Marie de Nazareth
To Jesus, through Mary
Le Puy en Velay is surrounded by a volcanic landscape of rocky peaks made of former volcanic vents.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame du Puy (Our Lady on the Hill), dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation, stands on Mount Anis. This diocesan cathedral is also one of the most ancient Marian shrines in Europe (4th or 5th century).
Nearby, on Mount Aiguilhe, is the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, a jewel of 10th and 12th century architecture.
The monumental statue of Our Lady of France (1860) is a historic memorial to unity and peace.
The huge statue of Saint Joseph of Good Hope (Espaly) was made in 1910, and its basilica, in 1918.
Le Puy en Velay is one of the principal departure points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (Saint James' Way). It is know as an important place of Christian and Marian spirituality.