Enjoy 2 days of disconnection discovering the medieval gems secretly sheltered on the Chalencon plateaus in the north-east of Haute-Loire and its views towards the oldest volcanoes in Auvergne!
From Saint-André-de-Chalencon, to Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon, via the Bourianne scree of Saint-Julien-d'Ance, this road trip will amaze fans of medieval and large spaces.
Chalencon the medieval jewel and its Devil's Bridge
Direction Saint-André-de-Chalencon, a small Altiligère commune which is home to a rare and intact hamlet: Chalencon, a small medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop! Cross the single alley which leads to the chapel, the castle and which leads to the Ance valley crossed by the Devil's Bridge and its legend.
Is the site accessible all year round?
Yes, the Chalencon site is visit freely all year round. A car park accessible to all vehicles is located 500 m from the site. The hamlet is closed to vehicles (except local residents).
Is the medieval village accessible on foot? by mountain bike?
- You can walk to the village of Chalencon from Saint-André-de-Chalencon. Borrow the PR 666 “the devil’s bridge”, an easy circuit of 5.4 km and 1h30 and you will follow the daily route of the postman in the past.
- By mountain bike, it’s circuit n°36 from Bas-en-Basset which crosses the village of Chalencon. This one is very sporty with its 60 km and its 1659 m of altitude difference!
Are there guided tour options?
Guided tours of the castle and chapel take place by reservation only. 3€ per person.
Where to have lunch?
Admire a beautiful view around Chalencon
Excursion to the Madeleine plateau
In the afternoon, head to the Loire Valley to discover the small town of Beauzac and its charming Romanesque church, then drive to the place called Le Pédible and access the volcanic plateau of Madeleine. The view of the surrounding juices and the Loire gorges is magnificent. 3 orientation tables will help you decipher a landscape fragmented by small volcanoes and wild valleys.
Is the Beauzac church open to visitors?
Yes, you can visit this little gem of Romanesque art in total autonomy. Don’t miss the unusual crypt of the church, the only one listed in all of Velay!
Is Mont de la Madeleine easy to access?
You will reach the Madeleine plateau in just 20 minutes on foot from the place called Le Pédible. The walk is suitable for families with young children.
The +: bring a snack, a snack and admire the magnificent view in front of you!
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Morning hike to the Bourianne scree
The “Plateau du Volcano” PR is an easy 4-kilometer circuit (yellow markings) which will take you to this astonishing natural site: a solidified lava flow!
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Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon, the small town of character
This medieval city labeled “Small City of Character” is surprising! Castle, fortifications, town entrance gates, Gothic church and turreted houses dot the small village of Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon.
Continue the visit just 10 minutes from Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon:
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