Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques
Le Puy Camino - Le Puy to Conques
$1720
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. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
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
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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
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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
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Digital information pack: navigational App (can be used offline) with route notes & maps.
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Luggage transfer - strictly 1 bag of 13kg per person. Excess charges per bag apply
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Visitor tax
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Le Puy en Velay and from Conques
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Entrance fees
What's Not Included
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Drinks, lunches daily and one dinner
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Transfers
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Tour guide – this is a self guided walking 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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.
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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.
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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. 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, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Excess luggage arrangements can 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.
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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.
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:
Tour code:
USJ
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided