Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges include a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes in the Haute-Loire department of France. The village is situated in the valley of the Méjeanne river, offering access to various natural attractions and hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore historical churches, museums, and charming villages, alongside lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. This region provides a diverse range of points of interest for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in local heritage.
Best attractions and places…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Lac d’Issarlès
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Chapel of Our Lady at Saint James Hospital
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Saint-Pierre Church
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Besset Gate
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Pradelles
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The faithful trust in the help of the Mother of God – who in France is always venerated under the title “Notre-Dame” (which corresponds to the German name “Our Lady”) – was expressed by the French nun, mystic and Doctor of the Church, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (religious name Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, 1873 to 1897) as follows: “In trials or difficulties I turn to Mother Mary, whose gaze alone is enough to dispel all fear.”
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South gate of the fortified town of Pradelles, an unmissable vestige during your visit
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Very nicely located grotto, you can also go swimming below.
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Stroll around the lake on Sunday July 23, 2023. Very pleasant because it is largely shaded. Provide credit card (no possibility to pay in cash) for paid parking from 01/06 to 30/09, package 3€. Lots of people on the beaches and around.
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Crater lake, 1,000 meters above sea level with a very pleasant beach for swimming. Very calm. Good food options around and public restrooms.
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Located on the “chemin de Saint-Gilles”, Pradelles had a “Road Hospital”. This hospital is located below the city, because, if charity ordered passing pilgrims to be accommodated, prudence with regard to brigands and epidemics advised to do so "outside the walls". The statue of Notre-Dame, of which Robert-Louis Stevenson wrote, in 1878, "that it worked many miracles although it was made of wood", was discovered in 1512 near this hospital in a wooden chest buried at a unknown period. She was placed in the chapel adjoining the hospital. The current Notre-Dame chapel was built by the Dominicans, the first stone was laid on May 8, 1613. The bell tower was raised in 1655. The chapel was restored and redecorated from 1867 to 1876, the bell tower was remodeled in 1879, to accommodate the Bourdon (large bell with a deep sound). The stone dome topped with the statue of the Virgin was completed in 1889.
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The Besset portal is the southern gate of the city of Pradelles, the rue Basse which descends from it joins the Entressac to reform the "Chemin de Saint-Gilles" which takes on the name of "Chemin de Régordane" a little further south. We can clearly see the structure of the gate, with a first arch, behind which the heavy iron portcullis slid (in the slides dug into the stone), and a second arch against which the heavy wooden gate pivoting on iron hinges was closed. (part of which is still sealed in the wall) and locked by wooden bars anchored in notches cut in the stone.
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The current church of Pradelles was built to replace an old church, in Romanesque style, which had become too small for a population which reached 2000 souls at the end of the 19th century. The plans were drawn by Mr. Tracol, architect, and adopted on August 16, 1897; the demolition of the old church began in March 1900, and the first stone of the new building was laid on June 26, 1900. The new church was inaugurated on November 12, 1902. In the washerwomen's lane, south of the church, two old Gothic style doors are classified as historic monuments. From the square located behind the church, in front of the Presbytery, the view extends from the ridges of Margeride, to the west, to the summits of Mont Lozère. The old brothers' school, to the west of the square, now houses the "Living Draft Horse Museum".
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural attractions around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
One of the most popular natural attractions is Lac d’Issarlès, a beautiful and exceptionally deep mountain lake formed by volcanic activity. It offers marked hiking trails and a swimming beach in summer. Other notable natural sites include the Méjeanne River valley, Cascade de la Beaume, Lac du Bouchet, and Mont Gerbier de Jonc, the source of the Loire River.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in and around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
In Saint-Arcons-de-Barges itself, you can explore the 12th-century Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, known for its Romanesque apse and distinctive bell-gable, and the Living Trekpaard Museum. Nearby, the fortified town of Pradelles, classified as one of the 'Plus beaux villages de France', features heritage sites like the Besset Gate, the Chapel of Our Lady at Saint James Hospital, and the Saint-Pierre Church. The village of Arlempdes, with its ruined castle, is also worth a visit.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the area?
Yes, Lac d’Issarlès is a great family-friendly option, offering a beach for swimming during July and August, and easy trails around the lake. The nearby villages like Pradelles and Arlempdes provide charming historical settings for exploration that can be enjoyed by all ages.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
The region offers numerous marked hiking trails, including an ancient path from Saint-Arcons-de-Barges to Pigère. You can find a variety of routes, from easy to moderate, such as the 'Château d'Arlempdes – Village of Arlempdes loop'. For more options, explore the dedicated guide to Hiking around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
Absolutely. The area provides opportunities for both gravel biking and mountain biking. You can find routes like the 'Lake Naussac loop' for MTB or the 'Riou Tunnel – Voie verte du Velay loop' for gravel biking. Check out the guides for Gravel biking around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges and MTB Trails around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges for detailed routes.
What are some notable nearby villages to visit?
Beyond Saint-Arcons-de-Barges, you can visit Arlempdes, a 'Most Beautiful Village' just 3 km away, known for its character and ruined castle. Pradelles, another 'Most Beautiful Village' 8 km distant, offers a picturesque historic center and scenic views. Further afield, Le Puy-en-Velay (23 km) is a significant pilgrimage town with rich architectural heritage.
Where can I find local markets near Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
Several nearby towns host weekly markets where you can find local produce and goods. These include Coucouron (Wednesdays, 6km), Landos (Tuesdays, 7km), Pradelles (Thursdays, 8km), and Le Puy-en-Velay (Wednesdays & Saturdays, 23km).
What makes Pradelles a significant attraction?
Pradelles is classified as one of the 'Plus beaux villages de France' (Most beautiful villages in France). This fortified town, dating back to the 11th century, boasts a well-preserved old town with remarkable heritage sites such as the Besset Gate, the Sainte-Reine fountain, and a Romanesque chapel. Its elevated position also offers wonderful panoramas of the surrounding landscapes.
Are there any waterfalls to visit in the vicinity?
Yes, there are a couple of impressive waterfalls nearby. The Cascade de la Beaume is located about 12 km from Saint-Arcons-de-Barges, and the even more distant but equally stunning Cascade du Ray-Pic is approximately 27 km away.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The deep, clear waters of Lac d’Issarlès are a highlight for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The well-preserved heritage and panoramic views from villages like Pradelles also receive high praise, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Is there a pilgrimage site near Saint-Arcons-De-Barges?
Yes, the Grotte de Sainte-Marie, a basaltic cave, has been a pilgrimage site since at least 1884, attracting many visitors annually. Additionally, the Chapel of Our Lady at Saint James Hospital in Pradelles is home to a miraculous Madonna statue and is a destination for pilgrimage every August 15th.
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