The Way of Saint James

Le-Puy-En-Velay to Saint Jean Pied de Port Self Guided 724 km in 5 stages

The historic Le Puy Route, or Chemin du Puy in French, is the most popular pilgrimage route within France. It starts near Lyon in the town of Le-Puy-en-Velay and follows a route, traversing high plateaux, limestone valleys, many historic towns and beautiful landscapes before reaching Saint Jean Pied de Port in the Pyrenees, where the Camino de Santiago French Route commences on the border of Spain and France. If time does not permit, you can choose to do just one or two of these stages, which you will find most rewarding in this less touristy part of France.

Your Journey

Stage 1 Le Puy to Aumont-Aubrac - 6 Days/5 Nights

Your journey begins in Le-Puy-en-Velay, a pilgrimage centre since the Middle Ages, set within a volcanic landscape and famed for its rocky peaks the rise up from the valley floor. Pass through the Velay Mountains and the Margeride plateau, areas of natural beauty, green valley and rocky landscapes. You will also walk through characteristic villages and past secluded hamlets, ancient stone crosses and pastures hemmed in by stone walls.

Stage 2 Aumont-Aubrac to Figeac 10 Days/9 Nights

This is one of the most intriguing stages of the Le Puy Way as you initially walk through the start, high plateau of the Aubrec where you will find tranquil landscapes and isolated farmsteads and villages. This is then contrasted with the lot Valley, your next destination with its ever-changing landscapes of woods, meadows, gorges, cliffs, vineyards and orchards. The route also takes you to St Come d'Olt and Estaing in the upper valley, part of which, the Pays d'olt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These two villages, are also designated as two of the "Most Beautiful Villages" in France.

Stage 3 Figeac - Moissac 9 Days/8 Nights

Throughout this part of your journey you will be crossing the Parc Regional des Causses du Quercy, a protected environment and a landscape of deeply-carved valleys, underground rivers, cliffs, caves and depressions.

Stage 4 Moissac - Eauze 9 Days/8 Nights

Spend a night in the delightful village of Auvillar which has a charming cobblestone plaza and a medieval circular market. This town overlooks the River Garonne and is classified as on the France's "Most Beautiful Villages". This part of your journey takes you through the regions of La Gers and Gascony, cultivated landscapes of Armagnac vineyard's and countryside well-known for its gastronomy.

Stage 5 Eauze - St Jean Pied De Porty 11 Days/10 Nights

One of the major attractions of this section of the route, a Cistercian Abbey located in a tiny hamlet and one of the most impressive sights along the Camino Le Puy Way. This part of your incredible journey also takes you through two distinct regions, the Bearn and the French Basque, with its unique culture, language and traditions.

Terrain

Good level of fitness required. Days average 25 km and vary from 14 kms to up to 35 kms per day. It's mostly over hilly terrain with altitudes of up to 1,300m.

Meals

Breakfast daily, dinner supplement available.

Price 2023 - prices shown are approximate and subject to availability

Please Note Pricing is per person in Euros 2023

Stage 1: share twin/double €594. Single room supplement €209.

Stage 2: share twin/double €1011. Single room supplement €336.

Stage 3: share twin/double €963. Single room supplement €327.

Stage 4: share twin/double €810. Single room supplement €366.

Stage 5: share twin/double €1305. Single room supplement €414.

Supplement for solo traveler (those walking on their own) applies to all stages.

Schedule 2023

2023: Start any day April to October.

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A Walker’s World has been offering walking holidays in Europe and around the world since 1991.

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