Volcanic pinnacles crowned with chapels — the starting point of the Camino de Santiago
Le Puy-en-Velay is one of France's most dramatically situated cities — a high plateau ringed by extinct volcanic plugs, each topped with a medieval chapel or statue. It is the most famous starting point of the Via Podiensis (Camino Francés through France) to Santiago de Compostela, and has been receiving pilgrims since the 10th century. The black Madonna of Le Puy is one of France's most venerated religious statues, and the city produces the world's best green lentils (AOP) and handmade lacework.
Le Puy has been a pilgrimage destination since at least 950 CE when Bishop Godescalc set out for Santiago de Compostela — the first recorded French pilgrimage. Three French kings — Louis VII, Louis IX (St Louis), and Louis XI — came here on pilgrimage. The black Virgin (actually dark from centuries of candle smoke) was carved in the 12th century. The cathedral is built partly over a megalithic dolmen — suggesting the site has been considered sacred since prehistory. During the Wars of Religion, Le Puy was a major Catholic stronghold.