Haute-Loire

Haute-Loire
Department	Haute-Loire
Number	43
Region	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Prefecture	Le Puy-en-Velay
Subprefectures	Brioude, Yssingeaux
President	Marie-Agnès Petit
President party	DVD
Population	227,284
Population date	2021
Population rank	85th
Area km2	4977
Cantons	19
Communes	257

Haute-Loire. A department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France, it is named for the upper course of the Loire river which traverses it. Its prefecture is the historic city of Le Puy-en-Velay, famed for its cathedral and as a starting point for the Way of St. James. The department is characterized by its rugged terrain, part of the Massif Central, and a rich history tied to the Velay and Gévaudan regions.

Geography

Situated within the eastern part of the Massif Central, the landscape is dominated by ancient volcanic plateaus such as the Velay and the Margeride, and deeply carved valleys like those of the Allier and the Loire. The highest point is the peak of Mézenc on the border with Ardèche, part of the Monts du Vivarais. Significant natural areas include the Parc naturel régional Livradois-Forez and the Gorges de l'Allier. The climate is predominantly continental with mountainous influences, leading to harsh winters, particularly on the Plateau du Devès.

History

Historically part of the provinces of Velay and Gévaudan, the area was inhabited by the Vellavi tribe before Roman conquest. In the Middle Ages, Le Puy-en-Velay became a major Marian pilgrimage site, with its Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy and the Statue of Notre-Dame de France. The region was integrated into the Kingdom of France and later, during the French Revolution, the department was created in 1790 from parts of the former provinces. It was a site of royalist resistance during the War in the Vendée.

Administration

The department is divided into three arrondissements: Le Puy-en-Velay (the prefecture), Brioude, and Yssingeaux. It is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the académie de Clermont-Ferrand. It is represented in the National Assembly by two deputies and in the Senate by two senators. The Departmental Council, headquartered in Le Puy-en-Velay, is currently presided by Marie-Agnès Petit. The department also falls within the jurisdiction of the Cour d'appel de Riom.

Demographics

With a population of 227,284 as of 2021, it is one of the less densely populated departments in France. The main urban areas are Le Puy-en-Velay, Brioude, and Yssingeaux, though much of the population is dispersed in small rural communes. The department experienced significant depopulation in the late 19th and 20th centuries, a trend that has stabilized in recent decades. Historically, the region saw emigration, notably to cities like Saint-Étienne and Lyon, and to North America.

Economy

The economy is traditionally based on agriculture, including livestock breeding for meats like the renowned green lentils of Le Puy and cattle for the Fin Gras du Mézenc beef. Manufacturing includes lace-making from Le Puy-en-Velay, metallurgy, and the production of cutlery in Laguiole. The hydroelectric power stations along the Loire and Allier rivers are significant. Tourism is a growing sector, centered on cultural heritage, pilgrimage routes, and outdoor activities such as hiking in the Parc naturel régional Livradois-Forez.

Culture and heritage

The department boasts a remarkable heritage, most famously the Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Other notable sites include the Château de Polignac, the Romanesque basilica of Saint-Julien de Brioude, and the medieval village of Lavaudieu. Cultural events include the Fête du Roi de l'Oiseau in Le Puy-en-Velay. The region is also known for its culinary specialties, including Lentilles vertes du Puy, Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, and Verveine du Velay liqueur.

Category:Departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Category:1790 establishments in France