A 10th-century chapel perched on an 82 m volcanic pinnacle, reached by 268 steps.
A chapel perched on a volcanic pinnacle at the gates of Le Puy-en-Velay, reached by 268 steps cut into the rock. The rock rises 82 m above the ground, in the neighbouring commune of Aiguilhe (10 min on foot from the historic centre of Le Puy). The Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel was founded in 961: pre-Romanesque, then Romanesque, it was given its polychrome, trefoil façade in the 12th century. Medieval frescoes survive inside. At the top, a panoramic view over Le Puy cathedral, the town and the volcanic sucs (the local name for volcanic peaks). The 2026 season opened on 7 February, and the site stays open every day until 4 January 2027 (except 25 December and 1 January), with opening hours that vary from month to month.
What you will find
- 82 m volcanic pinnacle
- Chapel founded in 961, pre-Romanesque then Romanesque
- 268 steps cut into the rock
- Polychrome, trefoil façade from the 12th century
Local tip
Go up early in the morning to avoid the heat in summer. 268 steps: not recommended if you suffer from vertigo or have reduced mobility. Combine it with Le Puy cathedral (15 min on foot) and the Notre-Dame de France statue for a full day.
Ideal for
- You want the postcard photo of Le Puy-en-Velay
- You love Romanesque art and polychrome façades
- You're ready to climb 268 steps for a view over Le Puy
Maybe not for
- You suffer from vertigo: the climb is cut into the rock
- You have reduced mobility: access is via 268 steps
Good to know
- 2026 season: open every day until 4 January 2027 (except 25 December and 1 January), opening hours vary from month to month, last entry 30 minutes before closing
- The climb is not recommended if you suffer from vertigo or have reduced mobility
- Easy to combine with Le Puy cathedral (15 min on foot)
- Dogs allowed up to the top, but not inside the chapel
Practical information
- Best time to go
- Early in the morning, as soon as it opens, so you climb in the cool in summer.
- Prices
- In 2026: €7 from age 16, €5 for ages 5 to 15 and at the reduced rate (students under 25, jobseekers), free under 5. Audio guide: €3.
- Getting there
- 268 steps cut into the rock lead up to the chapel. A lift, reserved for people with reduced mobility, only serves the digital spaces, where a virtual tour of the chapel is offered.
- Public transport
- 10 min on foot from the historic centre of Le Puy.
- With a dog
- Dogs are allowed up to the top of the rock, but not inside the chapel.
- Accessibility
- Partly wheelchair accessible
