15 - La casadéenne
Start: Place de l'écho - La Chaise-Dieu
This is a wooded route for experienced cyclists that crosses the north of the Velay, with essential stops such as Sembadel, Allègre with its medieval identity and, of course, La Chaise-Dieu, famous for its heritage and its abbey church of Saint-Robert. The route gains height on the slopes of Mont-Bar before dropping into the gorges of the Senouire.
- Distance
- 46 km
- Elevation gain
- +843 m
- Elevation loss
- -844 m
- Duration
- 3 h
Route on the map
Base map © OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA): route licensed under ETALAB-2.0 via Données : Comité Départemental Randonnée Pédestre Haute-Loire · FFRandonnée · sportsnature.hauteloire.fr — sous licence ETALAB 2.0.
The feel of the route
La Chaise-Dieu, a sacred stop
To discover La Chaise-Dieu, set on a granite promontory at more than 1,080 metres, is to enjoy a true haven of peace. The village charms with the beauty of the place, and is also known for its famous Saint-Robert abbey church and its Sacred Music festival.
The Saint-Robert abbey church is a monumental masterpiece of religious history. On the high plateaux, this 14th-century Gothic abbey church houses the tomb of the famous Pope Clement VI, surrounded by 144 carved oak stalls. It invites reflection and meditation in front of the famous Danse Macabre fresco, a 15th-century mural painting.
14 Flemish tapestries from the early 16th century, a true national treasure classified as Monuments Historiques (historic monuments) since 1840, are shown to the public in the Chapelle Notre Dame du Collège, rediscovered during work on the building called the “Aile de l'écho” (Echo Wing).
In pictures
Other hikes in the area
Cycling9 - Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette and Senouire
Start: Place de l'église à Saint-Georges-d'Aurac
- 47.2 km
- +879 m
- 2 h 30 min
Other activity
Mountain biking