Blesle: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The historic center of Blesle preserves numerous half-timbered houses that bear witness to the formerly significant trading activity.

Culture

The Maison du Bailliage was built in 1567 to house the seigneurial justice system of Blesle after the castle had fallen into disrepair. Its doors and windows have lava-stone surrounds, while the turret is topped with a conical roof made of gneiss slabs. On December 12, 2003, the Maison du Bailliage was listed as a Monument historique.

The Château du Bos was built in the 17th century next to the ruins of a medieval castle and was extended with an additional building in the 18th century. The ensemble includes a medieval tower and original interior features with fireplaces, wood paneling, and painted lintels.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Chaigne was built in 1638 by residents of Blesle, with the support of Abbess Suzanne de Villeneuve, in honor of the Virgin Mary. It is located outside the town center on the right bank of the Voireuze stream next to the cemetery. The area around the chapel offers a peaceful walk along the Voireuze.

In Bousselargues stands the Romanesque Church of Saint-Sébastien, which was remodeled in the 17th century and decorated with wall paintings from various periods. The surviving depictions include a Christ Pantocrator with the Tetramorph, a Madonna and Child, and a small dragon.

The Tour du Massadou is a medieval defensive and watchtower on a rocky outcrop west of Blesle. It was built in the 13th century for defensive and surveillance purposes. The path leading there is steep, but offers a remarkable viewpoint. The Tour des Mercœur, also called Tour aux vingt angles, is a medieval tower; its name is explained by the complex layout of its floor plan.

The Musée de la Coiffe et du costume traditionnel displays a collection of more than 700 authentic pieces relating to festive and everyday headwear. It is housed in a former hospital dating from the 16th century. Two rooms on the ground floor are free and freely accessible.

Paths and Tours

The audio tour of Blesle was designed for people with visual impairments and can be used by everyone. The virtual tour of Blesle can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play or the App Store. It includes an adult tour and a children's tour with a small game at each point of interest.

The routes of the virtual tour of Blesle use geolocation alerts and offer 360-degree views at the points of interest. The PR507 Le Montignat circular trail offers panoramic views of Blesle.

Brewery and Festival

The Brasserie de l'Alagnon in Blesle produces craft-brewed blonde, amber, and dark beers. From Tuesday to Saturday, it offers brewery tours by prior appointment.

A festival was established in Blesle in 2000, featuring concerts, clowning, acrobatics, and other musical formats around August 15.

Anyone wishing to visit Blesle can include renting a holiday apartment in Blesle in their travel plans.

Other places: Autrac, Beaune-sur-Arzon, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Pinols, Le Chambon-Sur-Lignon, Céaux-D'allègre, Arlempdes, Lempdes Sur Allagnon

To the higher-level travel overview: Haute-Loire.