Le Puy-en-Velay - Haute Loire

Bonjour mes amis! Saturday, le 19 mars, Lee and I visited our friend, Diane, who is doing a Fulbright Exchange, while living in the Auvergne. She took us to Puy-en-Velay, which was an interesting town in the heart of Haute Loire. Le Puy-en-Velay's most striking attraction is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, which dates from the early 12th century. The façade, which is decorated with striped white sandstone and black volcanic rock, is reached by a flight of 60 steps. Le Puy Cathedral has been the main starting point in France for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. According to a legend dating from the 8th century, a woman suffering from a fever in the 1st century, was inspired by a vision to visit the rock on which the cathedral now stands. The woman fell into a feverish sleep. When she awakened, her fever was gone and the Virgin Mary was seated on a dolmen next to her. The Virgin said that she wanted a church built in that place, thus the subsequent building of the church. Inside the church is the Black Virgin of Le Puy which is a replica of the late 18th century and is carried in procession on feast days of Mary. There is a beautiful bronze statue of The Virgin Mary overlooking the town which was designed by the French sculptor Bonnassieux. It was presented to the town in 1860. Pilgrims starting their journey to Santiago de Compostela gather at this statue to be blessed each morning. Le Puy-en-Velay is also known for its Dentellières who are the ladies who make beautiful hand-made lace designs. There were beautiful hand-made lace items throughout Le Puy-en-Velay. This was another interesting French town and a great visit with our friend, Diane.

Mme. Wallace