Liven up your holidays!

Arlempdes

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Haute-Loire

Arlempdes - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Haute-Loire
7.9
12

Upon arrival in Arlempdes, a medieval village in Haute-Loire, 30 kilometres south of Le Puy-en-Velay, visitors are immediately charmed by the spectacular view afforded to them from a bend in the road: this typical little village with stone houses, classified among the most beautiful villages of France, is perched on a volcanic peak surrounded by a meander of the Loire.

Surrounded by basalt flows, this picture postcard spot full of timeless charm is a real gem of the Loire Gorges. In the heights of the village, at the top of the rocky spur, you can walk up a path to discover the remains of the castle built in the Middle Ages by the Lords of Montlaur, a site that still offers a beautiful view of the surrounding wild landscape. Downhill from the old fortress, the village's 11th-century postern entrance, the Church of St. Peter, a 12th-century single-nave Romanesque building with a four-arched open bell tower, and the 15th-century carved stone cross are other unmissable attractions of Arlempdes.

Additional information
Arlempdes

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Arlempdes takes place in the department of Haute-Loire, about thirty kilometers from the famous city of Puy-en-Velay. Ancient medieval city full of charm, it is located near the source of the Loire, at the limit of the departments of Ardeche and Lozere, in a beautiful green setting.

Built since the Middle Ages on its rocky outcrop, the village of Arlempdes was initially a religious and military site in the Gallo-Roman era. It then develops around its castle built in the thirteenth century, passing hands in hands until the sixteenth century.

Today, Arlempdes lives mainly from its tourist activity, revealing an exceptional architectural and cultural heritage. Dynamic, the city also unveils festive events that attract a large number of visitors each year.

Things to see and do

Today entirely in ruins, the 13th century castle still reveals a chapel and a building with a vaulted ground floor. First castle located on the course of the Loire, it still allows to discover a fortress wall in debris, a circular tower or a wall of the old seigniorial home. Built in the 12th century, the chapel Saint-Jacques is entirely red stone and has been recently renovated. Listed historical monument, it reveals a rather rustic and bare in its interior.

Built between the twelfth and thirteenth century, the church of St. Peter was greatly reworked in the sixteenth. Listed as a Historical Monument, it allows you to admire a bell tower with four arcades typical of Languedoc or a western portal with four columns. Not far away, you can see the monumental 15th century stone cross that once stood on the wall of the old cemetery. It is also classified as an historic monument, it consists of an upper part decorated with a Pietà and a crucifixion.

Listed in Historical Monuments, the postern is from the second half of the eleventh century. It consists of a high barrel vault and was once used as a gateway to the city. It was part of the outer enclosure of the castle.

If you want to enjoy sunny days, go to the banks of the Loire with its pebble beaches that delight young and old. Many marked hiking trails are also accessible from the village or its surroundings.

Places of interest

Monuments

Events and festivities

Every year in July, for a fortnight, Arlempdes hosts its famous theater festival, the Théâtrales du Velay. Housed in the castle, it is an opportunity to attend many original performances.

Photos

Arlempdes village and castle
Arlempdes village and castle
See photo
Arlempdes village and castle
Arlempdes village and castle
See photo
The village and its castle
The village and its castle
See photo
The Loire
The Loire
See photo
The Loire
The Loire
See photo
Village Arlempdes
Village Arlempdes
See photo
Village Arlempdes
Village Arlempdes
See photo
Church Arlempdes
Church Arlempdes
See photo
Village Arlempdes
Village Arlempdes
See photo
Castle Arlempdes
Castle Arlempdes
See photo
Stone house
Stone house
See photo
Heritage Arlempdes
Heritage Arlempdes
See photo
Village Arlempdes
Village Arlempdes
See photo
Church Arlempdes
Church Arlempdes
See photo
Church Arlempdes
Church Arlempdes
See photo
Castle overlooking the village of Arlempdes
Castle overlooking the village of Arlempdes
See photo
Arlempdes village and castle
Arlempdes village and castle
See photo
Arlempdes village and castle
Arlempdes village and castle
See photo
Arlempdes jewel in its green
Arlempdes jewel in its green
See photo
Village Arlempdes in winter
Village Arlempdes in winter
See photo
Village Arlempdes in winter
Village Arlempdes in winter
See photo
The town hall
The town hall
See photo
The town hall
The town hall
See photo
the town
the town
See photo
the town
the town
See photo
The Loire
The Loire
See photo

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Many tourist sites around Arlempdes as the town of Puy en Velay, the cascades de la Baume, the Lac du Bouchet, Issarlès Lake, Lake Naussac offering numerous water sports and addicted -branches.

The villages of Goudet, Pradelles are also a must.

The rail-bike, with family or friends will delight you. And for thrill seekers, the viaduct Recoumène will seduce you take the plunge (bungee).

Finally, anglers and mushroom pickers will not be outdone.

There's something for everyone: tourism, culture, sports or relaxation. Haute-Loire is no end to surprise you!

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
By continuing to browse our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies to improve your experience and make targeted offers.
Find out more and make settings
Your account