Buy your topographical guide for the Velay Volcano Tour
Exploring the Velay region
The GR40 Velay Volcano Tour is a 182-km trail that takes 9 days to complete. The shorter, diagonal route, from Vorey-sur-Arzon to Goudet, goes through Le Puy-en-Velay. It is 61-km long and follows the GR3 and GR3F trails.
Hikers are always surprised by the landscapes on the way. And what can you say about the panoramas opening up over the Velay volcanoes?
Velay volcanoes and Le Puy en Velay
Mont Mézenc stands out above the volcanic plateaus stretching all the way to Le Puy-en-Velay. Mont Bar and Mont Baury, two famous Velay volcanoes, are near Allègre, with perspectives looking out over the vast granite plateau towards La Chaise-Dieu. La Durande looks down on the Allier valley near the town of Le Vernet, while the Suc de Ceneuil towers over the Loire plain in Saint-Vincent…
The Puy-en-Velay and Aiguilhe rocks were shaped by intensive erosion and result from the encounter of fire and water. Today they are the backbone of the town, with the statue of Our Lady of France and the Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel.
Le Puy-en-Velay
The Beaume waterfall
Essential
The IGN (Institut National de l’information géographique) map, description of the route, a list of available accommodation, restaurants, and a wide range of practical services, introduction to the landmarks and landscapes and a topographic guide. A light and easy map to carry in your bag, and the essential guide for perfect peace of mind!
The beauty of a landscape
shaped by volcanic activity
Velay can boast a range of breathtaking volcanic landscapes, as visitors to Lake Bouchet are sure to agree. This is a huge area of water, 50-metres deep and in a 800-metre wide crater formed 300,000 years ago. The Beaume valley is the home of a famous, spectacular waterfall at the top of a high basalt cliff.
And what can we say about Peyramont, an ancient cinder cone rising up over Saint-Geneys-près-Saint-Paulien; about the maar (volcanic crater) of Sauvetat, the lava flows of Goudet, the Tourte rock, Lake Saint-Front, the Testavoyre summit, the Queyrières basalt columns and Mezères…
If you have always dreamed of walking on basalt rock, phonolite and cinder cones, then whisper it, but this big Velay Volcano Tour and the diagonal route from Le Puy-en-Velay will really awaken the explorer in you. And there is no risk of eroding your emotions!
Buy your topographical guide for the Velay Volcano Tour
More information on: www.rando-hauteloire.fr
