In the literal sense, the Haute-Loire is mountainous and bathed by the Loire, which cuts beautiful gorges here. Located in the central-eastern part of the Massif Central, the Haute-Loire culminates at an altitude of 1,749 meters, at the top of Mount Mézenc, and two thirds of its territory exceeds 800 meters in altitude, while its minimum altitude is close to 400 meters. It is thus a mountainous territory that you will discover with a succession of pleasant valleys, those of the Allier, the Loire, the Lignon du Velay. To the west, the Meygal massif answers the Mézenc massif, with the Nordic domain in the heart of the Velay. This territory offers an exceptional natural environment marked by volcanism with the presence of three hundred volcanoes representing all types of volcanism. There is also a remarkable architectural heritage, starting with that of Le Puy-en-Velay with its cathedral from which pilgrims leave, among other religious buildings. The Haute-Loire's heritage also includes the abbey of La Chaise-Dieu, the Saint-Julien de Brioude basilica, the Polignac fortress and a very present Romanesque art. The department shelters, moreover, the first castles of the edges of the Loire. Discover the numerous picturesque villages of this territory, four of which are among the most beautiful villages of France. You have taken advantage of the landscapes, hiked in an exceptional environment, chosen between mountain biking, trail and rafting, appreciated prestigious monuments: it remains for you to push the door of various museums of which the one dedicated to lace and this other one to salmon.
This destination is known for its cold and harsh climate. We prefer to wait for the good weather to enjoy it. Besides, outside the summer season, tourists will often find the door closed. In winter, the cold is severe and the snow can make traffic conditions difficult, especially at high altitude. And when the Burle wind blows, an icy wind that lifts the snow and forms snowdrifts, it is better to stay by the fire. Of course, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts will find the winter season conducive to the practice of their hobbies and, in any case, the access roads to the Meygal domain are always well cleared. You have to wait until May to see the department totally green and the sun and the mildness really settle. A great event in the Haute-Loire, around November 11, is the international hot air balloon gathering in Velay. The opportunity to see Le Puy-en-Velay and the Haute-Loire from the sky and in silence. Ask for the program of the other festivities which animate the year: festival Nuits de rêve, InterFolk, Country festival, festival of the Laughter ofYssingeaux, festival of Seven Moons, Renaissance of the king of the bird, festival of La Chaise-Dieu... There are also greedy seasons around the products stamped Haute-Loire: green lentils from Le Puy (harvest in August/September), verbena from Velay (visit the distillery all year round), fine fat from Mézenc (February/June), black lamb from Velay (perfect at Easter).
Mainly Atlantic, its altitude and closed basins give the Haute-Loire local climatic variations. Example: Ribeyre de Lavoûte-Chilhac is very sunny, Margeride is cold and rainy. Rainfall is half as low in the plains and valleys as on the peaks (Mézenc, Margeride), the annual difference in average temperatures varies from 3°/19.5°C to 400 meters at - 2°C/13°C to 1,200 meters. The Val d'Allier is the hottest, the Mezenc the coldest.
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