Arrive in the picturesque town of Conques, Romanesque in origin and nestled in lush greenery. If you want to visit Conques and its abbey, a major building of Romanesque architecture, we recommend that you arrive in the late morning or early afternoon. Dinner at the hotel is included this evening.

Meals:  D

The trail this morning heads to the surrounding hills where the view over the village of Conques is striking. Along the way, visit a small chapel dedicated to Saint Roch, pilgrim saint of Montpellier. Here he is depicted as a pilgrim with a scallop shell. This evening your accommodation will be in Livinhac. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 23.5km/14.6mi, +671m/2201ft, -753m/2470ft

Meals:  B

Walking from Livinhac you will reach the hilltop village of Montredon, dominated by its church Saint Michel and Romanesque Chapel of St Mary. The route then crosses the countryside to arrive in Figeac. Figeac is a substantial medieval town in the Lot department, east of Cahors on the River Célé. It has an extensive and interesting historical centre, dating in part from the 9th century. There are also many houses and small palaces from the 13th-16th centuries, when it was an important trade centre. It is the birthplace of Champollion, decipherer of the Egyptian hieroglyphs, and you can visit the excellent museum dedicated to his work. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +507m/1663ft, -517m/1696ft

Meals:  B

The trail crosses the river Célé and ascends the limestone plateau where you can admire the magnificent "Cazels" or "Bories" - little drystone shepherd huts. Arrive in Gréalou, with its 12th century Romanesque church Our Lady of the Assumption. Continue to Ussac and your accommodation. (Subject to availability, overnight may be in Grealou, where the accommodation has shared facilities). Distance to Grealou 20km/12.42mi Distance to Ussac 24.7km/15.4mi, +412m/1352ft, -231m/758ft

Meals:  B,D

The trail today descends along the Lot valley to the small town of Cajarc. It is in the heart of the valley, on a very scenic stretch of river as it passes through the Regional Natural Parc of the Causses de Quercy. Here you can visit the ruins of a castle dating from the thirteenth century and the chapel of St Margaret, listed as an historical monument since 1941. The site of the town has been occupied since the Roman period, with the fortified part of the village dating from the 12th century onwards, when the town prospered due to its port. Distance 11km/6.83mi, +109m/358ft, -338m/1108ft

Meals:  B

The trail continues along the arid plateau of Limogne en Quercy. The rainwater seeps into the rocks to form a network of underground rivers, and the region is also rich in caves, some of which contain cave paintings. The Causse de Limogne (the group of limestone plateaus in the Massif Central) also contains many dolmens. It's an easy day’s walk, allowing you plenty of time to take in the lovely scenery. Limogne en Quercy is famous for its truffle fair, usually held on Sunday mornings from December to March and in Summer. There is a Sunday market (also a Friday market in season). Distance 19km/11.9mi, +353m/1158ft, -203m/666ft

Meals:  B,D

A great walk today as you continue across “le parc naturel regional des Causses de Quercy”. Along the way you'll see the dolmens (megalithic tombs built of stone) and other historic monuments and sights of interest: old windmills, wells, dry stone walls and a pretty monolithic cross (carved from a single block) along the route. The relative isolation of the plateau has created a quiet life for the villages, its farms and houses. If you get the chance, try the region’s most celebrated delicacy: the black truffle. Distance 25km/15.6mi, +203m/666ft, -240m/787ft

Meals:  B,D

The trail takes you along the Cami Ferrat, an ancient trade route between Cahors and Caylus. You'll pass many stone shepherd shelters, ‘caselle’, which are unique to the region. As you walk into Cahors, you'll enjoy fantastic views. It's nestled in a U-shaped bend of the Lot River and to arrive you cross the famous bridge Valentré: an emblem of the city and a well-known pilgrim milestone. Once a major financial and trading centre during the Middle Ages, Cahors' rich heritage is evident in its fine buildings. It's also know for wine, predominantly its AOC Cahors, an intense red. The region's wine making dates from Ancient Rome, with vines being planted in the area since around 50 BC. It is the largest city on the Le Puy Camino with a population of over 22,000 inhabitants. On Saturday mornings, Cahors market (voted one of France's top 25) takes place at the foot of the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Etienne. Try the local pastis, its famous apple cake. Distance 22km/13.8mi, +230m/754ft, -385m/1263ft

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast, or continue on the next stage to Lectoure. We can assist with booking extra nights in Cahors on request - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B