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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, along the Via Podensis, 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. All stages of this historic trail from Le Puy are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
From the pretty town of Conques, traverse the Lot Valley and cross vast limestone plateaus covered in forests of oak, chestnut, boxwood and Montpellier maple and dotted with megaliths and other historic relics. The plateau, cut by the Lot and Cele rivers, is home to interesting villages and a rich gastronomic tradition. Explore the Champollion museum in Figeac and tempt your tastebuds at local markets brimming with local culinary specialties on this inspiring walk through timeless scenes.
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20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(164kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Conques
Arrive in the picturesque town of Conques, nestled in lush greenery. We recommend arriving early to visit the Sainte-Foy abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, and to stroll along the medieval lanes of one of the "Most beautiful villages of France". Dinner at the hotel is included this evening. We can also assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request, if you'd like to stay longer.
Meals: D
Day 2
To Livinhac-le-Haut (6hrs)
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 (near Decazeville) by the Lot river. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +671m/2201ft, -753m/2470ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue to Figeac (6-7hrs)
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 to 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. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +-507m/1663ft
Day 4
Walk via Gréalou to Ussac-Saint Chels (4-5hrs)
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 then continue to rural accommodation in Ussac, Saint Chels. Distance 24.5km/15.3mi, +412m/1352ft, -231m/758ft Overnight may be in Grealou (subject to availability) where the accommodation has shared facilities. Distance to Grealou 20km/12.42mi
Meals: B,D
Day 5
Continue to the pretty medieval town of Cajarc (4hrs)
Today's walk is through forests and passes ancient dolmens (a type of megalithic tomb), stone shelters unique to the region and stone crosses, including the oldest on the whole route. Descend along the Lot valley to the small town of Cajarc in the heart of the valley, on a scenic stretch of the 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 13th 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
Day 6
To Limogne en Quercy (5hrs)
Today’s walk takes you through lovely woods and the agricultural lands of the “Causses du Quercy”. “Les causses” means 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. 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
Day 7
Walk to the truffle town of Lalbenque (7hrs)
A great walk today as you continue across “le parc naturel regional des Causses de Quercy”. Along the way you'll see dolmens and other historic monuments and sights of interest: old windmills, wells, dry stone walls and a pretty monolithic cross (carved from a single block). 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 22km/13.7mi, +230m/755ft, -385m/1263ft
Day 8
To Cahors (5hrs)
Today's slightly undulating path runs through cultivated countryside and past several villages. You will pass many stone shepherd shelters, ‘caselles’, unique to the region. Walking into Cahors, you'll enjoy fantastic views. It's nestled in a meander 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. On Saturday mornings, the market takes place at the foot of the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, a listed historic monument. We suggest trying pastis, Cahors' famous pastry and apple cake. Distance 18km/11.2mi, +170m/558ft, -310m/1017ft
Day 9
Trip concludes
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.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 11 and 28km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding is straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided walking). 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 and walking endurance to participate fully in this holiday.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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