Camino Le Puy Complete: Le Puy-en-Velay to St Jean-Pied-de-Port

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Day 1: Arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay

Le Puy Camino starts in the charming Le Puy-en-Velay, nestled between the Auvergne volcanoes and the Rhone Alpes valley. You feel you are stepping back in time, wandering the cobbled streets of the old town. Enjoy a walk up to “Notre Dame de France” for some fantastic panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

• Accommodation: Hotel Le Régina or similar in Le Puy-en-Velay

Day 2: Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d’Allier | 23km

Today your walk crosses lush mountains in Velay Massif, enjoying stunning scenery all day long before reaching the pretty village of Saint-Privat d’Allier. Between Le Puy and Saint Christophe, the route rises from 625m to 966m and crosses the vast plateau that leads to the Mountains of Velay. The trail faithfully adheres to the ancient pilgrim route as far as La Roche before joining another of the old trails that comes from Ramourouscle at Saint-Christophe. To be a real pilgrim, you should start from the door of the cathedral and go down the grand steps to La Rue des Tables and, just after passing the fountain, turn left into Rue Raphael, which opens out into the Place du Plot. You then follow the Rue Saint-Jacques leading into Rue des Capucins.

• Walking for the day: 23km, 4-5h ↑550m ↓335m
• Accommodation: B&B La Cabourne or similar in Saint-Privat-d’Allier

Day 3: Saint-Privat-d’Allier to Saugues | 19km

Today you walk a shorter distance, but the ascents and descents make it a very challenging stage. However, it is a very rewarding day as you enjoy wonderful views of the Velay Massif and pass by picturesque villages and hamlets such as Rochegude and Combriaux. From Monistrol on, the climb is quite steep to reach Montaure (1,022m) on the edge of the Gevaudan plateau. Until Montaure, the route follows the exact ancient pilgrims’ trail and then the historical trail goes off to the right. A new route has now been developed which is just as direct but more pleasant for walking before you arrive in Saugues, where you stay for the night.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 4h ↑565m ↓480m
• Accommodation: B&B Les Gabales or similar in Saugues

Day 4: Saugues to Saint-Alban | 33km

This is a long day. There are farm cafes in Contaldes and Chazeaux and a cafe restaurant in Chanaleilles, just off the route, but they are not regularly open. So we recommend that you get supplies in Saugues before leaving. There is a patisserie nearly opposite the hotel and there is a supermarket and another baker on the way out of town. Today, your walk takes you to Le Sauvage, a farming area perched on top of a hill dating back to the times of the Templars. You then enter Lozère department at the Saint-Roch chapel (a great spot for a picnic with panoramic views) before finishing in Les Faux or Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole. Accommodation tonight at a charming auberge in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, or at Les-Faux.

• Walking for the day: 33km, 7-8h ↑560m ↓560m
• Accommodation: Auberge Saint Jacques or similar in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole

Day 5: Saint-Alban to Aumont-Aubrac | 21km

A lovely day of undulating, rural terrain, crossing small rivers through forests, and fields and into small villages. Enjoy a scenic walk on the Aubrac Plateau. Your journey today ends in the charming town of Aumont-Aubrac. The heart of the old town was formerly surrounded by ramparts. The Place de L’Hotel-de-Ville was at the old gate of the city. The old town has preserved houses of the 16th and 17th century, with sculpted stone facades.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h ↑330m ↓480m
• Accommodation: B&B Les Sentiers Fleuris or similar in Aumont-Aubrac

Day 6: Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals | 26km

Today the landscape changes completely as you reach the higher parts of the GR65 long-distance path. The landscape changes from woodland and meadows to a wilder windswept moorland, with streams, drystone walls and huge boulders: some plonked into fields with glacial melt after the last Ice Age. There are some tiny fields reflecting a time of land subdivision and hardship.

• Walking for the day: 26km, 6h ↑360m ↓230m
• Accommodation: Hotel Le Bastide or similar in Nasbinals

Day 7: Nasbinals to Saint-Chély d’Aubrac | 16km

Today is your last real day in the high grasslands and transhumance areas. You pass the highest point of the whole 750-km route between Le Puy‐en‐Velay and St Jean Pied‐de‐Port (1,366m) just before the historical village of Aubrac, and then start to descend into a less wild territory and a very pleasant village at the end.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 3-4h ↑200m ↓550m
• Accommodation: Hotel des Voyageurs or similar in Saint Chely d’Aubrac

Day 8: Saint-Chély d’Aubrac to Espalion | 22km

From Saint-Chély, you start descending to the superb Lot Valley. You arrive at Saint-Côme-d’Olt, one of “Les plus beaux villages de France” (an official accreditation in France) along the Lot River. Its old quarter has a distinctive medieval feel. From Saint-Côme-d’Olt, you continue to Espalion, also along the Lot River. Espalion has a picturesque medieval bridge over the Lot and a lovely riverfront: the buildings with characteristic wooden balconies used to be old tanneries.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 4-5h ↑330m ↓715m
• Accommodation: Hotel de France or similar in Espalion

Day 9: Espalion to Estaing | 12km

Today’s walk continues along the Lot Valley, where many more beautiful sights await. The beautiful chapel of Saint-Pierre of Bessuéjouls is one of the oldest along the route and has an 11th-century chapel in the bell tower. Your day will end in Estaing, another spectacular sight with its impressive castle welcoming pilgrims from a distance. Strolling its quaint medieval streets, you feel like you are going back in time.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 3h ↑190m ↓190m
• Accommodation: B&B Chez Tifille or similar in Estaing

Day 10: Estaing to Golinhac | 14km

Today is a straightforward walk and although there are some potentially muddy paths, there is a lot of road walking on quiet tarmac roads, so if you have trainers, you might consider wearing them instead of heavier footwear. Most of the steep climbing is completed early on so that you can enjoy great views across the hills heading for Golinhac. Although this is a short day and you will probably make it to a restaurant in Golinhac by lunchtime, if you want to start later, we recommend that you bring supplies from the little supermarket and the bakery in Estaing.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 3-4h ↑450m ↓120m
• Accommodation: B&B La Landette or similar in Golinhac

Day 11: Golinhac to Conques | 21km

Either ask the accommodation for a packed lunch or get something from the shop. Espeyrac and Senergues also have bars, and small shops, although often with limited opening times. From Espeyrac, the GR65 leads you to the old pilgrims’ village of Senergues with its fortified chateau and beautiful little church. Then you climb onto the rolling plateau of Campeux to arrive at one of the most famous places en route, the ancient village of Conques. It is quite a straightforward day, about 80% on minor tarmac roads, but the path sections can be muddy and the descent into Conques is quite steep and stony but not for too long.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 4-5h ↑310m ↓660m
• Accommodation: Auberge Saint Jacques or similar in Conques

Day 12: Rest day in Conques

Conques has a girdle of walls with fortified gateways, flanked with several towers, enveloping a network of tiny streets which lead to holy places and various living quarters. Conques has always been an important stop for the pilgrims on the Le Puy Camino because of the remains of Sainte-Foy. The Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998.

• Accommodation: Auberge Saint -acques or similar in Conques

Day 13: Conques to Livinhac le Haut | 24km

You leave the charming village of Conques, walking down to the Dourdou river and crossing its medieval bridge. From here, you climb gradually to the chapel of Sainte-Foy. The water from the small spring beside the chapel is said to cure tired eyes. You get fantastic views of the village as you leave it behind. The route continues through forests and lush green fields to the towns of Decazeville and Livinhac-le-Haut.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 5-6h↑710m ↓790m
• Accommodation: Gite Sur le Chemin or similar in Livinhac le Haut

Day 14: Livinhac-le-Haut to Figeac | 24km

Today, you notice the change in the landscape as you move from the Aveyron region into the region of Le Lot. You climb steadily for the first part of the day and then reach a great viewing point looking back at Decazeville. The day ends in Figeac, which has many popular attractions including the beautiful medieval church of Eglise Saint-Sauveur, Musée Champollion (a small museum celebrating the life and work of Jean-François Champollion, the genius who figured out Egyptian hieroglyphs), and the Templar Commandery.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 5-6h ↑360m ↓360m
• Accommodation: Hotel des Bains or similar in Figeac

Day 15: Figeac to Gréalou | 21km

From Figeac, the route climbs up to a high plateau, so there are some ascents today but you are rewarded with fantastic views. The landscape is rough. You overnight in the tiny village of Gréalou.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h ↑360m ↓160m
• Accommodation: Gite Ecoasis or similar in Gréalou

Day 16: Gréalou to Cajarc | 11km

Today’s route is through forests with less climbing. You pass ancient dolmens, stone shelters unique to the region and stone crosses, including the oldest on the whole route. Cajarc is a charming small village surrounded by very high limestone cliffs located on the banks of the Lot River.

• Walking for the day: 11km, 3h ↑80m ↓300m
• Accommodation: Hotel La Peyrade or similar in Cajarc

Day 17: Cajarc to Limognes en Quercy | 17km

Today’s walk takes you through lovely woods and the agricultural lands of the Causses du Quercy. Les causses refers to a group of limestone plateaus in the Massif Central. It is quite an easy day’s walk, allowing you plenty of time to pace yourself, enjoy the walk and take in the lovely scenery.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 4h ↑290m ↓140m
• Accommodation: B&B La Hulotte or similar in Limogne-en-Quercy

Day 18: Limognes en Quercy to Lalbenque/Mas-de-Vers | 22km

Today’s walk is mainly flat on woodland tracks as you continue your journey across the Parc Naturel Regional des Causses de Quercy. The forest here is very large, dissected by myriad paths going in all directions. Without a compass, maps or signs, it is very easy to get lost. On your way to Mas-de-Vers, you pass more dolmens and stone structures. If you get the chance, taste the region’s most celebrated delicacy: the black truffle. Depending on the availability, you overnight in Mas-de-Vers or Lalbenque.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 5-6h ↑90m ↓130m
• Accommodation: Gite de Poudally or similar in Lalbenque

Day 19: Lalbenque/Mas-de-Vers to Cahors | 18km

This stage starts from Lalbenque / Mas-de-Vers near the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park and leads to the beautiful city of Cahors, built into a meander of the Lot river. The slightly undulating path runs through cultivated countryside and passes several villages. You pass many stone shepherd shelters, which they call caselles, unique to the region. As you walk into medieval Cahors, you get some fantastic views. The town of Cahors has been awarded the Villes d’Art et d’histoire label and has an impressive history, including Valentré Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne de Cahors.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 4-5h ↑170m ↓310m
• Accommodation: Hotel Brit Le Valentré or similar in Cahors

Day 20: Cahors to Lascabanes | 23km

From Cahors, the walk starts with a demanding climb, giving you a good view of Cahors down in the valley before continuing to the Causses limestone plateau. On your way, you pass the villages of Labastide-Marnhac, before arriving in the village of Lascabanes, where you find a lovely chapel. Lascabanes had a pilgrim hospital in the 15th century and the tiny church still offers a pilgrim blessing every day at 6pm.

• Walking for the day: 23km, 5-6h ↑330m ↓280m
• Accommodation: B&B Lanies or similar in Lascabanes

Day 21: Lascabanes to Lauzerte | 23km

Today’s walk has a few ascents and descents all the way to Lauzerte. Fewer woodlands today, but more farmland and crop fields, until you reach the beautiful village of Lauzerte, another on the list of “most beautiful villages of France”. Located in the heart of the Chasselas wine region, also famous for producing Quercy melons, Lauzerte boasts and appealing landscape of limestone plateaus and valleys, sunflower and lavender fields, vineyards and orchards.

• Walking for the day: 23km, 5h ↑370m ↓345m
• Accommodation: Gite Les Figuiers or similar in Lauzerte

Day 22: Lauzerte to Moissac | 25km

Today is one of the easiest walking days as you make your way towards Moissac on quiet countryside tracks, crossing woodlands, crop fields and vineyards. Moissac is at the confluence of the rivers Garonne and Tarn at the Canal de Garonne and is well known for its medieval Moissac Abbey.

• Walking for the day: 25km, 5-6h ↑330m ↓470m
• Accommodation: Hotel Le Pont Napoléon or similar in Moissac

Day 23: Moissac to Auvillar | 21km

The route to Auvillar follows the Garonne River (you get amazing views of the valley from the hamlet of Boudou) for most of the day, then crosses the canal at Malause before climbing up towards Auvillar. The village is surrounded by ancient fortified walls and entrance gates. One of gates passes under the 17th-century clocktower, unusual in that it was made from alternating levels of white stone with the typical red brick of the region.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h ↑300m ↓270m
• Accommodation: Hotel de L’Horloge or similar in Auvillar

Day 24: Auvillar to Flamarens | 14km

Today, you leave El Pito and its majestic residences behind. While part of the path is along roads today, you will follow many old paths and pass some stunning beaches and green countryside along the way. Your accommodation is a charming guesthouse about 1.5km from the trail (included in the total walking distance).

• Walking for the day: 14km, 4h ↑285m ↓210m
• Accommodation: B&B Maison Lamothe or similar in Flamarens

Day 25: Flamarens to Lectoure | 21km

Today’s walk takes you to Lectoure. Lots of beautiful countryside to see en route to one of the oldest towns in the Gers region, its foundations dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. Not to miss in this historic spa town: the ramparts, Albinhac Tower, Bourreau Tower, Counts of Armagnac castle, Diane fountain, Saint-Gervais-Saint Protais church and the Holy Spirit Church or Chapel of Saint-Gény.  Lectoure is in the Armagnac region, famous for its brandy.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h ↑190m ↓215m
• Accommodation: Hotel de Bastard or similar in Lectoure

Day 26: Lectoure to La Romieu | 18km

After a a very pleasant stroll through woodland and peaceful countryside, cross the River Gers after leaving Lectoure. Located between Agen in the north and Auch in the south, La Romieu is famous for its UNESCO St. Pierre La Romieu church and for being one of “Les plus beaux villages de France. Quirkily, it’s also known as the ‘village of cats’ as there are a prolific number of feral ones living in the ancient streets and alleys.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 4-5h ↑240m ↓225m
• Accommodation: B&B L’Etape d’Angéline or similar in La Romieu

Day 27: La Romieu to Condom | 13km

Today’s walk takes you to the medieval town of Condom. The more you walk to the west, the more vines you see spread towards the Bas Armagnac area, as well as sunflowers, orchards and fields of melons. On the way, also pass by La Chapelle Sainte-Germaine, a restored church with great views over the nearby countryside.

• Walking for the day: 13km, 3h ↑145m ↓250m
• Accommodation: Hotel Le Continental or similar in Condom

Day 28: Condom to Montréal-du-Gers | 17km

This section from Condom is full of history and interesting architecture. En route, we suggest taking a detour to Larresingle (another “Les plus beaux villages de France”). Larressingle is a 13th-century fortified village located one kilometre from the GR65. After Larresingle you come to the Pont d’Artigues, then check out Chapelle de Routgès, the oldest church in the region. Passing a castle, you arrive in Montréal-du-Gers, home to the biggest vineyard of Armagnac.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 4h ↑210m ↓170m
• Accommodation: B&B Carpe Diem or similar in Montréal

Day 29: Montréal-du-Gers to Eauze | 17km

Most of today’s walk is flat across rural landscapes, intersected by minor roads. The first 10km of the trail takes you alongside vineyards and fields to the hamlet of Lamothe with its 13th-century guard tower. The walk then heads down into the valley before a steady uphill trail leads you into the Place d’Armagnac in Eauze, the capital of Armagnac. In AD3, the city became the capital of the Roman province of Novempopulania and it’s worth checking out the archaeology museum in the heart of Eauze, where you can discover the trails of the ancient city of Elusa.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 4h ↑125m ↓90m
• Accommodation: Hotel Henri IV or similar in Eauze

Day 30: Eauze to Nogaro | 20km

Walk through the vineyards of Armagnac to the beautiful town of Manciet, a historical point on the Le Puy Camino. In the Middle Ages, this was where pilgrims coming from Auch would meet those walking the Le Puy route. Stay overnight at Nogaro – an Armagnac brandy distillery.

• Walking for the day: 20km, 5h ↑130m ↓200m
• Accommodation: Hotel Le Commerce Nogaro or similar in Nogaro

Day 31: Nogaro to Aire-sur-l’Adour | 27km

Walk alongside farmland and through some typically pretty villages for most of today. On the last stretch, the landscape changes from that of vineyards and farms to pine, oak and chestnut forests. There is quite a bit of road walking but not much traffic, mainly tractors. Your journey ends in Aire-sur-l’Adour, a quiet market town by the river Adour. A settlement has existed here since Roman times, although it is only a trace of the name that still exists: the roman name was Atura, which later gave rise to Adour. The town extends south from here along Rue Gambetta and Rue Carnot, where you find lots of small shops.

• Walking for the day: 27km, 6-7h ↑160m ↓185m
• Accommodation: Hotel N’Atura or similar in Aire-sur-l’Adour 

Day 32: Aire-sur-l’Adour to Arzacq | 31km

Your walking day to Arzacq-Arraziguet takes you through the lush green countryside with hamlets and ancient buildings such as medieval chapels and wash-houses (lavoirs). It is a demanding walking day, mainly due to its length rather than the difficulty of the trail. You also see the first view of the snow-capped Pyrenees today. Pass the magnificent 11th-century Miramont Sensacq church, formerly dedicated to St James. From here, you enter the region of Béarn, ending your day in the 11th-century town of Arzacq-Arraziguet.

• Walking for the day: 31km, 7-8h ↑365m ↓215m
• Accommodation: B&B La Maison d’Antan or similar in Arzacq-Arraziguet

Day 33: Arzacq to Larreule | 12km

You have plenty of time to take in the magnificent scenery today, with the Pyrenees to the south. The route takes you across rolling hills and ancient villages such as Louvigny and Larreule, the latter home to a 10th-century Benedictine monastery, which was an important stop for medieval pilgrims.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 3h ↑200m ↓305m
• Accommodation: Gite L’Escale or similar in Larreule

Day 34: Larreule to Maslacq | 26km

Today your walk takes you to Uzan – visit the beautiful rural church of Sainte-Quitterie and a stone fountain. From Pomps to Maslacq, you pass Arthez-de-Béarn, with its distinctive Basque architecture. A few long uphill stretches add a bit of a challenge to this pleasant section of the trail.

• Walking for the day: 26km, 6h ↑155m ↓205m
• Accommodation: B&B La Ferme de Bicatou or similar in Maslacq

Day 35: Maslacq to Navarrenx | 22km

Your walk today ends with a long descent through a forest which takes you to the lovely walled town of Navarrenx, the first place in France to be fortified with Italian-style ramparts in the 16th century. Navarrenx is also one of “Les plus beaux villages de France”. Over the centuries, the fortified wall of Navarrenx has retained its main features. From the top of the ramparts, there is a pleasant view of the Pyrenees and, below, the arches of the bridge of Navarrenx (13th century).

• Walking for the day: 22km, 4-5h ↑380m ↓335m
• Accommodation: B&B Le Relais du Jacquet or similar in Navarrenx

Day 36: Navarrenx to Lichos | 13km

Today your walk takes you through woodlands and peaceful countryside before reaching the tiny village of Lichos, where you enter French Basque Country.

• Walking for the day: 13km, 3h ↑95m ↓120m
• Accommodation: B&B Haïtzpean or similar in Lichos

Day 37: Lichos to Saint-Palais | 24km

Stop at the Romanesque church of St Etienne in Aroue, taking a detour off the path to see the Romanesque church of St Just in Olhaiby. Note that your accommodation in Saint-Palais is slightly off the main track – Saint-Palais is about 4.5km north of the GR65, included in your total distance today.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 5-6h ↑340m ↓310m
• Accommodation: Hotel de La Paix or similar in Saint-Palais

Day 38: Saint-Palais to Ostabat | 13km

During your walk today, you pass the Stelle de Gibraltar, famous for being the where all the Camino routes from France meet. Your walk then takes you across rolling countryside before reaching Soyarce chapel where you get amazing views over the Pyrenees. Next, you reach the village of Ostabat – a small village that used to be an important stop for medieval pilgrims.

• Walking for the day: 13km, 3-4h ↑230m ↓230m
• Accommodation: Gite La Ferme Gaineko Etxea or similar in Ostabat-Asme

Day 39: Ostabat to St Jean-Pied-de-Port | 22km

Your last walking day today, it takes you across rural Basque country before reaching St James Gate and entering the stunning medieval villages of St Jean-Pied-de-Port, also one of “Les plus beaux villages de France”, at the foothills of the Pyrenees. This village is a small border town on the river Nive but is always a hub of Camino pilgrims, as it is the starting point of the French Way to Santiago. The town has traditionally been an important point on the Way of St. James, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, as it stands at the foot of the Roncevaux Pass across the Pyrenees. The routes from Paris, Vézelay and Le Puy-en-Velay meet at St Jean-Pied-de-Port.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 4-5h ↑200m ↓215m
• Accommodation: Hotel Ramuntcho or similar in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Day 40: Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure. We recommend booking additional nights in St Jean-Pied-de-Port to explore this charming town.

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Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.

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Arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay: You can get to Le Puy-en-Velay by train; from Lyon airport, you can get a shuttle Tram Express to Lyon Part‐Dieu station. You can also fly to Paris (or take the train from London to Paris if coming from the UK) with an onward connection by air or TGV (high-speed) train to Lyon, where you change for Le Puy (direct or via St Etienne). For timetables and further information, check the website of SNCF.

Departure from St Jean-Pied-de-Port: From St Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can take a train to reach Bayonne and on to various points in France (Pau, Bordeaux, Paris) or Spain (San Sebastian). These are the TER regional trains (approx. 1h05min). From Bayonne, you can take a 30mins bus to the airport in Biarritz and fly to points throughout Europe.