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The volcanoes of the massif of Meygal
The massif of Meygal is a land of volcanoes. The local name is “suc”, for these small domes which give an unexpected aspect to the landscape and which visitors find so intriguing to explore.
Just two steps away from the Mont Mézenc and Puy-en-Velay (article Le Puy-en-Velay), the massif of Meygal is really an unusual region. Very different from the famous Volcanoes of Auvergne, its landscape is marked by the characteristic shapes of its “sucs” name given to our local hills which were formed by the powerful volcanic activity in the Velay.
The Testavoyre is one of these many sucs. It is the highest point in the massif of Meygal at 1436 m and offers a magnificent panoramic view over the basin of Le Puy and is easy to climb up. The large forests in the Meygal are also wonderful places for walking. The GR 65 “St James Way” passes through these hills before reaching Le Puy-en-Velay. As for trail-runners, whether your pace is moderate or energetic, the trail area of the Meygal offers you 7 way-marked circuits through the sucs.
The massif of Meygal is also winter ! The Meygal is situated at an average altitude of 1200 metres and offers an ideal sports ground for cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoe walking in the forest. A total of 53 km of trails are way-marked for outdoor sports with family or friends.
Nestling in the heart of the massif, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil is a village with a rich history and heritage. The suc de Chapteuil used to be crowned with a medieval fortress but only its remains can be seen at present. Today, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil is a dynamic commune where many shops and services contribute to local activities. With its rich cultural life, the village is a particularly pleasant place to inhabit.
Jules Romains was inspired by his love of words and phrases to write essays and poems when still an adolescent. The famous author of Knock spent the early years of his life in the heart of The Meygal at Saint-Julien-Chapteuil at the end of the 19th century.