La Chaise-Dieu, gothic work and volcanoes

La Chaise-Dieu is a must-see when exploring the Livradois-Forez region: discover the fascinating history of La Chaise-Dieu Abbey, a jewel of the region’s heritage. Explore its old stones and streets steeped in history and let yourself be seduced by the perfect symbiosis between heritage and nature that reigns in this unspoilt place. Plan your getaway now for an enriching experience in the heart of the Auvergne.

Explore the Gothic treasures of the Auvergne : Saint-Robert Abbey in La Chaise-Dieu

As soon as you arrive, your feet will inevitably lead you to the not-to-be-missed Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu. Founded in the Middle Ages by the Saint of the same name and rebuilt in the 14th century by Clement VI, it is a majestic landmark. The village of La Chaise-Dieu, with its peaceful courtyards, squares and narrow streets lined with old houses, is an invitation to stroll that will delight lovers of the bucolic and authentic.

La Chaise-Dieu Abbey, with its imposing Gothic abbey complex, is a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture and a key site in European religious history. It embodies the cultural and architectural wealth of the Middle Ages, as witnessed by the tomb of Pope Clement VI, the Danse Macabre, and the 144 carved oak stalls.

Tour of the Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu

The abbey is so rich that over the last few years it has set up a discovery trail, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in 1,000 years of history and architecture. This route highlights emblematic areas of the abbey, such as the Gothic cloister and the echo room, known for its surprising acoustics. New rooms have been opened, including the ” Clement VI Lodge “, housed in the former kitchens and equipped with an optical theatre that tells the story of the construction of the abbey church by Pope Clement VI.

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Stroll through the medieval town

A stopover at LaChaise-Dieu also means taking the time to lose yourself in its winding streets. This medieval town is built around theAbbaye de la Chaise-Dieu. You’ll discover houses with ancient facades that are now home to talented craftsmen and cultural cafés that are well worth a visit.

Don’t miss the Casa d’Art Since 2004, La Casa d’Art has been bringing together professionals in the arts and crafts who open the doors of their workshops and shops to you throughout the year. These sculptors, potters, ceramists, luthiers and woodturners offer exhibitions and courses for adults and children. Every year, the collective organises an event of national importance: the Biennale des Métiers d’Art. In odd-numbered years, you can discover the art of woodworking; in even-numbered years, you can discover the art of ceramics.

As you stroll through the town, don’t forget to admire the Tour Clémentine, a fortified keep and the highest point in the town. In the 14th century, its inner well played a crucial role during the three-week siege by the Huguenots, enabling the monks to survive and carefully protect the abbey’s treasure and tapestries.

Every Thursday, local gastronomy takes centre stage at the market in the main square. Let yourself be tempted by its craftsmen: butcher, pork butcher, delicatessen, fishmonger, baker, honeys, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, plants and flowers, depending on the season. In Auvergne, we are fortunate to have a large number of local producers offering products with inimitable flavours.

The market at La Chaise-Dieu

Activities not to be missed around La Chaise-Dieu

You want to extend your stay, seduced by the charms of this village. The region around La Chaise-Dieu is dotted with tourist itineraries to satisfy your thirst for discovery.

Off the beaten trackThe Charvols arboretum

When you visit theCharvols arboretum, you’ll discover trees from all over the world. Nearly 100 species are spread over 3 hectares. Signs provide anecdotes and scientific information about the different specimens.

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Tourist trainsAGRIVAP

If you want to discover even more of the richness of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, get on board the AGRIVAP tourist trains. 42 kilometres of viaducts, tunnels, streams and panoramic views of the Livradois on the railway line linking La Chaise-Dieu to Ambert.

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Allègre,Little City of Character

You can discover the castle, built on the volcano of Baury, of which only “La Potence” remains, identified by its line of machicolations balanced above the void. It’s hard to imagine that it originally comprised 23 towers. If you’re a gamer, there’s a digital trail and treasure hunt to help you discover this medieval village. Take a gourmet break at café La Coccinelle. For lunch, opt for a board at La Part des Anges, for its stone and wood ambiance and friendly atmosphere.

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Explore our natural heritage around La Chaise-Dieu

La Chaise-Dieu is surrounded by an exceptional natural panorama. Look out into the distance and contemplate the vast expanses of woodland and lush green meadows. They offer an idyllic setting for hiking and contemplation.

The Senouire river, winding and full of life, makes an almost complete loop through the west, north and east of the town. Rich in trout and home to colonies of otters, it takes its name from the Latin sinus aurei (golden curve), which popular tradition has translated into golden snake. After a journey of around fifty kilometres, it flows into the Allier at Vieille-Brioude, after passing the Lavaudieu abbey.

The Senouire river is the link between the various walking trails that will allow you to discover the landscapes of the Casade plateau: forests, pastures and crops, and the rich heritage: crosses, monks’ stones, chapels and railway viaduct.

Do you know the Malaguet lake?

It covers 23 hectares and is mainly dedicated to fishing. Although private, the lake is open to the public, particularly to those who would like to try their hand at fly fishing! The “maison du lac de Malaguet” welcomes anglers, offering introductory fly-fishing courses and comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation.

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The Golden Snake trail and the Breuil pond

Enjoy a walk along a path paved with legends by taking the Golden Snake Trail. This nature walk starts in the centre of La Chaise-Dieu and takes you through the Breuil forest to the Senouire – from the Latin “sinus aureus” which gives its name to this lovely walk. To take full advantage of the natural surroundings and complete this peaceful stroll, take a book with you and walk as far as the Etang du Breuil.

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Did you know?Mount Bar, a volcano unique in Europe

Mont Bar is a strombolian volcano rising to 1175 metres. The term “strombolian” refers to a type of volcanic activity characterised by moderately explosive eruptions.

The last eruption of Mount Bar was around 790,000 years ago, well before the arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe, which only occurred around 45,000 years ago.

The site is part of the Devès mountain range, stretching for 60 kilometres between the Loire and Allier rivers.

The Mont Bar peat bog has been the source of many local legends over the centuries. According to one of them, the site was the site of nautical jousts during the Roman era, a story immortalised by George Sand in her novel “Jean de la Roche”. The writer, who often visited the site to collect plants for her herbarium, also found inspiration here. Another myth has it that, in Gaulish times, druids made sacred offerings here. In 1821, archaeological digs unearthed precious objects such as gold bracelets and medals, now on display at the Musée Crozatier in Le Puy-en-Velay.

You can walk around the site in two hours along an interpretation trail.