Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

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12 Days From

$1720

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Tour Overview

Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, also known as the Via Podiensis and the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Seven stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
This section begins in the centre of France, on the Central Massif at Le Puy-en Velay where many trails from across Europe converged en route to the tomb of St James in Spain. The trail ascends the volcanic highlands of Margeride in the Haute Loire before continuing through the traditional granite villages of the Lozere. Continuing through the Aveyron, the final destination is the enchanting town of Conques. The presence of stone chapels and the unique crosses are symbolic of the pilgrimage and a continual reminder of the religious significance of the trail, whilst the pretty villages, rolling countryside and strong gastronomic traditions make this one of the best walks in France.
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Highlights

  • Experiencing one of the prettiest sections of the trail marked by magnificent architecture, crosses, statues, and grain silos

  • Exploring the interesting town of Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques

  • Learning about the tale of the "Bête du Gévaudan" (Beast of the Gévaudan)

  • Viewing the contrasting landscapes and architecture between the volcanic plateau of the Velay and the granite plateau of the Gévaudan

  • Climbing the 267 steps to the Chapel of St Michael d'Aiguilhe in Le Puy-en-Velay

  • Admiring the Romanesque Abbey-Church Sainte Foy in Conques

  • Walking through the heart of the Aubrac plateau and experiencing the transhumance fair

  • Visiting the picturesque medieval bridge and riverfront in Espalion

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Le Puy En Velay

Location: Le Puy-en-Velay

Accommodation Name: hotel

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. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Walk To St-Privat-D'allier (5-6Hrs)

Location: Le Puy-en-Velay

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Day 3 : Descend The Gorges Of Allier And Ascend To Saugues (4-5 Hrs)

Location: Saugues

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Day 4 : Cross The Margeride Plateau To Les Faux Or St Alban (7-8Hrs)

Location: Margeride Plateau

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 5 : Into The Truyère Valley & End At Aumont-Aubrac (5-6Hrs)

Location: Aumont-Aubrac

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 6 : To Nasbinals (7Hrs)

Location: Aumont-Aubrac

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 7 : To St Chely D’Aubrac (4-5Hrs)

Location: Aubrac

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 8 : Continue To Espalion (5.5Hrs)

Location: Espalion

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 9 : Follow The Lot River To Estaing (3-4Hrs)

Location: Estaing

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 10 : Continue To Golinhac (4Hrs)

Location: Golinhac

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 11 : To The Medieval Village Of Conques (6Hrs)

Location: Conques

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Day 12 : Trip Concludes, Or Continue To Cahors

Location: Cahors

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    11 nights in guesthouses or simple hotels

  • 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners (no dinner in Le Puy en Velay): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 2-3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish o

  • 11 nights in a combination of cosy guesthouses, B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Optional hotel upgrade (with pool) at Aumont available - supplement applies

  • Digital information pack: navigational App (can be used offline) with route notes & maps.

  • Luggage transfer - strictly 1 bag of 13kg per person. Excess charges per bag apply

  • Visitor tax

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Le Puy en Velay and from Conques

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

  • Entrance fees

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What's Not Included

  • Drinks, lunches daily and one dinner

  • Transfers

  • Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip

  • 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.

Accommodation

11 nights in guesthouses or simple hotels
During the trip you will be accommodated in 2-3 star hotels and Chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs) on a twin share basis. The 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.
Note: Check-in times vary - it's usually from mid afternoon (3pm) but can be as late as 5pm. In some cases an earlier check in can be arranged if you phone ahead a day or two before arrival.
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Grading

Daily walks are between 12 to 32km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. There are some reasonable hills and part of the route is on paved surfaces. This is a well worn path where route finding is straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). 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 to participate fully in this adventure. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc

Mode of Transport

Travel to Le Puy en Velay and from Conques 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 13kg per piece, and a supplement applies for excess luggage.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the trip, you will be accommodated in a combination of cosy guesthouses, B&Bs, and 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities. 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. ...more ...less

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts and 10 dinners (no dinner in Le Puy en Velay). Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner will consist of 2-3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, or fish option. ...more ...less

  • Is luggage transfer available during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is available. One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 13kg is included. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. A digital information pack, including a navigational app with route notes and maps, is provided.

  • 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, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.

  • What level of fitness is required for this tour?

    You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Daily walks are between 11 to 29km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to mountainous. There are some reasonable hills, and part of the route is on paved surfaces.

  • 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. However, these transfers are not included in the tour price.

  • 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, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Excess luggage arrangements can also incur additional costs.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

W. Parker(Bucasia, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

16 Jul 2024

Our journey along the GR65 from Le Puy to Conques was fantastic thanks to the support of UTracks. From the pre-trip planning support to the detailed trek information, everything was organised so we only had to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. A great trip! ...more ...less

M. Goodman(Felixstow, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

28 Sep 2024

Fabulous trip, all went to plan - beautiful countryside.

M. McDonald(Val de Marne, France)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

17 Sep 2024

In general the 12 day trip was absolutely FABULOUS. However, given our age (mid seventies) I would have preferred some days walk to have been spread over two days. With only one exception the evening meal was a gastronomic delight. (The over-cooked chicken thigh & chips was just a bit "fast food"). ...more ...less

M. Parker(Newport, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

8 Aug 2023

My recent walking adventure was better than I could ever have hoped for. My 26 year old son and myself set off from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Conques and every step of the way was beautiful, challenging at times, but overall fantastic. I loved the 10 days duration as we settled in to the hike after a couple of days and got into the groove of it all. It is a must to smell the roses, take your time and make new friends along the way. ...more ...less

R. Garling(Burraneer, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

6 Sep 2023

It was a great trip, countryside was magnificent, meet a lot of interesting people and everything went off as planned. Could not have gone better.

P. Molloy(Northcote, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

5 Mar 2024

Thanks for making our walk from Le Puy to Conques so fantastic. Walking this path has been a desire for decades since I first studied art history. The team were very obliging as we has all sorts of odd requests about extra days here and there and lots of questions. The route guidance was clear and easy to follow and all the accommodation and meals exceeded our expectations. I would do this route with UTracks in a flash if I had the opportunity. ...more ...less

Juanita Manahan(Bundanoon, NSW, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

25 Jun 2024

Did section from St Privat to Conques and I would say it’s more beautiful and the landscapes more varied than the stage from Conques to Cahors. Guesthouses were all lovely each with character and charm but do take your own soap and shampoo as it’s not always provided. Had a wonderful time. Not too many people on the track and even fewer English speakers so my French improved very quickly. ...more ...less

P. Dickson(Hahndorf, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

11 Jun 2024

Thanks for the opportunity to provide this review, on a positive the walk itself was fantastic, the green landscape, the water and cows everywhere it was purely beautiful. On the negative we found the accommodation challenging, not the rooms themselves but the way that they were managed. The accommodation for our first 3 nights was great the hosts were friendly and couldn’t do enough to help. Then the attitude of the hosts went downhill, firstly as recommended by the information provided we attempted to ring the hosts to identify the time they would open, they either would not answer the phone or would or could not converse in English. We also found that often we would be booked into one hotel, However, that hotel was not staffed and you had to walk 800m to another hotel to eat and to register and get your key. After walking 25 kms this was challenging. While I understand that it can be challenging for the hosts, there was absolutely no reason why this information couldn’t have been provided to us, as it has obviously been occurring for sometime. If people are interested in doing this walk I would encourage them to get this level of information from Utracks before they leave. The local support did a good job attempting to provide us with the information concerning the opening hours of each location. ...more ...less

M. Drake(Felixstow, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

25 Sep 2024

The walk was great. The baggage handling worked well. The accommodation was excellent throughout and we had a great time.

Terence Flynn(Merewether, NSW, Australia)  

Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques

4 Jul 2024

The walk itself was fabulous. Accommodation very variable and for what we paid disappointing.

Read all 23 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 - Le Puy to Conques

12 Days Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, France and ending in Conques, France

Visiting: Le Puy-en-Velay, Saugues, Margeride Plateau, Aumont-Aubrac, Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing, Golinhac, Conques, Cahors ...more ...less

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

USJ

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1720 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.