Lac du Bouchet
A perfectly circular crater lake, nestled in the forest at around 1,200 m above sea level. Supervised swimming in summer, fishing, a discovery trail all around and a picnic area.
The area
The region
Between crater lakes, forests and age-old paths, the Haute-Loire is a land of hiking and unspoilt wide-open spaces.
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
One of the most famous routes in France, in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine, from Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille to the Cévennes.
The Régordane Way (GR700)
An ancient trading and pilgrimage route linking the Massif Central to the Mediterranean, steeped in history and landscapes.
Compostela (GR65)
The Via Podiensis, the great Way of St James from Le Puy-en-Velay, passes through the area. An ideal stage for pilgrims.
Le Puy-en-Velay
A town of art and history, the starting point of the Compostela route, well worth a visit for its cathedral and its Notre-Dame de France statue.
The volcanoes and the Mézenc
Volcanic Velay, the “sucs” and the Mézenc-Gerbier massif offer exceptional panoramas in every season.
Our dedicated guides
To help you plan your stay, we have written full guides to the highlights of the region.
- ~5 km from the gîte
Lac du Bouchet
A perfectly circular crater lake, nestled in the forest at 1,205 metres above sea level, one of the finest natural sites in the Haute-Loire.
Learn more - Via Podiensis · GR65
The Way of St James
The Via Podiensis, the most travelled of the Ways of St James, sets off from Le Puy-en-Velay, right next to Cayres. A prime stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
Learn more - GR70 · In Stevenson’s footsteps
The Stevenson Trail
In the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine, the GR70 links the Velay to the Cévennes through wild and unspoilt landscapes.
Learn more
What to do, season by season
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Hiking
Dozens of waymarked routes, from family walks to long treks.
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Swimming and fishing
Lac du Bouchet and the surrounding rivers to cool off and fish.
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Cycling and mountain biking
The Devès plateau is perfect for cycle touring and mountain biking.
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Starry skies
Far from city lights, the night sky here is magnificent.