Chapelle St-Michel d'Aiguilhe

Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe is a chapel in Aiguilhe, near Le Puy-en-Velay, France. It was built in 969 on a volcanic plug 85 metres high. The chapel is reached by 268 steps carved into the rock. When you look up at the church it appears as if you will climb forever to get to the top. In fact, because the chapel is so tiny it is a bit of an optical illusion. Although it is a good climb the steps are wide and there is a good handrail. There are plenty of places for people to pass so there is no pressure to go any faster than your own fitness allows. The view of Le puy is 360 degrees and well worth the climb.