Cycling from Brioude, France to Le Puy-en-Velay, France

The day started with an excellent ride along the west bank of the Aller on the D585 down to the town of Langeac. This 32km stretch was really nice, marked green by Michelin all the way, with the main road taking the high route, only those enjoying the scenery were to be found. From Langeac the route turned east again for 41 km on the D590 into Le Puy-en-Velay on the Loire. This leg was up and down, first climbing 525m to where the D40 crosses, then rolling in crossing the Fioule and Say before hooking up with the Borne just before Le Puy.

This is the region of the Haut Loire, the beginnings of the grand wide river I had followed at the beginning of the trip. My first visit to Le Puy was in 1989 with Gabe, where we stayed one night in the hostel and the other at the Grand Hotel Lafayette. This is an extraordinary town with a beautiful park, ancient streets, shopping for dentilles, old churches and good eating. The wonderful emerald Vervaine is a local product that should not be missed. The hostel is run by the church for pilgrims to the town and very large and comfortable, but up the hill. Unusually, there was no breakfast served.

Auberge de Jeunesse
Centre Pierre Cardinal
9, rue Jules Vallès
43000 LE PUY EN VELAY
04 71 05 52 40