Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe
Aiguilhe, France
A 10th-century chapel perched on an 82 m volcanic needle, reached by 268 steps. Combine it with Le Puy cathedral, the start of the Via Podiensis pilgrim route to Santiago.
The chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe sits on a volcanic plug some 82 to 85 m high, whose plateau is 57 m across. 268 steps cut into the rock lead up to it. Bishop Godescalc had the Romanesque chapel built in 969 in thanks for his return from a pilgrimage to Santiago in 951. In the 12th century a nave, an ambulatory, two side chapels, a porch, a sculpted portal and a bell tower in the style of Le Puy Cathedral were added, along with further frescoes.
During restoration work in 1955 a medieval altar slab and reliquary pieces were discovered; they can now be seen in a display case. The visit combines well with Le Puy Cathedral. Allow about an hour for the climb and the visit; check opening times in advance.
- Nearest town
- Aiguilhe, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 45.0481, 3.8819
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping du Puy-en-VelayCampsite0 km from Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe · 71 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Aire camping-cars à PolignacMotorhome stopover3 km from Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- CosyCampCampsite20 km from Saint-Michel d’AiguilheTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Le VivierCampsite20 km from Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe · 46 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping municipal de ChoumourouxCampsite21 km from Saint-Michel d’AiguilheTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- La PinèdeMotorhome stopover22 km from Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe?
Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe is in Aiguilhe, France, at GPS 45.0481, 3.8819. It is about 48 km from Brioude.
Can you camp near Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping du Puy-en-Velay, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe?
Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Le Puy-en-Velay and the source of the Loire.
What is there to see near Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe?
Places worth a stop nearby: Polignac fortress (3 km), Lac d’Issarlès (29 km), Mont Gerbier de Jonc (35 km) and Lavaudieu (41 km).
When is the best time to visit Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)