The Monument
When the cathedral of Puy-en-Velay was enlarged in the 11th and 12th centuries, a cloister was built adjacent to the church. Located in the heart of the episcopal city, it was reserved for secular canons, who comprised the bishop’s council. Major restoration was carried out in the 19th century.
This Romanesque cloister is surrounded by polychrome arches which are topped with a carved cornice and beautiful capitals. On the south wall, there is a 13th-century Byzantine-inspired fresco that represents the Crucifixion. The grill of the west gallery is one of the finest examples of ironwork in the 12th century.
The impressive machicolated tower is partly open to the public. This five-storey military structure was the symbol of the bishop’s temporal power.
It was intended to protect the canons from feudal brigands and urban rioters.
In this building, there is a religious art museum created in 1895 with an admirable collection of ex-votos, liturgical objects and wood sculptures and bas-reliefs attributed to Pierre Vaneau (17th century).
Lodging
See the listing of the Hotels in Auvergne
Practical informations
Puy-en-Velay cathedral cloister
3, rue du cloître
F-43000 Le Puy-en-Velay
Going there
From Clermont-Ferrand: motorway A 75, exit n° 20, then main road N 102 towards Le Puy
From Lyon: motorways A 6 and A 47 to Saint-Etienne and main road N 88 towards Le Puy
Between the Clermont-Ferrand/Montpellier and the Lyon/Avignon roads
78 km southwest of Saint-Etienne
Opening/ Closing
Open
from 20 May to 30 June, 9 am to 12 noon and 2 to 6:30 pm
from 1 July to 31 August, 9 am to 6:30 pm
1 to 22 September, 9 am to 12 noon and 2 to 6:30 pm
23 September to 19 May, 9 am to 12 noon and 2 to 5 pm
Closed
on January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25