About Haute-Loire

The south-eastern part of the Auvergne region, the Haute-Loire is a mountainous area, characterised by green forests, pretty villages and graceful châteaux. It’s a wonderful destination for a rural break or a food-focused holiday, with appealing accommodation options for couples, friends and families. Whether you’re dreaming of a restored château or a pretty riverside hotel, the best places to stay in the Haute-Loire await.

Head to Le Puy-en-Velay, the area’s largest town, for historic buildings and lively markets. Little villages offer cobbled squares with welcoming local restaurants, and provide perfect stopping points for days of hiking or cycling. Take to the waters of the Loire for kayaking, fishing and sailing, or try horse riding and bird-watching in the hills. The region also incorporates part of the striking Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, which is well worth exploring.

Trips into the nearby Loire Valley, the Rhône Valley and the Ardèche are brilliant — as are lazy days at the best places to stay in the Haute-Loire.

The Best Places to Stay in the Haute-Loire

For Foodies

  • Le Haut Allier offers seven traditionally decorated rooms and a terrific Michelin-starred restaurant. Tuck in to elegant, inventive dishes created by Chefs Philippe et Clément Brun to showcase local ingredients. Regular wine tastings and mushroom foraging trips are highlights.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR Villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport or to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, both under two hours from the Haute-Loire area. Travel to your destination by bus, train or car.
  • You'll find it much easier to explore if you have your own transport. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 25°C in June to August. May or September are ideal for quieter trips; summers can be very busy with groups on walking or cycling holidays.

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The best hotels in Haute-Loire

Le Haut Allier

Haute-Loire

An elegant hotel in the Allier gorges. Rooms are charming and light with large bathrooms. Michelin starred-restaurant and spa. Wine-tasting, mushroom picking and hiking nearby. A classic weekend in France for foodies, families and couples.

  • Country Escape - Secluded location surrounded by nature, rivers and green valleys.
  • Sights nearby - Saint-Christophe-d'Allier and volcanoes of Auvergne nearby
  • Learning - Mushroom picking trips available
  • Foodies - Michelin starred restaurant
from AU$146 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Art et Creation

Haute-Loire (Auvergne)

An adult-only B&B in Bourg Saint-Bérain, offering a charming retreat with views of the Gorges de l'Allier Caves. The decor blends artistic style with rustic touches like wooden beams and floors. Guests can expect a garden and terrace, adorned with sculptures, plus art classes. A creative getaway.

  • Sights nearby - Visit the historic Le Puy-en-Velay, marvel at its iconic cathedral, and stroll through charming streets
  • Romantic Break - Enjoy a secluded retreat with a hot tub, village views, and art-filled gardens
  • Rafting - Experience the thrill of rafting in the dramatic Gorges de l'Allier
  • Active Holiday - Expect adventure with canoeing trips, and hiking circuits
from AU$162 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Demeure du Lac de Fugeres

Haute-Loire (Auvergne )

A cosy bed and breakfast in historic Le Puy en Velay. Guests access the two wings of the house through a 15th century stone tower, giving the place an authentic feel. With only five individually-decorated romantic rooms, and a quiet continental breakfast each morning, it's a truly intimate retreat.

  • Romantic Break - Savour a cosy breakfast with your loved one, then stroll to Le Puy Cathedral just 100 metres away
  • Local exploring - Explore historic Le Puy Cathedral and Pierre Cardinal Center, all within a short walk
  • Trekking - Enjoy a scenic hike up to the iconic Statue of Notre-Dame de France
  • Sights nearby - Discover the stunning Romanesque architecture at Le Puy Cathedral
from AU$178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
La Cle des Arches

Haute-Loire (Auvergne)

A charming B&B in the heart of Sainte-Florine. With only three rooms, it's as intimate as they come with a comfortable interior. The hosts make a real effort to engage guests with nearby activities, and at the end of the day there's a saltwater pool and cosy bar to unwind in. A truly peaceful trip.

  • Great walks - Take a scenic hike through the Livradois-Forez Regional Park, offering breathtaking views and a serene natural environment
  • Active Holiday - Dive into adventure with bike hire on-site and swim in the refreshing saltwater pool after a day of exploring
  • Sights nearby - Discover the fascinating history of Chateau de Sainte-Florine, where guided tours reveal the rich past
  • Local exploring - Explore historic gems like Eglise de Mailhat and Basilica of Saint Julien, just a short drive away
from AU$188 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
La Bougnate

Haute-Loire (Auvergne )

A 3-star hotel in the charming village of Blesle. The interiors balance traditional elegance with contemporary touches, giving a rustic charm typical of the region. Centrally located for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, the hotel offers a quiet place to unwind at the end of a big day.

  • Sights nearby - Discover the historic Abbey Church of Saint-Peter, featuring vibrant murals and intriguing Romanesque architecture
  • Cycling - Enjoy cycling through the stunning Alagnon Valley, known for its unique basaltic columns
  • Active Holiday - This location provides easy access to hiking, cycling, and horse riding in scenic Blesle
  • Local exploring - Ideal for a local exploring holiday, enjoy Blesle's charm with a stay at this hotel
from AU$199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Framboisine

Haute-Loire (Auvergne )

Located in the serene hamlet of Fougères, just an hour and a half from Lyon, this charming farmhouse offers a peaceful retreat with rustic rooms. The hosts are warm and attentive - a particular highlight here are the custom walking itineraries they prepare for their guests. A very relaxing getaway.

  • Museums - Visit the Musée de la Coutellerie in Thiers to witness master craftsmen at work and learn about the region’s rich history
  • Local exploring - Explore Mont Gerbier's scenic beauty with cycling tours and unwind by the pool with mountain views
  • Back to Nature - Immerse in nature with stunning mountain vistas and tailored walking maps, provided by the hotel
  • Sights nearby - Discover the medieval streets of Salers, a charming village with lava stone houses
from AU$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Chateau de Saint Vidal

Haute-Loire (Auvergne)

A luxurious hotel in Saint-Vidal, just 10km from Le Puy Cathedral. The ambience blends historical elegance with modern comforts, featuring refined décor and wonderful garden views. Guests can expect gourmet dining on the terrace, plus a wellness area with a sauna and hot tub. A relaxing escape.

  • Honeymoons - Revel in romantic luxury with private garden views, intimate in-room breakfasts, and relaxing wellness spa sessions
  • Back to Nature - Immerse yourself in nature with nearby hiking trails, cycling adventures, and serene garden strolls
  • Other Activities - Visit Le Puy Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture
  • Sights nearby - Explore the historic Forteresse de Saint-Vidal
from AU$453 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Volcan des Sens

Haute-Loire (Auvergne)

A luxury guesthouse with five suites in the charming village of Torsiac. Guests can enjoy the on-site spa, natural swimming lane, and delightful breakfast featuring local produce. With mountain bike rentals and picnic baskets, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. A really enjoyable stay.

  • Back to Nature - The bio-climatic wood-frame architecture, the cuisine based on wild plants, and the wellness area will awaken your senses
  • Spa breaks - Unwind in the spa bath, and savour breakfast on the large terrace
  • Sights nearby - Embark on a historical journey with a visit to nearby Blesle
  • Cycling - Cycle through verdant landscapes, exploring serene trails
from AU$463 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia