Le Puy-en-Velay and its volcanoes: an unforgettable van road trip

Between medieval history and volcanic landscapes, Le Puy-en-Velay is a magical stop for nature and heritage lovers. Discover 5 must-see spots to explore by campervan.

Perched in the heart of Auvergne, Le Puy-en-Velay captivates with its unique atmosphere, from the statue of Notre-Dame de France watching over the town to the dormant volcanoes surrounding the region. Accessible by van, this destination offers breathtaking views, hikes for all levels and exceptional architectural heritage. Ready to hit the road? Here are the unmissable stops.

Notre-Dame du Puy

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Romanesque cathedral towers over the town from its volcanic rock. Its cloister and 12th-century frescoes alone are worth the visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Cathedral parking Le Puy-en-Velay Parking ★ 4.1 Free central car park, 2 minutes’ walk from the cathedral. Quiet at night, public toilets nearby. › Route de Champ Rouet, Polignac Motorhome area ★ 4.6 Free aire at the foot of Polignac Castle, 30 grass pitches. Basic services, medieval village atmosphere. › Camping d'Audinet Campsite ★ 4.3 Shaded campsite by the Loire, large pitches. Greenway access 5 km from Le Puy. › Parking by Loire river Coubon Parking ★ 4.4 Flat, spacious car park by the Loire, swimming possible. Shaded picnic tables, very natural setting. › Camping-Car Park Le Puy-en-Velay Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Paid aire in the town centre with panoramic cathedral views. Stabilised pitches, €15 per night. ›

Statue of Notre-Dame de France

Cast in iron and gilded with gold leaf, this imposing 22-metre statue offers a stunning view of Le Puy. A symbol of the town, it’s accessible on foot from the centre.

Where to sleep nearby

Cathedral parking Le Puy-en-Velay Parking ★ 4.1 Right in the town centre, at the foot of the cathedral. Public toilets, peaceful atmosphere. › Parking by Loire river Coubon Parking ★ 4.4 By the Loire, swimming possible. Shaded picnic tables, 6 minutes’ drive away. › Route de Champ Rouet, Polignac Motorhome area ★ 4.6 30 grass pitches at the foot of the fortress. Free, services available, 42 minutes’ walk. › Camping d'Audinet Campsite ★ 4.3 5 shaded hectares by the Loire. Large pitches, 45 minutes’ walk. › Camping-Car Park Le Puy-en-Velay Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Panoramic cathedral views. Asphalt pitches, €15 per night, 10 minutes’ walk. ›

Monts du Velay

This volcanic massif with its gentle slopes offers hikes for families and seasoned walkers alike. The scenery alternates between forests, moorland and 360-degree viewpoints.

Where to sleep nearby

Route de Champ Rouet, Polignac Motorhome area ★ 4.6 Free aire with services, 30 grass pitches. Views of Polignac fortress, 5 km from Le Puy. › Camping d'Audinet Campsite ★ 4.3 5-hectare campsite by the Loire, shaded pitches. Peaceful, near greenway and Le Puy-en-Velay. › Parking with view over the Loire Gorges Cussac-sur-Loire Parking ★ 4.9 Flat car park with views of the Loire gorges. Very quiet, easy access for campervans, 6 km from Le Puy. › Camping-Car Park Le Puy-en-Velay Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Paid aire in the town centre, panoramic cathedral views. Stabilised pitches, 13 minutes’ walk. › Le Bourg, Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison Motorhome area ★ 4 Free aire on the Compostela route, 8 pitches. Water and waste disposal, 7 km from Le Puy-en-Velay. ›

Rocher Corneille

An ideal starting point for a walk, this volcanic rock is home to a troglodyte chapel. The short but steep climb rewards visitors with a spectacular view of the town.

Where to sleep nearby

Route de Champ Rouet, Polignac Motorhome area ★ 4.6 Free aire at the foot of the fortress, 5 km from Le Puy. 30 grass pitches, very quiet. › Camping d'Audinet Campsite ★ 4.3 Shaded campsite by the Loire, 5 km from Le Puy. Large pitches, greenway access (45 minutes’ walk). › Cathedral parking Le Puy-en-Velay Parking ★ 4.1 Free town centre car park, 48-hour limit. Public toilets, cathedral views (3 minutes’ walk). › Parking by Loire river Coubon Parking ★ 4.4 Flat car park by the Loire, swimming possible. Shaded tables, stabilised ground (6 minutes’ drive). › Camping-Car Park Le Puy-en-Velay Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Paid aire in the town centre, panoramic views. Stabilised pitches, €15 per night (10 minutes’ walk). ›

Lac du Bouchet

This crater lake, one of the purest in Europe, is perfect for a nature break in your van. Its turquoise waters and surrounding forest make it a popular spot for swimming and picnics.

Where to sleep nearby

Lakeside parking Cayres Parking ★ 4.9 Wooded area 100 m from the lake, spacious and highly rated. 6 minutes’ walk away. › Camping du Moulin Campsite ★ 4.8 Rural farm campsite, shaded pitches and clean facilities. 50 minutes’ walk away. › Le Bourg, Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Free aire at the farm inn, paid showers and flat ground. 25 minutes’ walk from the lake. › Parking by Maar du Pechey lake Costaros Parking ★ 4.6 Free car park at Lac Maar du Pechey, a former volcanic crater. 5 minutes’ drive away. › Camping municipal Le Bouchet Saint Nicolas Campsite ★ 3.9 Shaded municipal campsite, pay at the town hall and close to the lake. 29 minutes’ walk away. ›

Vulcania

Just 1.5 hours from Le Puy, this volcanic exploration park offers a fun and educational dive into the world of volcanoes. Ideal for a family day out, with interactive exhibits and 4D screenings.

Where to sleep nearby

Motorhome area under video surveillance Mazaye Motorhome area ★ 5 New aire in nature, 5 stabilised pitches at €12 per night. 6 minutes’ drive away (5 km). › Forest parking Ceyssat Parking ★ 4.5 Secluded forest clearing at the foot of Puy de Dôme, spacious and quiet. 5 minutes’ drive away (4 km). › Camping-Car Park Saint-Ours Motorhome area ★ 3.6 Aire near Vulcania, spacious and quiet with paid services. 9 minutes’ walk away. › Camping Bel Air Campsite ★ 3.9 Family-friendly wooded campsite with heated pool and playground. 7 minutes’ drive away (6 km). › Spacious motorhome area Orcines Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Flat, bitumen aire, spacious at €7 per night, full services. 7 minutes’ drive away (6 km). ›

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