It is the most beautiful hidden gem in France according to European tourists

This is France's best-kept secret destination according to this European travel guide.

Secret destinations, far from the crowds and off the beaten track… Every year, the travel site European Best Destinations, which aims to promote culture and tourism in Europe, reveals its ranking of the best hidden treasures in Europe. From Naantali in Finland to Pico Island and its volcano in the Açores, passing through the colorful villages of Villajoyosa in Spain, a secret destination, “the best kept in France", according to the site, has slipped into the 2024 ranking. We reveal THE French pearl according to Europeans.

With its "magical heritage", this French destination attracts both enthusiasts history, hiking enthusiasts or travelers in search of spirituality. This gem nestled in the heart of the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes region, on the GR65 route, immediately dazzles visitors with its monumental religious statue, almost 23 meters high, dominating the city! This is the commune of Puy-en-Velay, European capital of the routes to Santiago de Compostela and a true heritage jewel.

We enter the “land of spirituality”. The panorama offered by Le Puy-en-Velay immediately fascinates with its statue of Notre-Dame de France representing the Virgin Mary surmounted by a crown of stars with the Child Jesus in her arms, standing facing the city as if to bless it. 33 stone steps provide access to inside the statue placed on the Corneille rock. And surprise, once you arrive, 58 additional steps will allow you to reach the crown of the Virgin at the very top. And the show does not stop there: to the north of the city, a surprising chapel dedicated to Saint Michael stands on a volcanic chimney. Here again, you will need good walking shoes to climb the 268 steps that take you there. The rock and the chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe are one of the most remarkable symbols of the town.

Puy-en-Velay attracts not only pilgrims from all over the world, but also lace lovers. According to European Best Destinations, there reigns “ancestral know-how still mastered by a few lacemakers who create refined and 100% artisanal lace”. &A stone's throw from the town centre, we set off to the discovery of the surprising collections of the Crozatier museum, on the theme of Velay crafts but also archaeology, fine arts and sciences. An artistic device “Echo street & land art in Velay” invites you to to discover the landscapes and architecture of the Agglomeration every year.

You are won over ? If you decide to go to Puy-en-Velay this fall, don't miss the Renaissance celebrations of the Roi de l'Oiseau from September 18 to 22. Like every year in the 3rd week of September, the upper town lets you relive a life-size 16th century!