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Arlempdes
Haute-Loire
The first chateau on the Loire in France's famed volcanoes region
Arlempdes offers a spectacular sight to visitors as they round a bend. Perched atop a volcanic peak and surrounded by a winding stretch of the Loire, the village reveals the ruins of its castle, which is the first one encountered along the river from its source.
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Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Word of Mouth
The Arlempdes site is recognised by the national geological authorities (the BRGM) as being rare in France. The part of the magmatic rock outcrop on which the village stands that is visible today is in fact the result of erosion. Over time, erosion has exposed a feed vein of a volcanic vent known as a ‘dyke’. Visually, this takes the form of an immense rock overlooking the River Loire from an impressive sheer drop. The aesthetic appeal of the rocks – with their stacked and interlaced prisms and needles – accentuates the site’s spectacular character.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
Map of Arlempdes
Extend the visit to near Arlempdes
Pradelles
(11 km)
Polignac
(23 km)
Prepare your stay at Arlempdes
