Jardin Henri Vinay

The big park of Le Puy-en-Velay is right here, in the lower town, just below the old town. Four and a half hectares of paths, lawns and old trees, there since the 19th century. The garden is named after Henri Vinay, mayor of Le Puy from 1865 to 1874, who launched major works here around 1866.

You can walk in freely, every day from 07:15, until 20:00 from May to September and 19:00 the rest of the year. On the programme: a pond with its swans, a bandstand (free concerts in summer), play areas and a mini-zoo that costs nothing, with fallow deer, dwarf goats and dwarf rabbits, plus peacocks and ducks roaming semi-free.

Two good surprises on top. A botanical trail marks out thirty-five remarkable trees (maples, beeches, cypresses, pines), with a guide to download if the subject appeals. And the Crozatier museum, at the back of the park, is named after a bronze founder born here, the man who cast the Napoleon of the Vendôme Column.

On site, the garden's refreshment bar is set up in the middle of the greenhouse, a stone's throw from the museum: ice creams, crêpes, salads and open sandwiches on the terrace, under the plane trees. It closes in winter: in 2026 it is open from 1 April to 30 October.

Our honest take: it's the green lung of Le Puy, perfect for catching your breath between two visits or keeping the children busy for a late afternoon. Just bear in mind that the way back to the old town is uphill; the ice-cream break is well earned.