French Food Lover's Le Puy Camino
French Food Lover's Le Puy Camino
French Food Lover's Le Puy Camino
10 Days Starting in Le Puy en Velay, France and ending in Pau, France
Visiting: Le Puy en Velay, Saugues, Aubrac Plateau, Conques, Rocamadour, Cahors, Moissac, Eauze, St Jean Pied de Port, Pau
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CCF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a culinary and cultural adventure with the "Food Lover's French Way of St James" tour. This journey through France offers a unique blend of gastronomic delights and historical exploration along the famed Way of St James. Savor local specialties, enjoy guided visits to picturesque villages and towns, and stay in charming hotels that reflect the local flavor. Highlights include truffle hunting, wine tasting sessions, and visits to iconic sites like Rocamadour and the abbey of Moissac. With a dedicated tour escort and private vehicle support, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience for food and history enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Le Puy En Velay
Location: Le Puy en Velay
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Le Puy en Velay, make your way to the joining hotel on the edge of the historic town centre. In the mid-afternoon (usually 3.30pm), your escort will meet with the group and provide a brief introduction to the tour before heading out for a guided walking tour of the city (at 4pm for approx 2 hrs). You have the option to ascend high up to the iron statue behind the cathedral, the Notre-Dame de France (The Virgin Mary). From here there is a wonderful view of the town and surrounding old volcanic countryside. This afternoon you can also visit the cathedral sacristy to obtain a pilgrim passport and your first stamp. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2 : Optional Attendance At Pilgrim Service, Follow Camino Sections To Saugues (6Hrs)
Location: Saugues
Accommodation Name: simple hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Every morning the cathedral conducts mass at 7am followed by a pilgrim blessing and the option to attend before breakfast is the first activity for today. Following breakfast, we'll gather lunch supplies before commencing our food pilgrimage from the steps of the cathedral. Following the bronze shells through the old town, outside the gates and into the countryside evokes a sense of the journey to come. We follow a well worn path passing small chapels and sweeping vistas at a relaxed pace to St-Christophe-sur Dolaison (8.5km). From here, we'll transfer to St-Privat-d'Allier for our picnic lunch. Set high above the gorges of Allier, the next stage of the walk (7km) begins from this small town with a small ascent to one of the many Hundred Years War watch towers which dot the surrounding valleys. The GR65 leads us down to the valley floor and the town of Monistrol d'Allier. Our driver will pick us up here and drive us to Rognac from where we can walk the last stage (2.8km) into Saugues. The town is rich in historic houses and dominated by La Tour des Anglais, a square tower dating back to the 13th Century. The tower takes its name from an episode during the Hundred Years War when a troupe of English soldiers besieged the town. Tonight we are accommodated in a simple hotel with a gastronomic restaurant; a favourite with pilgrims and locals alike.
Transfers: 31.5km, 65 minutes
Walk: 18.3km +325m, -475m
Day 3 : Visit Laguiole Museum, Cheese Farm Visit And Afternoon Walk On Aubrac Plateau (3Hrs)
Location: Aubrac Plateau
Accommodation Name: convent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we take time out to discover the Laguiole museum, where the famous knives are made. Later we head to the Aubrac and visit a typical farm to discover Tome and Fourme cheese and of course try the famous dish of the region, Aligot. The gothic church bell tower of Aubrac holds the great bell, the bell of the lost ones, which in the Middle Ages was rung in stormy weather to help lost pilgrims find their way. This is one of the most sparsely populated regions of France. From here we walk on the Aubrac Plateau to discover this vast volcanic granite landscape, a source of building materials for the local villages. Walking through small villages we descend to Saint-Chely d'Aubrac and on to Les Cambrassats (10.5km) before we transfer to Cinqpeyre. We continue for a further 1km on foot to Saint Come d'Olt, one of the 'plus beaux villages de France'. The village is situated in the Lot valley, between the granite dome of the Aubrac and the Causses (limestone plateau). Dinner and overnight in a convent.
Transfers: 103km, 2hrs
Walk: 11.5km -497m, +128m
Day 4 : Morning Transfer Then Walk Into Conques, Explore The Town (3.5Hrs)
Location: Conques
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Espeyrac on the GR65 and enjoy a stage of the Way into Conques. The route we follow is largely on quiet country roads (tarmac) with some sections on paths, with the last steep descent into Conques on a stony track. The rewards are great as we make our way into one of the most beautiful towns in France, brimming over with history and with a wonderfully preserved medieval heart. We have a short guided walking tour of Conques later in the afternoon then there's free time to explore the town and Abbey or relax at one of the many cafes.
Transfer: 50km, 1hr
Walk: 12km -350m, +265m
Day 5 : Morning Transfer, Visit A Truffle Orchard, Continue To Rocamadour
Location: Rocamadour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is all about the truffle, a key ingredient in the regions cuisine. Following a transfer we arrive at a truffle orchard with its oaks, hazel bushes, vines and hedges. We learn about this mysterious fungus; its history, cultivation, soils required and ageing. A truffle hound will give a demonstration of 'cavage' or truffle hunting. We have the opportunity to sample the truffle, then have lunch before we continue by vehicle to Rocamadour. For over 1000 years, the town set high on a cliff about the Alzou River, has been an important pilgrimage destination as it was built on the site of a shrine to Madonna. The healing powers associated with this have drawn pilgrims and the town flourished as a result. We spend the afternoon walking around this UNESCO World Heritage village, marvelling at the well preserved buildings and dramatic cliff top position.
Transfers: 150km, 3.5hrs
Day 6 : Hike Along The Camino To Madame Murat's Restaurant, Transfer To Cahors (3Hrs)
Location: Cahors
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
From Rocamadour we transfer to Montcléra with its 16th Century fortification, before continuing on foot to Frayssinet-le-Gelat (about 7km). The centre of the village is a crossroad dominated by an imposing Romanesque church with a memorial to the villagers who lost their lives in both World Wars. Then we transfer to Pomarède, where we will enjoy a special lunch. The history of this restaurant is well documented in Mary Moody's book ‘Lunch at Madame Murat’s’ and through her television series.
Following our plentiful lunch, we transfer to Cahors on the Lot River, with its lovely 14th Century bridge, “Pont Valentré”. Our hotel for two nights is located on the riverfront. Since Celtic times, the town has had a rich history. It is known as the centre of AOC ‘black’ wine which has been produced since the Middle Ages and exported via Bordeaux, long before that famous region developed its own viticulture industry. The choice is yours as to where to dine this evening.
Transfers: 85km, 2hrs
Walks: 9.5km
Day 7 : Visit Markets, Hike To Saint-Cirque-Lapopie Return To Cahors For Gourmet Dinner (3Hrs)
Location: Cahors
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we spend time at the Cahors markets and purchase our lunch supplies. Cahors' local produce market is centred around the cathedral on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is well attended by locals. Selling anything from flowers to local cheeses, freshly baked bread, colourful spices spilling out of hessian sacks and dried sausages and much more, the markets are a thoroughly enjoyable sensory experience. Armed with fresh goodies for our picnic lunch we transfer to Grotte de Pech-Merle and work up our appetite during our walk to Saint Cirque Lapopie, another of the 'plus beaux village de France'. Return to Cahors for a special wine tasting and Michelin star (red) dinner.
Transfers: 58km, 1hr 20mins
Walks: 9.7km
Day 8 : Walk A Section Of The Trail Between Lauzerte And Moissac, Visit The Abbey (1.5-3.5Hrs)
Location: Moissac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Cahors, we transfer to Lauzerte, to continue our walk (5.6km) along the Way of St James. You can then continue walking (6.1km) from the Chapelle d’Espis to Moissac, or transfer to Moissac. For those interested in architecture and engineering, in Moissac you can take a walk along the canal to the 'Canal Bridge' which enables the barges travelling along the Canal de Garonne to cross the Tarn River (356m below). The aqueduct is one of the largest canal bridges in France and was built in 1846. Later this afternoon, we have a guided tour of the abbey of Saint-Pierre, which with its Romanesque cloister and ornately carved Tympanum is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The abbey is home to an array of remarkable sculptures. This evening we have a typical dinner in a centrally located restaurant.
Transfer: 55km, 1hr
Walk: 5.6km + optional 6.1km
Day 9 : Visit Auvillar, Walk To Montréal, Guided Tour Of Armagnac Producing Estate (3Hrs)
Location: Eauze
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we have a short drive to Auvillar, another picturesque village. Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne river, the town dates back to the Romans and is surrounded by ancient fortified walls with gateways granting access to the centre. One of the gateways passes under a 17th Century clock tower whose alternating levels of white stone with the typical red-brick of the region gives it a distinctive character. After a short guided tour of the historic heart we continue to the impressive village of Larressingle in the Gers. The fortified walls of the village date back to the 13th Century and it was the home of the bishops from Condom in the Middle Ages. Here we have our picnic lunch before walking to the Roman Pont d’Artigues, which is 1000 km from Santiago and UNESCO classified. We continue on foot to Montreal, before transferring to Eauze, an historic market town in the Midi Pyrenees. There's some free time to explore before we head to an Armagnac producing estate to visit the distillery and the ageing cellars.
May departure: Transfer to our hotel in Saint-Palais (2hrs) for dinner and overnight
Sep departure: Dinner and overnight in Eauze.
Transfers: 135km, 3hrs
Walking: 11.5km
Day 10 : Transfer Then Walk Into St Jean Pied De Port (5Hrs)
Location: St Jean Pied de Port
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we transfer to the start of our last stage on the Camino. It's one of the most scenically beautiful sections of the route through the Basque countryside, passing through forest to reach the Pyrenean foothills and the town of St Jean Pied de Port. Many pilgrims begin their journey here, travelling on foot, by bike or with a donkey to cross northern Spain to reach Santiago de Compostela. As a result the town will be full of pilgrims. On arriving at the gate we enter the old town with time to relax and absorb the atmosphere before we take an orientation walk to view the town's attractions. Later we transfer to our hotel in the countryside, and enjoy a farewell dinner of local ingredients.
Transfers: 128km, 2hrs (shorter for the May departure)
Walking: 15.5km
Day 11 : Group Transfer To Pau Where The Trip Concludes
Location: Pau
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast there is a group transfer at 9am to Pau train station (approx 1.5-2hrs drive), where the trip concludes. It is possible to be dropped off at St Jean Pied de Port en route (approx 30mins drive), from where you can take a train to Bayonne if you are heading to Spain after the trip.
We recommend booking a train departure after 10am from St Jean and after 11.30am-12pm from Pau.
What's Included
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Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches (includes 1 picnic lunch) and 9 dinners (drinks included for dinner on day 7)
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Accommodation
10 nights at specially selected hotels from 2-4 star on a twinshare basis with private facilities
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Tour Escort
Tour escort throughout
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Transfers
Private vehicle and driver for transfers including luggage during walking sections - luggage should be kept to a minimum. One bag weighing no more than 20kgs plus your day pack to wear while walking. Luggage room is limited in the vehicle.
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Guided Visits
Guided visits: Le Puy en Velay on day 1, Conques on day 4, truffle orchard on day 5, guided tour of the abbey of Moissac on day 8, Auvillar on day 9 and St Jean Pied de Port on day 10
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Wine Tasting
2 wine tasting sessions - AOC Cahors Malbec on day 7 and Armagnac on day 9
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Information Booklet
Detailed program and general cultural information booklet
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Departure Transfer
Group departure transfer to Pau on day 11
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Emergency Hotline
Emergency hotline
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Destination
Travel to Le Puy and from Pau
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Meals Not Included
Meals not listed as included: lunch (except on days 3, 4, 6) and one dinner (day 6)
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Beverages
Beverages except at wine tastings, breakfast and with dinner on day 7
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance - mandatory
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are booking a single room
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not noted as included
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Transfers Not Included
Transfers not listed as included
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Optional Arrival Transfer
Optional arrival transfer: Lyon airport to Le Puy En Velay can be booked at extra cost
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature
What You Carry
As the trip is fully supported you will only be required to carry a daypack on the walk sections with your personal items such as wet weather gear, share of picnic, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.
Grading
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE – GRADE 2
This trip involves walking between 2 to 5 hours during 7 days over undulating terrain, on a mixture of asphalt, dirt and rocky paths, with some short steep ascents and descents. Walking distances range from 7-12km except on day 2 which is 18.2km. As there is a support vehicle in the vicinity, there are options to shorten some stages. The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for active people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a private vehicle and driver for transfers, including luggage transport during walking sections. Group departure transfer to Pau on the final day.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights at specially selected hotels ranging from 2 to 4 stars, each offering private facilities and a unique local flavor.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in specially selected hotels ranging from 2 to 4 stars on a twin-share basis with private facilities. On one night, you will stay in a convent.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are several guided tours included. You will have guided visits in Le Puy en Velay, Conques, a truffle orchard, the abbey of Moissac, Auvillar, and St Jean Pied de Port.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches (including 1 picnic lunch), and 9 dinners. Drinks are included for dinner on day 7.
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Will there be any wine tasting sessions during the tour?
Yes, there are two wine tasting sessions included. You will taste AOC Cahors Malbec on day 7 and Armagnac on day 9.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
A private vehicle and driver will be available for transfers, including luggage during walking sections. Luggage should be kept to a minimum, with one bag weighing no more than 20kgs plus a day pack.
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available throughout the tour.
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What should I carry during the walking sections of the tour?
You will only need to carry a daypack with personal items such as wet weather gear, a share of the picnic, a water bottle, a warm top, and your phone.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?
The trip is graded as introductory to moderate, involving walking between 2 to 5 hours on 7 days over undulating terrain. Walking distances range from 7-12km, except on day 2 which is 18.2km. The tour is suitable for active people with a reasonable level of fitness.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, on the first day, you have the option to ascend to the iron statue behind the cathedral, the Notre-Dame de France, for a wonderful view of the town and surrounding countryside.
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What happens if I need to shorten a walking stage?
As there is a support vehicle in the vicinity, there are options to shorten some stages of the walk.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.