Velay

Velay is a historic and geographic region in central-southern France, located mainly in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The area centers on Le Puy-en-Velay and extends into the volcanic highlands of the Massif Central. It has a distinct cultural identity rooted in medieval religious routes and local traditions.

The landscape is defined by upland plateaus and volcanic formations from ancient lava flows. The terrain is rugged in places, with rock outcrops and hillside villages set amid pastures. The climate is temperate, with wet winters and warm summers influenced by altitude and inland exposure.

The region has a strong medieval religious heritage. The Chaise-Dieu abbey, founded in the 11th century, remains a cultural landmark and hosts a renowned summer festival. Le Puy-en-Velay is known for its cathedral and its position as a starting point for the Way of St. James, including the Le Puy route to Santiago de Compostela. The town is further marked by a rocky promontory with a statue of Notre-Dame de France that overlooks the town.

Tourism centered on religious heritage, landscapes, and festivals is a major part of the local economy. Agriculture adapts to highland conditions, with crops and livestock; the region is known for lentils du Puy and other traditional products.

Velay is not an administrative division today but a historic and cultural region. In modern administration it lies within Haute-Loire, part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and is commonly used to designate the area around Le Puy-en-Velay in tourism and geographic contexts.