Culture and Local History
In Saint-Didier-en-Velay, the Eglise Saint-Didier has been listed as a French historic monument since 15 June 1954. Its original construction phase is dated to the period from 1159 to 1164. The nave dates partly from the 12th and partly from the 14th century; the bell tower contains a seigneurial chapel from the 14th century.
The former weavers’ houses preserve architectural evidence of Saint-Didier-en-Velay’s passementerie tradition. The vaulted Porte de la Toune gateway leads to the Grande Place.
Hiking and Landscape
The Balade de l'histoire de la Terre is a 4.6-kilometre educational trail about the history of the Earth and the local geology; each metre represents one million years. From the first Sunday of each month from June to October, the trail offers guided tours, for which registration is mandatory.
PR272 Le circuit du Crouzet is an 11.6-kilometre moderately difficult circular hiking trail in Saint-Didier-en-Velay. It connects the medieval town centre with the workers’ settlement of Crouzet, which is considered a centre of paper production.
At the beginning, the PR268 Le circuit du Crapaud circular trail crosses a small 12th-century bridge over the Semène and follows the river for long stretches through forests and fields.
Cycling
La Pleyne des Mâts is a mountain-biking circular route in Saint-Didier-en-Velay that begins and ends there.
Crafts and Events
La Brasserie des Plantes produces artisanal liqueurs and infusions from little-known plants. In workshops, visitors can learn how artisanal liqueurs are made and produce their own liqueur.
La Boria des Gotas processes and sells organically certified infusions, food supplements, jams and kitchen aids through regional direct sales. The products are considered to originate 100 percent from Saint-Didier-en-Velay.
The carnival of Saint-Didier-en-Velay takes place every year on the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday.
Those who choose Saint-Didier-en-Velay as a holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
