Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe

What a pleasant surprise this was. Definitely worth walking up to see, it is unbelievable. Would climb again.

Unique church on top of a rock, in the middle of Puy-en-Velay. The church on top is dedicated to archangel Michael, and there is a little chapel dedicated to the archangel Gabriel. The church dates back to the 10th century, and has some very beautiful frescoes on the inside. The museum at the bottom of the climb explains a lot about which figure depicts who, and explains the history of the church. Entry costs €6 per person, but we thought this is definitely worth it. I don't think the climb is accessible when you have a disability. Otherwise, the climb is doable.

Unbelievable achievement to build a chapel on top of a very high rock. Go in the early evening and observe a service before the long walk down. Also visit the Mary and Jesus statue on an even higher rock and experience the son et Lumiere show in the evenings. Brilliant place to visit. The town is called Puy en Velay.

Unique rock formation with St Michel D'Aiguilhe on its top. The view from up there is stunning!

There is an entry fee of 5€ for climbing up there along with a short museum.

Incredible sight really worth the short trek up the stairs built around the hill. The chapel on-top goes back to 968...

The chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, perched atop an 85 metres high needle (aiguilhe) of rock, is nothing short of amazing. This had been a sacred place for thousands of years. Originally, a prehistoric dolmen was built there, the Romans later dedicated it to Mercury and then in 969 Christians built the chapel to St. Michael.

It's hard going climbing the 268 stone steps that wind their way up the side of the rock to get to the Chapel but it really is worth it. The views are amazing. It's a must visit.

I was a bit cynical about paying to climb this rock but boy was I wrong! It want hard to climb up, the views of the town were great but the chapel is very special, it feel real and unspoilt by tourism. It is rather dark but has a wonderful and spiritual atmosphere. A highlight of Love Richard xx Puy

Built in the 10th century! Still old paintings visible. A humble place

Truly historic- with the tourist stories. A must visit on your visit to Le Puy en Velay. A bit of a climb about 240+ steps, splendid 360 degree aerial view of Puy. The monument itself was built around the year 962.

Very old church, well kept, with some frescoes. Worth visiting.

Heads up to winter travelers - it may be closed. I visited in January and Rocher St. Michel wouldn’t be open until March!

The ancient wall paintings set alongside comremprary statues and stained glass work together remarkably well. I was very glad I walked up the steps!

Stunning. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t get in as it was closed.

Very impressive. Unfortunately it was closed on our arrival but its worth our visit once more!

This place is devine, a most see! What a wonderful place. Very beautiful and the religious aspect is amazing. I love the fact its on top of the mountain. France has it all!

Having seen this in a National Geographic magazine that my grandfather had in his collection, years ago, I just had to make it part of my drive through the south of France. It is magnificent. The ticket is only 3.50€, which is a reasonable price to climb such a unique rock. It is a volcanic plug, le rocher d’Aiguilhe, 85 meters high, with 268 steps to get to the top, where there is a small chapel: La chapelle Saint-Michel. In 2014 it was voted by the French the 4th best monument in the country.!!!

Really incredible historic place to see. Remember that it has 300 midevil steps, so if you're not physically fit you will need to factor in extra time for your visit.

The Chapel of St Michael d'Aiguilhe (Chapelle Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe) is a fascinating little pilgrimage chapel perched atop a needle (aiguilhe) of rock in Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne. Jutting dramatically towards heaven, the rock needle has been a sacred place for thousands of years: a prehistoric dolmen was built there and the Romans dedicated it to Mercury before the Christians built a chapel to St. Michael.

Near the base of the rock is the 12th-century Chapel of St. Clair, which has an octagonal plan and exterior mosaic decoration. One of the two doorways has an ancient carved lintel showing the phases of the moon.

The basalt needle on which the chapel is built rises 269 feet (82m) high, with a top diameter of 187 feet (57m) and a base circumference of 560 feet (170m). Further height is added by the attractive 12th-century bell tower of St. Michael's Chapel. The tower is similar in style to that of Le Puy Cathedral, with arches made from stones of alternating colors.

The chapel is reached by 268 stone steps that wind their way up the side of the rock. The stairs are wide and in good condition, and a stone outer wall provides a sense of security (even to this author, who is not fond of heights). There are places to rest on the way up and the views are magnificent.

At the top, a wide path around the church provides a good look at the church exterior and the places where its masonry joins with the natural rock, as well as sweeping views of Le Puy, the cathedral, and the surrounding countryside.

The fascinating facade of the chapel also dates from the 12th century. Like the cathedral, its multicolor stonework and arches give it an exotic appearance revealing Islamic influences. It is decorated with mosaics of red, white and black stone in geometric patterns, accented with reliefs carved of lighter stone.

The stonework of the facade illustrates themes from Genesis and Revelation. The reliefs within the unusual trefoil arch depict the Lamb of God (labeled with AGNUS DEI) in the center, with four Elders of the Apocalypse holding vials of perfume on each side. Above the arch are vines populated with birds and two human figures, which probably represents Creation and the Fall. Note the tiny Green Man masks beneath the feet of each human figure.

A must see when traveling to Le Puy. It is quite a trek though, so wear good shoes, and bring water.

If u r at the region not far from Clermont - Ferrand. Nice view of the city and all the' chaine de puy ' from far.