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Cycle the full length of the Way of St James in France from the Haute Loire to the rugged mountains of the Pyrenees. The pilgrimage route to Santiago has been travelled for over 1000 years by foot, donkey and more recently by bike. Offering an incredible diversity of scenery and passing through some of the prettiest villages in France, this is an epic cycling route with a spiritual theme. This journey, along the Via Podiensis, the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port, passing a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. With some steep climbs, followed by fast descents, this trip is ideally suited to fit cyclists keen to extend their experience to an iconic route. At night your hosts in the guesthouses and small hotels will ensure that you are well fed and immersed in their particular region with its culinary specialties.
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22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(334kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Le Puy-en-Velay
Arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay. Capital of Haute-Loire and located in the southeast of the Massif Central, it's an ancient town surrounded by a volcanic landscape which is dominated by rocky peaks rising from the valley floor. We recommend that you allow at least half a day to explore. Take a stroll and visit the Chapel of Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe, built by Godescalc, after his pilgrimage to Santiago in AD951. Warm up your cycling legs and climb the 267 steps for views over the town and surrounding area. You can also visit some of the many museums and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre Dame. Make sure you purchase your pilgrim passport to have it stamped throughout your journey to St Jean Pied de Port.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Saugues via Monts du Deves (46km/29mi)
Starting from the cathedral, the route ascends quickly to leave the town of Le Puy. It goes through the Monts du Velay, where green lentils are grown, and enters the volcanic range of Devès before going down into the Haut-Allier gorges, a natural frontier before the Velay and the Gévaudan areas. The ascent of the Saugues plateau will be the last difficulty of this stage. Overnight in Saugues, which is famous for its mushrooms! Cumulative: 968m/3175ft ascent, 670m/2198ft descent
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Cycle across the Margeride plateau to Aumont-Aubrac (44km/27.5mi)
Saugues is a small town famous for its English Tower, its Mushroom Fair and the legendary Beast of Gévaudan. Today's route continues into the Margeride plateau, then winds through the Truyère high valley. On your way, pass St Roch Chapel, the hightest point of this stage with an altitude of around 1300m, and cross pretty hamlets of Le Rouget, St Alban sur Limagnole and Les Estrets. Your destination is the charming town of Aumont-Aubrac (at 1043m) in the heart of Lozère, an important point on the pilgrimage route. Cumulative: 728m/2388ft ascent, 648m/2126ft descent
Day 4
Challenging cycle via Nasbinals to Estaing (78km/49mi)
From Aumont-Aubrac, located in "Terre de Peyre" (land of stones), the route goes through pine groves before reaching the Aubrac plateau, covered with pastures as far as the eye can see. Just after Nasbinals, famous for the "transhumance" (at the end of May), you pass the highest point of the Le Puy Camino, col d'Aubrac, at 1340m. Further down, around Saint Côme d’Olt, the route becomes flat and you will discover the Lot valley and the lovely village of Estaing. Cumulative: 325m/1066ft ascent, 1059m/3474ft descent
Day 5
Cycle to Conques (36km/22.5mi)
Today is one of the shorter stages and also one of the most challenging, taking you through the very hilly Aveyron. Leaving Estaing and the Lot valley, there is a very steep ascent to Campuac before you continue towards Espeyrac, a nice village with its ruined castle dating from the Middle Ages. Soon after you reach Sénergues, also very interesting with its castle and the Tour Carrée, before a spectacular route takes you downhill towards Conques, classified among the most beautiful of France. You'll be amazed by St Foy Abbey-church and its tympanum of the Last Judgment, a jewel of Romanesque art on the Via Podiensis. Cumulative: 639m/2096ft ascent, 649m/2129ft descent
Day 6
Continue cycle to Figeac (43km/27mi)
Start today along the river Dourdou de Conques, which brings you back along the Lot river. On the Lot, flat-bottomed boats called “gabares” used to transport charcoal to Bordeaux. The river is the connecting thread of this stage, leading you up to Livinhac-le-Haut. You then leave it behind to reach the pretty town of Figeac, by the Célé river. This is the home town of Champollion, the 'Father of Egyptology' who first deciphered hieroglyphics, and a very important pilgrimage connecting point. Cumulative: 716m/2349ft ascent, 1028m/3372ft descent
Meals: B
Day 7
Cycle through the Célé valley to Bouzies (54km/34mi)
Today's route winds through the Célé valley. You will follow the road that winds alongside the river and pass typical Quercy villages including Espagnac and its lovely 13th century church, Saint Sulpice and its troglodyte houses, Marcilhac and the ruins of its Benedictine abbey church, then Sauliac and Cabrerets with its prehistoric cave of Peche Merle. A few kilometres later, in Conduché, you will find the Lot river again and then soon cross the bridge to reach Bouziès, where you stay tonight. Cumulative: 730m/2395ft ascent, 790m/2592ft descent
Day 8
Through medieval towns to Cahors (35km/22mi)
An easier day of cycling today. First you join the trail with the walkers before starting a breathtaking route, cut in the rock on the edge of the Lot to reach Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Take the time to discover this gorgeous village, another of the 'most beautiful villages in France'. You leave Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and the valley on a steep ascent with panoramic views. Take a break in the village of Aujols before continuing towards Flaujac-Poujols. Enjoy a beautiful 5 km descent, which will then take you to the medieval town of Cahors. Known for its famous “Pont Valentré”, Cahors has had a rich history. It is known as the centre of AOC ‘black’ wine which has been produced since the Middle Ages and was exported via Bordeaux, long before that famous region developed its own viticulture industry. The choice is yours as to where you wish to dine this evening. Cumulative: 616m/2021ft ascent, 638m/2093ft descent
Day 9
Cycle to Lauzerte (39km/24.4mi)
Leaving Cahors via the Valentré bridge, the route continues to Labastide-Marnhac, and again meet the pilgrim walkers. Continue on small tracks & roads to Lascabannes. After few kilometers, you leave the Lot department and enter the Tarn et Garonne on a road up to Lauzerte. The town of Lauzerte is spectacularly located on a hill overlooking a landscape of vineyards, limestone plateaus and green valleys. Spend some time wandering the upper village with its medieval architecture, ramparts and picturesque town square. Cumulative: 406m/1332ft ascent, 297m/974ft descent
Day 10
Cycle to Auvillar with its interesting medieval circular market (47km/29mi)
The day begins with a great descent to Moissac, a former major stop on the Camino, before continuing into the Lomagne or "hunchback Gascogne", an area of natural beauty. Straddling the Tarn et Garonne and the Gers, this former dependency of the duchy of Gascony is the land of white garlic, interesting houses and churches. Later you reach Auvillar, built on a promontory and classified as one of the "most beautiful villages in France". With its circular market built in 1824, clock tower and old stone houses, there is much to see around the town. Cumulative: 309m/1014ft ascent, 418m/1371ft descent
Day 11
Continue to the Armagnac town of Condom (60km/37.5mi)
Along this stage, you will leave Tarn et Garonne and enter the Gers départment. The route is lined with quaint villages: Flamarens, Miradoux, Lectoure, Marsolan, and La Romieu. Leaving La Romieu, the expansive views of the open countryside of the Gers are inspiring. The area represents the transition between the 'haute' Armagnac around Lectoure (also called White Armagnac due to the limestone found throughout the area) and the 'bas' Armagnac around Eauze, where thick black oak woods are found and more than 50% of the wine crops of Armagnac are located. Condom is one of the principal Armagnac towns and is located on a spur of the rivers Gèle and Baise. A key attraction is the Gothic styled cathedral of St Peter's, the last built in the Languedoc style. Cumulative: 786m/2578ft ascent, 812m/2667ft descent
Day 12
Cycle via the Roman town of Eauze to Barcelonne du Gers/Aire sur l'Adour (80km/50mi)
Today's route has lots of ups and downs and takes you first to Montréal-du-Gers, one of the oldest walled towns of Gascogne (1289). En route we recommend a little detour through Larresingle, another of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France". Continue to Eauze, the capital of the current Gascogne. Take time to admire the slender steeple of St Luperce and the half-timbered house of Jeanne d’Albret. At the end of the day, you will come out on the Adour plain, a very open and intensively cultivated landscape. Aire sur l'Adour is separated into two parts; the lower section which is by the river and dominated by the cathedral of St Jean Baptiste, and the high town or Mas d'Aire, which is dominated by the Eglise de Sainte Quitterie where a Benedictine monastery once stood. Accommodation this evening will be in Aire or neighbouring Barcelonne du Gers. Cumulative: 836m/2742ft ascent, 846m/2776ft descent
Day 13
Continue cycle past small churches and a pilgrims hospital to Maslacq (67km/42mi)
Today is another challenging ride as you transition from the Landes to the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department. You start the day on a small department road between farms and cornfields until you reach Troussin, Latrille then Miramont-Sensacq, where you're back on the Camino. Further on, you enter the Béarn area, and the terrain gradually changes to make way for chestnut and ferns. Continue to arrive at Arzacq-de-Béarn before reaching the small village of Maslacq. Cumulative: 700m/2165ft ascent/descent
Day 14
Cycle via Navarrenx to Saint Palais (48km/30mi)
Today you will transition between the Béarn area and the Basque country, in the very heart of the Pyrenean foothills. After the ancient fortified village of Navarrenx, you will cross the Gave d’Oloron. Along the way discover the Montgaston and Joantho castles before reaching St Palais, a cultural town which plays host to colourful festivals and markets. Here the street signs are in the Basque language which is typical of the region. This is also the entry point into the Lower Navarre, formerly the Kingdom of Navarre. There are a number of sights to visit including a museum containing historic pilgrim relics and a statue of St James the pilgrim. Cumulative: 581m/1906ft ascent, 612m/2007ft descent
Day 15
Final stage to St Jean Pied de Port (35km/21.9mi)
The last stage before the Spanish border! You're in the beautiful Basque country, with its white houses and their typical red-tinted half-timber. You still have to cross the Col des Palombières. After enjoying an exceptional view, the descent is very beautiful and will lead you to Jaxu, before descending a valley to reach Bustince-Iriberry, then Saint-Jean-le-Vieux. The last kilometres will lead you to Porte Saint-Jacques, at the entrance of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. With its ornate Basque-style houses and wealth of sights - Citadelle, Prison des Eveques, museums and churches, the various Portes and bridges over the river Nive - take your time exploring this evening. Cumulative: 430m/1410ft ascent, 309m/1014ft descent
Day 16
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.
What's included
What's not included
The usual hybrid bikes for this trip are eg Cube Tourers 24 speed or "Boardman" hybrid 20 or 18 speed. A rental helmet is provided, and the bikes are fitted with a pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump and lock. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair - a puncture repair kit is provided, to fix the issue.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Supplement applies for e-bike rental. Sample e-bike model is Cube Electric Hybrid with Bosch 400WH system
GRADE 5 - Closely following the GR65 (although only up to 20% is actually on the walking route) the cycle route covers daily distance of between 35 and 80km / 21.5 and 50mi over initially mountainous terrain with ascents of between 145 and 1150m / 475 and 3773ft each day. The grading is challenging to reflect the terrain and the distances covered on the more challenging days. Much of the route is on small country roads with some sections (around 0-30%) on dirt and gravel roads. Entering and leaving towns will require additional care due to traffic on the road. Unlike the walking route, the cycle route is not signposted and waymarked. Unlike the walking route, the cycle route is not signposted and waymarked. Therefore following the route with the navigational app provided is essential. We recommend that you prepare well for this trip to ensure you have time and energy to discover the towns and sights in the afternoon and en route. An option to rent an e-bike is available if you are not sure of your fitness. You should have good cycling experience. Preparation should begin at least 3 months before departure, with regular riding on roads over undulating terrain essential. Please speak to your UTracks consultant or travel agent for further advice on fitness preparation.
Per Person, Twin Share
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