In the Pays du Gévaudan, in the heart of the Truyère valley of which it is certainly one of the most beautiful treasures, Le Malzieu-Ville is a perfect destination for lovers of history and old stones. Situated in the department of Lozère, in the Occitanie region, this city with a marked heritage is the perfect place for a stay far from the traditional tourist itineraries.
Watered from side to side by La Truyère, the quiet village of Malzieu-Ville is 1h30 away from Aurillac, Puy-en-Velay and Rodez. Welcoming and so charming, this medieval town, former stronghold of the Gévaudan perched at an altitude of 860 metres, is one of those little gems of history that France has the secret. What seduces in the village is obviously its heritage. Here, large ochre-coloured turrets stand side by side in a beautiful mix of shades with the stone houses and ancient arcades, which give Malzieu-Ville its charm. To discover it properly, the town has a historical route that we recommend you to follow. You will thus discover the sections of the thick 14th century ramparts which surrounded the heart of the village, admirably preserved vestiges pierced by towers and magnificent gates; from the Tower of Bodon to the Clock Tower (former belfry of the medieval castle which was used as a prison during the Wars of Religion), through the High Gate, the Gate of Saugues and those of the Drogols and the Soubeuran, The Place de la Leyde, the church square, the rue de Galastre, the squares decorated with beautiful period houses with turrets, without forgetting to stop off at the remains of the "Fort Antic", you will discover all the character of the Malzieu-Ville. Continue your visit in the direction of the 12th century Saint-Hippolyte church to discover its treasure (the wooden statue of the Virgin of Apcher), continue your journey through the Governor's house and its tower, the museum of the former Ursuline convent and the old castle of the Barons of Apcher to finally discover the magnificent houses with granite doors and pediments, which give a crazy cachet to the village.
Le Malzieu-Ville is also a privileged place for nature and open air lovers. The town is ideally situated on one of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, linking Le Puy-en-Velay to the Spanish city. Whether you are a pilgrim or not, the paths of the Way of St. James will allow you to discover the most beautiful corners of the region, on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. The Malzieu-Ville also has several hiking trails that will allow you to take your eyes away with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding valleys. A must to see? The "Porte des Fées" (Fairy Gate): this stone, situated on the heights of Malzieu-Ville at 994 metres above sea level, offers its lucky visitors a breathtaking view of the Truyère gorges below. After a long climb through the surrounding valleys, descend towards the Truyère gorges. A well-known hiking site, these wonderful gorges are also perfect for a few sunbathing breaks. The town has a swimming pool, and a beach where you can bubble on the sand in complete tranquillity to the sound of the lapping water. In addition to swimming and hiking (thanks to 380 kilometres of trails), you can opt for a canoe or kayak trip, a fishing trip, but you will also have the opportunity to do via-ferrata, tree climbing, climbing, giant zip line, quad biking... And even meet wolves! A star both feared and admired in the Gévaudan, the wolf is the emblematic animal of the region. The Parc des loups du Gévaudan, located in Sainte-Lucie (40 kilometres from Malzieu-Ville), has more than 115 wolves and 5 different species living in the park in semi-liberty. An outing to do absolutely with the family if you are on holiday in Malzieu-Ville!