Haute-Loire is a department in south-central France, part of the
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its capital and largest town is Le Puy-en-Velay. Haute-Loire (department number 43) is bordered to the north by Puy-de-Dôme and Loire, to the east by Ardèche, to the south by Lozère, and to the west by Cantal. The river Loire runs through the department, creating a wide valley, while on either side of it lie ranges of mountains in the Massif Central. The northern part of Haute-Loire is part of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, a protected area of traditionally farmed agricultural land and woodland covering 297,000 hectares. Haute-Loire has four mountain ranges running north and south: the Haut-Vivarais and its continuation, the Boutières range; the Massif du Meygal; the Velay Mountains; and the Margeride Mountains.
Explore the Haute Loire & Properties in the Area
Haute-Loire is a department in south-central France, part of the
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its capital and largest town is Le Puy-en-Velay. Haute-Loire (department number 43) is bordered to the north by Puy-de-Dôme and Loire, to the east by Ardèche, to the south by Lozère, and to the west by Cantal. The river Loire runs through the department, creating a wide valley, while on either side of it lie ranges of mountains in the Massif Central. The northern part of Haute-Loire is part of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, a protected area of traditionally farmed agricultural land and woodland covering 297,000 hectares. Haute-Loire has four mountain ranges running north and south: the Haut-Vivarais and its continuation, the Boutières range; the Massif du Meygal; the Velay Mountains; and the Margeride Mountains.
Elevation and Geography
The highest point in the department is
Mont Mézenc, at 1,753 metres, and its average elevation is 719 metres. Two-thirds of the area is above 800 meters, and the lowest is 393 metres.
Cultural Heritage and Historical Connections
Historically, Velay has been associated with the traditional region of Vivarais, which is now part of
Ardèche. The two areas share a common dialect, similar to that spoken in the south of Dauphiné, probably due to trade links between the regions.
Tourism and Pilgrimage Sites
Haute-Loire has attractive landscapes and is a popular tourist destination. Le Puy-en-Velay has a historic cathedral where pilgrims gather before setting out on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the
routes of Santiago de Compostela. Another pilgrimage site is Saint-Michel-d'Aiguilhe, a twelfth-century chapel perched atop a rocky pinnacle, accessible by a flight of 268 steps.
Key Information about the Haute-Loire (43)
- Main City/Prefecture: Le Puy-en-Velay
- Nearest Airport: Saint-Étienne–Bouthéon Airport
- Population: Around 230,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 4,977 sq. kilometres and 1,921 sq. miles
- Landmark: Le Puy Cathedral, a UNESCO Heritage Site and starting point of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.3 million, attracted by its volcanic landscapes, religious heritage and hiking trails.
Average Property Prices in Haute-Loire in 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,443 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
- Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €1,509 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
- Price trends: -3% over the last 12 months, +33% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
(source:
Le Figaro - October 2025)
To
learn more about France, explore our "at a glance guide" and infographic, filled with insightful facts and figures.
Unlock Extra Images