The department Haute-Loire department is called the green south of Auvergne. It has beautiful landscapes with impressive contrasts of green meadows, volcanic mountains, highlands and the Loire River. The Loire flows north towards the Loire department and is the last wild river in Europe and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A holiday in this department will introduce you to beautiful nature, beautiful castles and volcanic sites.
The Haute-Loire posseses many authentic and convivial villages, some of them even among to "the most beautiful villages of France". The most famous city in the Haute-Loire is Le Puy-en-Velay and a visit to this city should not be missed during your holiday in France. This protected city has a unique position and hold sacred heritages, situated in a beautiful green environment. The city is also known worldwide as the starting point for the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The main buildings are the Cathedral at the foot of the Rocher Corneille and the Chapelle St-Michel d'Aiguilhe.
In the city of Brioude you will discover a cultural heritage that is interspersed by beautiful natural landscapes. The city was built around one of the most beautiful monuments of the Auvergne, the Basilique Saint-Julien and lies on the River Allier hosting Atlantic salmon. In this area you will also find the largest salmon farming of Europe, the Conservatoire National du Saumon Sauvage. If you like walking, a holiday in Haute-Loire is superb. The department offers hikers many possibilities; the volcanic landscape with its high mountains and deep valleys and the Gorges de l'Allier with authentic, tucked away fishing villages, where you can relax during your hike.