER onward to Le Puy-en-Velay

• Total time: 5–6 hours

Build in buffer time and embrace the slower pace.

Best Time to Go

• Late spring & early autumn: ideal conditions

• Summer: excellent walking weather

• Winter: beautiful but cold, with reduced daylight

Where to Stay

Stay in the historic centre near the cathedral (walkable from the station, though uphill). Choose luggage that handles cobbles well.

What to Eat

Lentilles du Puy, mountain cheeses, charcuterie, and slow-cooked regional dishes dominate menus — simple, nourishing food.

What to Do

Explore the cathedral, climb the volcanic pinnacles, walk sections of the Camino, or hike directly from town. This is a place for reflection as much as sightseeing.