The small town of Yssingeaux is located in the department of Haute-Loire in southern Auvergne, by the Loire in the land of sucs, the famous small, dormant volcanoes shaped like sugar loaves. In this part of Velay, outdoor activities reign supreme.
They include hiking or mountain biking from one suc to another on the marked trails, horse-riding, beach volleyball and archery at the Neyrial leisure centre, as well as water sports and swimming at Lake Lavalette, which is about ten kilometres from the village.
Among the heritage sites not to be missed are the old grain market hall from the 19th century, known as "Grenette", with its original architecture, the Chapel of the Penitents with Romanesque vaults, dating back to the middle of the 12th century, the Church of St. Peter rebuilt in the 19th century with its large paintings by renowned masters, and the old castle that is now the town hall, on the main square where the bishops once stopped on their journey between Le Puy-en-Velay and Monistrol-sur-Loire.
The Museum of St. Roch, dedicated to hospital life in the past, houses a beautiful collection of pharmaceutical earthenware from the 15th to 19th centuries.
