chapelle st. michel d'aiguilhe

The location of the church is simply mind-blowing. It is a gorgeous little thing, but don't let that fool you - it is quite a climb to get up there!In my opinion, it is best viewed from afar in such a way that you can appreciate how isolated it really is. This is a must see; you can see my photos here: http://peak-exposure.com/adventures/2013/8/17/le-massif-central

We visited Chapelle St. Michel d'Aiguilhe on a snow blown day. I have had a knee replacement and was worried that I would not be able to make the climb. But although the steps are uneven, they are wide with a handrail down one side. When you get to the top you are presented with a truly magical place. It is a real wonder that they built such an amazing church on top of a volcanic plug. The views from the top are spectacular. This is well worth a visit.

.... to build a church on top of a lava extrusion! But that's what Bishop Godescalc did (well, probably not personally) around 950 years ago. There are 268 steps, and although not uniform, they are wide, and so relatively easy to negotiate when meeting others coming in the opposite direction. The views at the top are impressive, although I wouldn't go as far as to say stunning, simply because there is a bit of an urban sprawl, and unless you are geologically inclined, it may not be obvious that you (and the whole town of Le Puy, are in the middle of a huge (thankfully extinct) volcano. The church itself is small, but I would say is interesting whatever one's religious inclinations (if only, like a non-believer such as myself, to wonder "why?" - the church is not built from the surrounding rock, so all the stone had to be carried up). And if you feel the climb is a bit too much, then the views of the church from the bottom (plus the little exhibition near the entrance to the steps) are almost more impressive than the views from the top.

We climbed the steps to this beautiful church last Sunday and were rewarded with a magnificent vista of Le Puy and the most beautiful church we have visited in Europe. We have seen Chartres cathedral, the chapel at Windsor Castle, Notre Dame de Paris and yet this simple and small church seems to be the closest to God. Le Puy is a gem and this church is a jewel. Do not miss it.

This is one of France's most remarkable sites, a natural wonder of the world, dominated by two huge lava rocks. There's the 80 m high Mont d'Aiguille and the even taller Roche Conveille, both topped by a church on one and the other, by a monumental cast-iron statue of the Virgin and Child. Sacred is what Le Puy is coupled with a cathedral most famous for its Black Virgin. No matter your interest in religious history or faith, this is an astonishing place to visit and walk around. Michelin actually rates towns not just eateries and this one has earned three for its dramatic site, so an overnight stay is mandatory. It reeks history and with that dramatic perch overlooking the quiet streets, its a cosseted feeling while ambling around. The Madona & Child perched on the volcanic ledge above the town is quite awe-inspiring. By the way, its also a great town for jogging. The other remarkable attraction here is in the name. Lentils are sold everywhere. Every shop window seems to celebrate the tiny firm lentil, and no wonder; the surrounding volcanic soils gives them their distinctive texture and flavour. We found a good substitute in Oz, the Mount Zero lentil.

The chapelle in the top of the mountain is almost a miracle of construction. The climb to the top is not easy, but well worth the effort. The chapel was built over 1000 years ago & is still in very good condition as a World Heritage Site. Well worth the visit if in the area.

What a crazy place to put a church! The climb up really is nothing too strenuous, you're at the top before you know it and hand rails are available all the way up if you need them. €3.50 for an adult is pretty good and there are some good views over the town from the top. The Chapel is (understandably) quite small so doesn't take long to look round, but worth a 30 minute visit.

We visited the town on a rainy day in August 2014. We walked up to the top to visit the building and see the views. The views are great across the town and beyond. The building is interesting but not a great deal to see. The views are worth the walk up through.

A long walk up to an impressive building, with little to see when we arrived! Not sure I'd bother again!

The Chapelle itself is very interesting and 1,000 years old. As you climb the openning and expanding views of Le Puy and surroundings is enthralling.But it is a very major work out climbing to the top!

We camp to Le Puy to see this wonderful chapel and were camping very close by - as we left the campsite we looked up and, my goodness, there it was - for once every bit as amazing in real life as in photos. The climb up is definitely hard work but definitely work it. At the top the views of the town are amazing, whilst the chapel itself was very quiet but very inspiring, with beautiful frescoes. I would highly recommend this beautiful place if you are anywhere in the area

An amazing chapel with human proportions. The views over le Puy are wonderful and well worth the climb. I will return again

I enjoyed a full-day in Le Puy-en-Velay. Chapelle St. Michel d'Aiguilhe was our second climb for the day. We managed to do Notre Dame first, and then this Chapelle, before it was time for lunch. The climb was not particularly EASY as I had read. Or maybe I'm simply less fit than the other reviewers! About 200 steps to get to the top, not counting the route we took to get there from Notre Dame. Highly recommended!

Puffed up the 268 steps but so worth it-amazing view and fascinating historic chapel. Steps a bit uneven so hang on tight to the handrail! Don't forget to watch the video and visit the chapels at the base of the rock.

Get your walking shoes on and start the climb. Take the bus from the parking lot if you don't want to walk the mile to the bottom of the mountain. The walk is a pleasant one along the canal/river. The little street that goes through the shops and restaurants is quaint, but it is a "tourist trap" of sorts. After about half a mile of pretty step travel, you will be at the base of the Chapelle and fun really begins. It is fabulous inside and the views from the exterior at the top are wonderful. The canal/river were under construction when we were there, and that was also facinating to see what they are doing with the water control dam for the future. Highly recommend you go.