Le Puy Camino: Walk to Conques
Le Puy Camino: Walk to Conques
$2050
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of France with the "Walk The Way of St James" tour. This self-guided adventure takes you along the historic GR65 pilgrim’s route, starting in the charming city of Le Puy-en-Velay and concluding in the picturesque village of Conques. Traverse the stunning landscapes of Auvergne and Languedoc, passing through quaint villages, lush forests, and rolling plateaus. Enjoy 11 nights in cozy country hotels, with your luggage conveniently transferred each day. Delight in the local cuisine with included breakfasts and dinners, and immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of rural France. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and physical challenge, ideal for those with a passion for walking and a spirit of adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Le Puy-En-Velay
Location: Le Puy-en-Velay
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
For your first nights accommodation you stay in the historic city of Le Puy. Le Puy is a wonderful town to explore and you may wish to add an extra night. Its most striking attraction is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, dating chiefly from the first half of the 12th century. Each morning, pilgrims gather at the cathedral to be blessed before starting their journey to Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France". The iron statue of Notre-Dame de France (The Virgin Mary) overlooking the town was designed by the French sculptor Jean-Marie Bonnassieux, and is made from 213 Russian cannons taken in the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855). Fountain Crozatier is also worth visiting in thee centre of town.
Accommodation: This elegant and well equipped 3* hotel is centrally situated a short walk from the train station. All rooms have en-suite facilities. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Le Puy To St Privat D’Allier - 23.5 Km/14.6 Miles, 5 - 6 H
Location: Le Puy-en-Velay
Accommodation Name: small hotel
Climb out of Le Puy onto a plateau overlooking a winding ravine type valley. Pass through black basalt villages like La Roche, then cross a watershed to reach St Privat, perched above the Allier gorge with its much modified castle dating from the Hundred Years War. St Privat d’Allier is a quiet village of 200 inhabitants.
Accommodation: stay at a small hotel. Rooms are basic, but there is a lovely old restaurant with green lentils the local specialty.
Day 3 : St Privat D’Allier To Saugues - 19 Km/11.8 Miles, 4 - 5 H
Location: Saugues
Accommodation Name: small and charming guesthouse
Much of the day is spent crossing the valley of the River Allier; starting with a level walk to Rochegude, where the Saint Jacques chapel dominates the Allier pass, providing beautiful views. Descend to the river at Monistrol (Romanesque church) and climb steeply up the other side past some striking geological formations. Easy tracks across an agrarian and forest plateau at about 1000m take you to Saugues, the meeting-point for all pilgrims coming from the Auvergne. This town features in the history of the Hundred Years war and in the 1700s as a marshalling point for hunters of the giant man eating wolves that terrorized the region for a few years.
Accommodation: stay in a small and charming guesthouse. A lovely atmosphere and copious breakfast.
Day 4 : Saugues To Les Faux - 29 Km/18 Miles, 6 - 7 H
Location: Saugues
Accommodation Name: small village hotel
Stick closely to the route the pilgrims took as you start off through the tiny hamlet of Pinet where many of the pilgrims stayed. Gradually climb up the valley and follow the Villange River upstream to Clauze with its ancient tower impossibly still clinging to a boulder - the remains of a 12th century castle. The walk is long but not steep through wooded landscapes, moors of broom pine woods and meadows enclosed by granite posts. Head off into forests and around a huge estate called Le Sauvage with its massive solid stone barns, ramps and courtyard. Interesting damed ponds kept water supplied to the place. On the way you pass the pilgrim’s chapel at St. Roch, before detouring off the GR route to a pleasant rural stay at the small village of Les Faux.
Accommodation: A small village hotel with 13 rooms about 1 km off the route. The rooms normally ensuite with either a bath or shower. A couple of rooms however have shared facilities. Set in the quiet picturesque hilly area over the River Limagnole, it is nice to sit with a cool drink in the garden.
Day 5 : Les Faux To Aumont-Aubrac - 21 Km/13 Miles, 5 - 6 H
Location: Aumont-Aubrac
Accommodation Name: 2* small, modern hotel
You make your way to the village of St Alban with its Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century and interesting chateau which has been partially restored. Climb upwards for a couple of hours, into rolling bucolic landscapes, enjoying the views of St Alban and the lush Limagnole Valley. You emerge on to the Margeride plateau at around 900m, before descending down to Aumont-Aubrac a pleasant market town with a beautiful church. A fine little town - one of those delightful undiscovered parts of France.
Accommodation: 2* small, modern hotel in the centre of the town. The rooms are ensuite.
Day 6 : Aumont To Nasbinals - 26 Km/16. Miles, 7 - 8 H
Location: Nasbinals
Accommodation Name: hotel in the centre of the village
The walk starts off through the small town with its 16th and 17th century houses, until joining a forest path. Pass through the villages of La Chaze and Lasbros where you start to cross the vast and remote plateau of Aubrac. This is a desolate region of wild flowers, dry stone walls, largely treeless and empty of people. Part of the route here follows Agrippa’s old Roman road. Our route takes you through tiny hamlets and farmsteads crossing streams over ancient granite bridges, past huge granite boulders and piles until arriving at Nasbinals, a herding village with a beautiful church. May time is fantastic for the flowers in the fields including large stands of narcissus and orchids in damper niches.
Accommodation: a hotel in the centre of the village, close to the church. You may be staying at a hotel 500m away, but will eat at our main hotel in communal style with other walkers.
Day 7 : Nasbinals To St Chely D’Aubrac - 17 Km/10.5 Milies, 4 - 5 H
Location: Aubrac
Accommodation Name: small 2* hotel
An exhilarating day, much of it on open hillsides and grassy drove roads, passing gorgeous beech forests and reaching 1368m – the highest point of the walk. Pass through the great herding centre of Aubrac (church of 1220 and Tour des Anglais). There is a new interpretation centre here and a fantastic inn, an ideal place to take refuge if it is cold, where huge slices of fruit flan are served for a few Euros! After Aubrac you drop steeply past the ruins of Knights Templar Belvezet castle to pretty St Chely in its secluded valley.
Accommodation: A small 2* hotel with comfortable rooms in the centre of a small village, run by a young couple. The restaurant offers regional specialities.
Day 8 : St Chely D’Aubrac To St Come D'olt - 16 Km/10 Miles, 4 - 5 H
Location: Saint-Côme-d'Olt
Accommodation Name: refurbished convent or guesthouse
Contour along beech-clad slops onto an open ridge, and then descend through chestnut woods to the ‘Cancels’ stream crossing a few little bridges to ascend suddenly steeply to the hamlet of La Roziere. There is a bit more undulation until finally you descend to St Come d'Olt, with its mediaeval gateways and twisted church spire. This is a pretty little walled village, very much a part of the original Way of St. James, and has a great patisserie.
Accommodation: Refurbished convent with ensuite rooms located 200m from the village or guesthouse (Chambre d’hote) a 19th century Aveyronnaise house located in the entrance of Saint-Come d’Olt. If we cannot secure accommodation here, you will need to walk on a further 6 km/3.7 miles to Espalion where you will stay in a pleasant ‘fin de siecle’ town hotel with a great restaurant.
Day 9 : St Come D'olt To Estaing - 20.5 Km/12.7 Miles, 4 - 5 H
Location: Estaing
Accommodation Name: Logis de France 2 star hotel
Leave St. Come d'Olt with good views across the Lot back to the village. It really feels as if you are leaving the Massif Central region and into more productive farmlands from now on. The route then splits with a higher or lower path to the important market town of Espalion, perhaps too early for lunch, but there are plenty of places for coffee and time to admire the old arched bridge dating from the 13th century, the regal houses and the 16th century turreted chateau overlooking the River Lot. Continuing on pass the exquisite little chapel at the picturesque hamlet called Bessuejouls, which has a concealed upper chapel in the belfry. There follows quite a muddy section climbing through oak woods to a ridge with extensive views over the Lot valley, and then pass between vines and tobacco-fields to reach Estaing. Estaing has preserved vividly the memory of the passage of pilgrims to Compostela. The famous festival of St Fleuret is held yearly on the first Sunday in July, during which hundreds of costumed people follow a procession to commemorate Saint Jacques and other pilgrims. An imposing castle dominates the town, and is gradually being restored for the public. Estaing is one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Accommodation: This Logis de France 2 star hotel is situated on the bank of the River Lot in front of the castle. It has 40 comfortable rooms with all modern conveniences. The dinner in the fine traditional restaurant is perhaps the best of the tour.
Day 10 : Estaing To Golinhac - 16 Km/10 Miles, 4 - 5 H
Location: Golinhac
Accommodation Name: simple hotel
After a short stint along the banks of the Lot, climb up to the Campeux plateau. Continue along the left bank of the Lot until Rouquette and then through beautiful villages to the tiny hilltop village of Golinhac, with some commanding views over the countryside.
Accommodation: A simple hotel in the village, with superb views over the valley.
Day 11 : Golinhac To Conques - 21.5 Km/13 Miles, 5 - 6 H
Location: Conques
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel or guesthouse
Your last day is a hilly rollercoaster into famous Conques. Out of Golinhac continue through Campagnac and still smaller hamlets until reaching the very tranquil village of Espeyrac. It is an idyllic spot for a morning coffee. Or have one a little later at Senergues with its picturesque castle. There is a bit of climbing and undulating, before following a quiet road maintaining your height for a few km until the final stony descent into Conques. This, one of the finest hill-towns in France, clusters round the magnificent Romanesque abbey of St Foy, patron saint of prisoners: her shrine became an object of pilgrimage in its own right. The village does get its fair share of tourists, but for good reason, it is other worldly and unspoilt. At St. Foy they sometimes do free evening organ recitals. Other attractions include the treasury where some very fine mediaeval treasures are housed. There is also the Romanesque bridge down in the valley which is worth the detour to cross.
Accommodation: The hotel we normally use is a 2*, 11 room property. The building has medieval origins and so rooms may have low beams. It is situated in the centre of the village and some of the rooms have views across to the belfry of St. Foy. If this particular accommodation is fully booked, you will be in a guesthouse located in the lower part of village by the beautiful Romanesque bridge.
Day 12 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Conques
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Conques after breakfast. There are normally 2 buses a day or if you would like to avoid the bus, we can help you arrange for a taxi. It is also possible to return to Le Puy by a transfer in either the morning or afternoon if you have left your car there.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
11 nights in small country hotels -
11 breakfasts, 9 dinners
Enjoy 11 breakfasts and 9 dinners during your stay.
-
11 nights accommodation in small country hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities when available
Stay for 11 nights in small country hotels, sharing a twin room with ensuite facilities when available.
-
Luggage transfer (1 bag per person weighing no more than 13kg)
Luggage transfer is provided for one bag per person weighing no more than 13kg.
-
Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps.
-
Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is available.
-
GPX Files
GPX files are provided for navigation.
What's Not Included
-
2 dinners, lunches and beverages
Two dinners, lunches, and beverages are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.
-
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
-
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
-
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
-
Guide - this is a self guided holiday
A guide is not included as this is a self-guided holiday.
-
Excess Luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed limit is not included.
Accommodation
11 nights in small country hotels. Two star hotels offer en suite facilities. One star hotels do not always have en suite facilities. Luggage is transferred between hotels every day. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less
Grading
A moderate to strenuous graded trek (grade 4) that anyone with a reasonable degree of walking experience and current reasonable state of fitness should cope with. The relatively high grade reflects the length of some of the day stages. The terrain in general is not difficult; consisting largely of farm, forest tracks and minor roads. Some can be muddy after wet periods. Day stages: Approximately 14 to 27 km per day with average altitude gains of 600m. (On a couple of days there is over 1000m of gain. This is about 5 to 8 hours of walking. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Transport to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included. Luggage transfer (1 bag per person weighing no more than 13kg) is provided between hotels every day.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 11 nights in small country hotels. Two-star hotels offer en suite facilities, while one-star hotels do not always have en suite facilities. Luggage is transferred between hotels every day. If the usual choice of accommodation is not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed at the time of booking if these are of a different standard. ...more ...less
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 11 breakfasts and 9 dinners. However, 2 dinners, lunches, and beverages are not included.
-
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided. Each person is allowed one bag weighing no more than 13kg. If you have more luggage, the carrier offers bag storage; please ask for more details if required.
-
What kind of support is available in case of emergencies?
An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour.
-
Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps to help you navigate the journey.
-
What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek is graded as moderate to strenuous (grade 4). It is suitable for anyone with a reasonable degree of walking experience and a current reasonable state of fitness. The relatively high grade reflects the length of some of the day stages, which range from approximately 14 to 27 km per day with average altitude gains of 600m.
-
What happens if I am traveling solo or want a single room?
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
What are the starting and ending points of the tour?
The tour starts in Le Puy-en-Velay and ends in Conques.
-
What should I do if I need to leave the tour early or require unscheduled transfers?
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included in the tour package and will be at your own expense.
-
What is the terrain like during the trek?
The terrain consists largely of farm and forest tracks and minor roads. Some sections can be muddy after wet periods. The day stages involve approximately 5 to 8 hours of walking with altitude gains of up to 1000m on some days.
-
Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
-
Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
-
Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
-
How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain 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 walkers' britain 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: Walk to Conques
12 Days Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, France and ending in Conques, France
Visiting: Le Puy-en-Velay, Saugues, Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, Aubrac, Saint-Côme-d'Olt, Estaing, Golinhac, Conques ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided