The Way of St James - Le Puy to Conques

Arrive in historic Le Puy-en-Velay, a pilgrimage centre since the Middle Ages. This ancient town is surrounded by a volcanic landscape dominated by rocky peaks rising from the valley floor. We recommend that you allow at least half a day to explore its narrow streets and warm up your walking legs climbing the 267 steps to the Chapel of St Michael d'Aiguilhe. Built by Godescalc after his pilgrimage to Santiago in AD951, you'll have great views over the town and surrounding area. You can also visit some of the many museums and the striking Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

The cathedral at Le Puy is the starting point for your walk. As you follow the trail, there are great views over the whole area. Through rural landscapes you'll ascend rapidly from the Puy Basin. Crossing the Velay Mountains past fields of the famous green lentils, you enter the heart of the volcanic chain of the Deves before arriving in the small village of St Privat d’Allier, where you stay tonight.
Distance 23km/14.3mi, +572m/1877ft, -376m/1234ft

Most of the day is spent crossing the valley. You will pass through the village of Rochegude, famous for its St Jacques Chapel, where a descent to the river at Monistrol will follow. Whilst the trail is easy to follow, the following ascent is quite sustained (500m over 11km) just beyond Rognac, from where the route leads you to the historic village of Saugues, known for its mushrooms and a meeting point for pilgrims coming from the Auvergne.
Distance 19km/11.9mi, +927m/3040ft, -829m/2720ft

Today is very picturesque as you cross the Margeride Plateau. With vast grassy plains and moors of broom and heather, this part of the trail is relatively easy going - although gently ascending most of the day. Amongst the most interesting sights are St Roch Chapel or L’Hospitalet du Dauvage Chapel, founded in 1198 as a hospital for pilgrims and travellers.
Overnight in Les Faux (27km/17mi) or further along the way at St Alban sur Limagnole (32km/20mi), dependent on availability.
Distance up to 32km/20.2mi,+716m/2350ft, -829m/2404ft
It's possible to shorten this stage and stay overnight in Chanaleilles, (in a gite, all rooms have shared facilities) continuing to Les Faux/Saint-Alban the following day. Supplement applies, ask your consultant. Must be requested at time of booking. Walking is approx 11km.

Today is a nice hilly day, crossing small rivers and through forests, by fields and into small villages and a scenic walk on the Aubrac volcanic and granitic plateau. From St Alban sur Limagnole the trail descends into the Truyere valley then traverses the vast plain of the Margeride before reaching Aumont-Aubrac. Along the way you can admire the Roman church of the Estrets. Set at 1043m, the town of Aumont-Aubrac is in the heart of Lozère and is an important point on The Way of St James. There is a statue here of the “Bête du Gévaudan” (Beast of the Gévaudan), the man-eating wolf-dog that terrorised the Lozère area in the late 1700s and as a werewolf has inspired literature and popular culture since the mid 1800s.
Distance 15km/9.1mi, +387m/1270ft, -294m/965ft
(If you stayed in les Faux last night today is approx 19km/Total ascent: +330m, total descent: -480m)

From Aumont-Aubrac in “Terre de Peyre” (land of stone), the Way of St James crosses some beautiful pine forests before joining the Aubrac plateau, a vast expanse of pastures punctuated by “burons” (in the Auvergne region this is a shelter where the cowherd lives and makes cheese during the summer). Here you are in the country of the famous Laguiole knife, an indispensable tool to cut the cheese of the same name. Arrive at your hotel/guest house in the village of Nasbinals, which dates from the 8th century.
Distance 26km/16.2mi, +479m/1571ft, -346m/1135ft (highest point 1256m)

This stage takes you through the heart of the Aubrac plateau, where the ancestral rite of transhumance is still practiced (the transhumance fair is on the Sunday nearest 25th of May). At lunch time, you can try the regional specialties at a buron or country inn, where local dishes are available such as the “aligot” (mashed potato with cheese and garlic), assorted cooked meats from the mountain or a good crepe omelette. The highest point of the whole 750km between Le Puy-en-Velay and St Jean Pied-de-Port (1366m) is just before Aubrac. In Aubrac there are remnants of an ancient “Domerie” (name given to the hospital in medieval times). Continue to St-Chely d'Aubrac, where you can enjoy a drink at the main square Place de la Mairie.
Distance 16km/10mi, +224m/735ft, -588m/1929ft (highest point 1366m)

The trail leaves the country of the “Boraldes” (name given to the brooks descending from the Aubrac) and descends to the superb Lot valley. Here you are near St-Côme d’Olt along the Lot River, listed among the “most beautiful villages of France”. There are remnants of numerous bridges constructed over the river which made the pilgrims' crossings easier. Leaving the Aubrac region and entering the Rouergue, walk to Espalion and your hotel. Espalion has a picturesque medieval bridge over the Lot and a lovely river front: the buildings with characteristic wooden balconies were once tanneries. The Friday morning market is reputed to be one of the best in the area.
Distance 22km/13.67mi, +227m/745ft, -675m/2214ft (highest point 922m)

Today’s walk continues along the Lot Valley, where many more beautiful sights await. The beautiful Chapelle Saint Pierre of Bessuéjouls is one of the oldest along the route. Your day ends in Estaing, with its impressive castle welcoming pilgrims from the distance. Strolling its quaint medieval streets you’ll feel like you are back in time. The annual St Fleuret fair has been held here since the 14th century (on the first Sunday of July). On this occasion, a great procession travels through the village in period costume. Overnight in Estaing.
Distance 12/7.45mi, +210m/689ft, -255m/837ft (highest point 490m)

Today is a straightforward walk along paths and quiet tarmac roads. There is a steep climb early on where you'll be rewarded with great views across the hills as you reach the plateau heading to Golinhac. At the entrance of the Golinhac village there is a stony cross with a small sculpted pilgrim. The church dedicated to Saint Martin preserves the Roman foundations of a Benedictine priory, which was once dependent on Conques abbey. Overnight in Golinhac.
Distance 14km/8.8mi, +586m/1922ft, -256m/840ft (highest point 660m)

The walk into Conques is often a favourite for pilgrims as the view over the village is breathtaking coming from the east. While descending into the deep valley of the Ouche, you will arrive near the Dourdou river (which flows into the Lot river, to the north) and discover this medieval village with pointed roofs over which the towers of the Romanesque Abbey-Chruch Sainte Foy dominate. You can also admire the village's portal, a real treasure from Roman times. Relax in one of the many bars to experience the atmosphere of this lovely town.
Distance 21km/13mi, +398m/1305ft, -749m/2457ft (highest point 677m)

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night on request, or you can continue on the next stage of the Way of St James to Cahors.