The landscapes of the Haute-Loire have been shaped by more than 300 volcanoes, which can be seen in lakes, domes, organs, coulees, rocks and headlands. The 36 most spectacular sites have been developed with lookouts and interpretation areas. You can easily access Mont Mézenc (1,749 m), the highest point in the Haute-Loire department, not far from the Gerbier de Jonc and the sources of the Loire in Ardèche.
Campsites in Haute-Loire
For your next holiday, choose one of the campsites located in the Haute-Loire. But what are the advantages of these campsites in Auvergne?
3 or 4 star campsites in Haute-Loire, for glamping holidays in Auvergne
The majority of campsites in the Haute-Loire are 3-star campsites, which generally represent excellent value for money for a family camping holiday. However, if you're looking for a top-of-the-range Glamping campsite (glamour on a campsite...), with great facilities and more extensive services than a 3-star campsite, there are 5 4-star campsites in this Auvergne region.
You'll also have access to a number of unclassified campsites, farm campsites and campsites with one or two stars.
Campsite in the Haute-Loire with a water park and indoor swimming pool: discover Cosy Camp****
If you have children, you will certainly appreciate having access to a swimming pool and why not a water park: 24 campsites have a swimming pool in Haute-Loire
At the Cosycamp **** campsite in Chamalières-sur-Loire, set in a large 4.5-hectare botanical garden that is completely pedestrianised, you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool, both heated, as well as a wellness area with a 15m² heated indoor pool with counter-current swimming.
Camping by the river in the Haute-Loire
Of the 62 campsites in the Haute-Loire, around fifty campsites are close to a river (less than 5km away).
On the other hand, if you absolutely must have direct access to the river, we recommend camping de la Bageasse***, located in Vieille-Brioude, which is on the banks of the river Allier: this gives you direct access to the canoe-kayak base, ideal for children and parents alike to enjoy at this family campsite.
Camping in Le Puy-en-Velay: discover the municipal campsite
The Le Puy-en-Velay *** campsite is located just 400m from the historic town centre and boasts a superb view of the famous Rocher where the Cloister and the Virgin, the emblem of Le Puy-en-Velay, rise. This campsite is ideal for nature holidays in a tent or camper van.
Campsite in Haute-Loire open all year round
In this Auvergne département, 6 campsites are open all year round, which is handy if you want to discover the Haute-Loire at any time of year
Discover the Haute-Loire during your camping holiday
From gorges to summits
The setting is animated by the valley of the young Loire, as well as the Allier and Arzon gorges. Enjoy the contrast between the Limagne plain, the wooded hills of the Margeride and Livradois, or the Velay and Meygal mountains. To the east, the Chambon-sur-Lignon plateau offers a lush green setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Occupying a central position, Le Puy-en-Velay, the capital of the Haute-Loire, is an unmissable diversion. Admire the Romanesque cathedral and especially the two spectacular perched sites of the Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel and the statue of Notre-Dame de France. You should also know that the fine and sought-after dentelle du Puy lace, launched in the 15th century, has lasted more than 500 years, employing up to 120,000 people.
In the valley of the Borne, in Espaly, a monumental statue over 22 metres high announces the perched basilica of Saint Joseph of Good Hope. On its plateau, the prestigious Gothic abbey church of La Chaise-Dieu catches your eye, where echoes of a great music festival resound. Other listed sanctuaries include the abbeys of Pébrac (11th), Lavaudieu (12th) and La Séauve-sur-Semène (13th).
Great cultural diversity
Stop in the beautiful villages of Blesle, Arlempdes and Pradelles, then in the small towns of character of Chilhac, Auzon, Allègre, Monastier-sur-Gazeille and Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon. The sites of Bigorre, Brioude, Chalencon, Chanteuges, Moudeyres, Saint-Cirgues and Lavoûte-Chilhac are also very interesting.
Among the fifty or so castles to visit, don't miss the fortress of Saint-Vidal, from La Rochelambert to Saint-Paulien, from Polignac set on its volcanic table, from Bouzols to Arsac-en-Velay, from La Lavoûte-Polignac to Lavoûte-sur-Loire, from the Tour des Anglais to Saugues.
Four picturesque tourist trains also offer you other beautiful views of the countryside, from the stations of Langeac, Estivareilles, Raucoules and La Chaise-Dieu.
From family walks to sporting routes, there is a wide range of walks and cycle rides, not forgetting many pleasant swimming spots along a river or lake.
Fans of pilgrimage and historic routes can also follow in the footsteps of the thousands of walkers who take the Via Podiensis, one of the oldest and most emblematic routes on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, starting from Le Puy-en-Velay. A timeless spiritual and scenic adventure through volcanic landscapes and wild plateaux.
Auvergne gastronomy in Haute-Loire
Finally, pay tribute to the tasty specialities of the Haute-Loire department: cheeses, cold meats, verbena, wild trout, green lentils, Yssingeaux brioche, fine fat meat from the Mezenc, blueberries and chestnuts.