Le Puy-en-Velay

Le Puy-en-Velay in southern central France is famous for its cathedral, the large red statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the town, a type of lentil grown in the area and lace-making. It's also a starting-point for the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, a walk of about 1600km.

The red iron statue of Notre-Dame de France (The Virgin Mary) overlooking the town is made from 213 Russian cannons taken in the Siege of Sevastopol in 1854. It was presented to the town on 12 September 1860.Read more