Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-guided walking holiday along "The Way of St James" from Conques to Cahors, traversing the picturesque landscapes of France. This journey offers a blend of historical marvels and natural beauty, starting in the Romanesque town of Conques and concluding in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Cahors. Along the way, explore megalithic stone tombs, charming medieval towns like Figeac and Cajarc, and savor regional gastronomy. Enjoy diverse accommodations, from simple hotels to cozy Chambres d'Hôtes, with the option to upgrade for added comfort. This adventure promises a rich cultural experience, scenic trails, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Conques
Location: Conques
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in the picturesque town of Conques, Romanesque in origin and nestled in lush greenery. If you want to visit Conques and its abbey, a major building of Romanesque architecture, we recommend that you arrive in the late morning or early afternoon.
Day 2 : To Livinhac le Haut (6hrs)
Location: Livinhac-le-Haut
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The trail this morning heads to the surrounding hills where the view over the village of Conques is striking. Along the way, visit a small chapel dedicated to Saint Roch, pilgrim saint of Montpellier. Here he is depicted as a pilgrim with a scallop shell. This evening your accommodation will usually be in Livinhac or at times dependent on availability, you may be booked at Decazeville (28.5km/17.8mi).
Distance 23.5km/14.6mi, +774m/2539ft, -856m/2808ft
Day 3 : To Figeac (7 or 8hrs)
Location: Figeac
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving from either Livinhac or Decazeville, you reach the hilltop village of Montredon, dominated by its church Saint Michel and Romanesque Chapel of St Mary. The route then crosses the countryside to arrive in Figeac. It is the birthplace of Champollion (decipherer of the Egyptian hieroglyphs) and you can visit the excellent museum dedicated to his work. There is also a Benedictine abbey from the ninth century.
Distance 24km/14.9mi, +507m/1663ft, -517m/1696ft - From Decazeville 29.5km/18.3m
Day 4 : Walk to Gréalou (4-5hrs)
Location: Gréalou
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From today the walking becomes easier. The trail crosses the river Célé and ascends the limestone plateau, where you can admire the magnificent "Cazels" or "Bories" - little dry stone shepherd huts. Arrive in Gréalou with its Romanesque church from the twelfth century, Our Lady of the Assumption.
Distance 20km/12.42mi, +498m/1633ft, -315m/1033ft
Day 5 : Continue to the pretty medieval town of Cajarc (4hrs)
Location: Cajarc
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The trail today descends along the Lot valley to the village of Cajarc, where you can visit the ruins of a castle dating from the thirteenth century and the chapel of St Margaret, listed as an historical monument since 1941.
At times you may be booked at a hotel in Cajarc on a Bed & breakfast basis, in which case a discount will apply.
Distance 11km/6.83mi, +120m/394ft, -341m/1119ft
Day 6 : To Limogne en Quercy (5hrs)
Location: Limogne-en-Quercy
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The trail continues along the arid plateau of Limogne en Quercy. The rainwater seeps inside the rocks to form a network of underground rivers and the region is also rich in caves, some of which contain cave paintings. The Causse de Limogne also contains many dolmens. Limogne en Quercy is famous for its truffle fair, usually held on Sunday mornings from December to March and in Summer.
Distance 19km/11.9mi, +410m/1345ft, -274m/899ft
Day 7 : Walk to the truffle town of Lalbenque (7hrs)
Location: Lalbenque
Accommodation Name: guesthouse or hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A great walk today as you have the opportunity to see the dolmens (megalithic tombs built of stone) and other historic monuments and sights of interest: old windmills, wells, dry stone walls and a pretty monolithic cross (carved from a single block) along the route. The relative isolation of the plateau has created a quiet life for the villages, its farms and houses.
Distance 22km/13.7mi, +211m/692ft, -246m/807ft
Day 8 : To Cahors (5hrs)
Location: Cahors
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trail takes you along the Cami Ferrat, an ancient trade route between Cahors and Caylus. You'll pass many stone shepherd shelters, ‘caselle’, which are unique to the region. As you walk into Cahors, you'll enjoy fantastic views. It's nestled in a U-shaped bend of the Lot River and to arrive you cross the famous bridge Valentré: an emblem of the city and a well-known pilgrim milestone. Once a major financial and trading centre during the Middle Ages, Cahors' rich heritage is evident in its fine buildings. It's also know for wine, predominantly its AOC Cahors, an intense red. The region's wine making dates from Ancient Rome, with vines being planted in the area since around 50 BC. It is the largest city on the Le Puy Camino with a population of over 22,000 inhabitants. On Saturday mornings, Cahors market (voted one of France's top 25) takes place at the foot of the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Etienne. Try the local pastis, its famous apple cake. Distance 22km/13.8mi, +230m/754ft, -385m/1263ft
Day 9 : Trip concludes
Location: Cahors
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast, or continue on the next stage to Lectoure. We can assist with booking extra nights in Cahors on request - please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights guesthouses or hotels -
2024: 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with
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2024: 7 nights, 2025: 8 nights in guesthouses or simple hotels on a twin share basis, generally with ensuite facilities. On occasion facilities will be shared with one or two other rooms. Option to upgrade to comfort accommodation - supplement applies.
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and roadbook
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 13kg, supplement applies for excess
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Visitor tax
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Conques and from Cahors
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
What's Not Included
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Drinks, lunches and dinners not noted as included
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Entrance fees
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Tour guide - this is a self guided trip
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Excess luggage - arrangements can be made to carry luggage in excess of the 1 bag of 13kg limit. Please do not tie smaller bags onto your main luggage as they will be treated as extra bags. Excess luggage which has not been pre-organised will be refused.
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Transfers
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Travel insurance
Grading
Daily walks are between 11 and 28km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding is straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided walking). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness and walking endurance to participate fully in this holiday. ...more ...less
Accommodation
8 nights guesthouses or hotels
During the trip you will be accommodated in simple hotels, Chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs) and gîtes (guesthouses), always on a twin share basis. The eclectic mix of accommodations is one of the great attractions of the trip, with the Chambres d'hôtes offering home style cuisine and house wine, and the gastronomy in the hotels ranging from good to excellent.
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What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Conques and from Cahors is included. Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are also available. Luggage transfer is provided, with a maximum of one piece weighing up to 13kg.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
During the trip, you will be accommodated in simple hotels, Chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs), and gîtes (guesthouses), always on a twin share basis. Some of the gîtes may have shared bathrooms, and you will need to bring your own soap. The eclectic mix of accommodations is one of the great attractions of the trip, with the Chambres d'hôtes offering home-style cuisine and house wine, and the gastronomy in the hotels ranging from good to excellent. It is possible to upgrade accommodation to comfort hotels and Chambres d'hôtes, but this must be requested at the time of booking. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish, or pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert. ...more ...less
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 13kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a roadbook to assist you.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the level of difficulty for this tour?
Daily walks are between 11 and 28km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well-worn path where route finding is straightforward, especially when arriving and leaving towns. You will need a good level of fitness and walking endurance to participate fully in this holiday.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the walk?
Transfers by taxi or public transport can be arranged if you need to skip a stage of the walk. However, these transfers are not included in the tour price.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance (mandatory), entrance fees not listed as included, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Excess luggage and transfers not listed as included will also incur additional costs.
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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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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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.
Le Puy Camino - Conques to Cahors
9 Days Starting in Conques, France and ending in Cahors, France
Visiting: Conques, Livinhac-le-Haut, Figeac, Gréalou, Cajarc, Limogne-en-Quercy, Lalbenque, Cahors
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FC3
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
