cathedrale notre-dame

Loved the feeling that I was at the start of the Via Podiensis, which 500 kms later passes our house in SW France. Cathedrale was up steep steps and cobbled streets, but once there one felt rewarded with the experience and the representation of St James was the best I have seen ( and I have walked the Camino )Very clean and machine where you can help the upkeep of the church by paying 2 Euros and receive a souvenir token coin. Quiet choral music might be an uplifting joy?

The cathedral is light and much plainer than many French cathedrals, the architecture isn't obscured by loads of stuff. The famous black faced madonna is apparently a replica but the cathedral has soaked up centuries of history. It is occupies a lofty position but the best view is from the steps up to the porch.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy is a national monument of France in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne's Haute-Loire department. A pilgrimage destination since before the time of Charlemagne, it also forms part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.The cathedral sits the highest point of Le Puy-en-Velay - so be prepared for a climb - and was constructed between the 5th and 15th centuries (though most of it was completed in the 12th century).It's pretty impressive.

After a tour with the nice little "tourist train", we decided to walk thru the old city. It was really an interesting view of the old town of "Le Puy en Velay". Walking on the paved street was very nice, even with the baby stroller. The walk into the Cathedrale, climbing all the stairs was rewarded with a significant churches. On the way down to the city center, we stopped at one of nice restaurant testing the very good french cuisine. Le Puy is really a place to see.

A starting point for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostella – the cathedral rising in the centre of the city dominates the historic sector; seen from a distance, it is complemented both the “Rocher Corneille” with the statue Notre Dame de France and the St. Michel’s chapel built on a separate rock. This is a place well worth a visit but do allow sufficient time – you could experience a lot of walking and climbing.

There are easier ways to access, but to get the feel of the Cathedral, approach from the front at the bottom of the town. Head straight up the steep road, then steps, then even more steps to get the full ambience of the place. Great views from the side of the chuirch as well.

This cathedral is absolutely stunning as it is black and made of the volcanic stone. Inside you will find the black Madonna which is very well known. This is a famous stop along the St. Jacques de Compostelle Route and some pilgrimages start from here.

When you approach the church you have an odd impression of the building. It is atop a hill of buildings and seems to have been added onto extensively over the years. Still well worth a visit.

We went there first thing in the morning and had the place all to ourselves. It was quite fun to climb inside the statue, all the way up, to reach the crown on the head of notre dame.

Worth the walk up through the winding cobbled streets. A real sense of history, especially when we came across present-day pilgrims / hikers setting off on their camino with their shells hanging from their rucksacks. Impressive entrance to the cathedral as the steps bring you right up into the centre. I was lucky enough to be there on Palm Sunday and followed the procession up from the Eglise du Collège-quite moving!

The pride and joy of Le Puy, beautiful and atmospheric.Beware of the many steps to reach the entrance - no hand rails- but ask locals for the route via the side streets which have handrails and no steps but still some steps at the end.

Great aerial views from here, great explanations of the volcanoes of the area and the history of the Notre Dame de France! Well done and well worth a visit!

Amazing architecture in the middle of the town - definitely worth a walk up the steep slope and steps to get to it. Once inside the Cathedral is huge. Well worth a visit

The view is sensational. Full of atmosphere, and you can walk from here to the other 'puys' with monuments on them.

The whole centre of Le Puy is small cobbled streets and, heading uphill, one comes to the cathedral. Interesting architecture.