Monistrol-D'allier lies in the Gorges du Haut-Allier. The village stretches along both banks of the Allier; large basalt organ pipes shape its landscape. The historic Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, the GR 65 Le Puy–Conques, also passes through the village. This brings a striking river landscape and a pilgrimage route together in the same destination. Climbing areas, a natural swimming spot and several chapels add to the range of things to explore during a stay.
Hiking trails and climbing crags
For hikers, the GR 65 is a clear point of reference: as a historic Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, it passes through Monistrol-D'allier and is known as Le Puy–Conques. Another trail is the PR650, “Le circuit des orgues.” It passes the troglodytic Chapelle de la Madeleine. This rock chapel is located in the caves of the village of Escluzels and is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. The hiking theme is thus linked to a specific chapel destination.
When comparing the two climbing sites, you can use height and equipment as a guide: the Site de l'Esplanade is a 10-to-12-metre-high climbing crag (“Rocher école”) with glued-in bolts and chained anchors. The Site de la base is a 20-metre-high climbing area with stainless-steel bolts. The two sites therefore differ both in height and in the safety equipment described.
Activities on the Allier
At Plage du Vivier, the Allier becomes a place for water activities. The beach is centred around a natural swimming pool formed by the Allier and lies a short walk below the GR 65. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rafting are all possible there. Unlike the climbing areas, the focus here is not on rock height, but on choosing between four water activities.
Chapels and history
You can reach the Chapelle Notre-Dame d'Estours via the RD 589, along a road open to vehicles towards La Vialle; the final stretch to the site is on foot. The chapel is the destination of a pilgrimage every year on the first Sunday in September. The origins of the cult of Notre-Dame des Tours (Notre-Dame d'Estours) are dated to around 1100 to 1200. This brings together a historical connection dated approximately and an annual pilgrimage date.
A second pilgrimage leads to the Chapelle de Douchanez, which is dedicated to Saint Etienne. It takes place on the first Sunday in August, while the pilgrimage to Notre-Dame d'Estours is on the first Sunday in September. The dates fall in consecutive months, making the timing clear if you would like to plan your trip around the pilgrimage traditions.
The Eglise Saint-Pierre also offers a distinct glimpse into local history: it is a church in the Auvergnat Romanesque style. In 1145, the Bishop of Mende transferred it to the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu. Here, the architectural classification goes hand in hand with a specifically dated historical event.
Discover more destinations: Freycenet-La-Cuche, Saint-Jeures, Vieille-Brioude, Yssingeaux, Montregard, Vergezac, Chastel, Salzuit
See the wider travel guide: Haute-Loire.
