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Walk through history on one of Europe’s most iconic pilgrim trails. The route from Le Puy-en-Velay to Cahors forms part of the ancient Camino de Santiago – a network of trails leading to the tomb of the apostle St James in Spain. Known as the Via Podiensis or the French Way of St James, this section of the Camino has been walked by pilgrims since the 9th century.
Beginning in Le Puy, where medieval pilgrimage routes once converged, the trail climbs into the volcanic highlands of the Margeride before winding through granite villages in the Lozère and Aveyron regions. You'll pass Romanesque churches, remote chapels and monasteries – a living museum of early Christian art. The historic town of Conques, with its abbey and cobbled lanes, is a highlight.
Beyond Conques, the trail crosses the Lot Valley and traverses limestone plateaus cloaked in oak and chestnut forests, scattered with megaliths and quiet hamlets. The path leads through some of France’s most scenic and traditional countryside, shaped by the Lot and Célé rivers. Along the way, enjoy local markets, the museum of explorer Jean-François Champollion in Figeac, and the rich culinary traditions of the region – from rustic cheeses to Cahors’ renowned red wine.
For those seeking a quieter and more rugged alternative, the Célé Valley route between Figeac and Cahors (see Itinerary 2) follows the Célé River through dramatic limestone cliffs and deep valleys, passing oak forests and the rolling agricultural plateaus of the Quercy region. This alternative route must be requested at the time of booking.
Whether you're drawn by history, landscapes or the meditative rhythm of walking, this is one of the most rewarding self-guided routes in France.
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Day 1
Arrive Le Puy-en-Velay
Make your own way to le Puy-en-Velay and the joining hotel. It is an ancient town surrounded by a volcanic landscape, dominated by rocky peaks rising from the valley floor. We recommend that you allow at least half a day to explore. Take a stroll through town and warm up your walking legs climbing the 267 steps to the Chapel of St Michael d'Aiguilhe, built by Godescalc after his pilgrimage to Santiago in AD951, for views over the town and surrounding area. You can also visit some of the many museums and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk to Saint-Privat-d'Allier (5-6hrs)
The cathedral at Le Puy is the starting point for your walk. As you follow the trail, there are great views over the whole area. Through rural landscapes you'll ascend rapidly from the Puy Basin. Crossing the Velay Mountains past fields of the famous green lentils, you enter the heart of the volcanic chain of the Deves before arriving in the small village of Saint Privat d’Allier and your gite. Distance 23km/14.3mi, +572m/1877ft, -390m/1280ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Descend the gorges of Allier to Saugues (4-5hrs)
A shorter but more challenging stage with ascents and descents, and very rewarding as there are wonderful views of the Velay Massif. The trail takes you to picturesque villages and hamlets such as Rochegude and Combriaux. From Monistrol on, the climb is quite steep to reach Montaure (1022m) on the edge of the Gevaudan plateau (up some 420m!). To Montaure the walk follows the ancient pilgrim’s trail precisely then leads you along a pleasant trail to arrive in Saugues, where you will stay for the night. Saugues is famous for its mushrooms, wooden shoes and as a meeting point for all pilgrims coming from the Auvergne. Distance 19km/11.9mi, +791m/2595ft, -694m/2277ft
Day 4
Cross the Margeride plateau to Les Faux or St Alban (7-8hrs)
Today is very picturesque as you cross the Margeride Plateau. With vast grassy plains and moors of broom and heather, this part of the trail though long is relatively easy going, gently ascending most of the day. Interesting sights along the way include St Roch Chapel or L’Hospitalet du Dauvage Chapel, founded in 1198 as a hospital for pilgrims and travellers. Farm cafes along the way may be open however we suggest stocking up on snacks before leaving Saugues. Overnight is usually at St Alban sur Limagnole, at times in Les Faux (subject to availability). Distance to Les Faux: 28km/17mi, +-620m/2034ft Distance to St Alban: 32km/20.25mi,+716m/2350ft, -829m/2404ft Option: It's possible to split this stage (ie add an extra night) and continue to Les Faux/St Alban the following day. A supplement applies, please ask our team and this must be requested at time of booking. The overnight stay will either be in Le Villeret / Chanaleilles (rooms have private facilities - distance 11.5km/7.2mi) or Le Sauvage (all beds are single width, the food served is mainly home grown, rooms have shared facilities - distance 19.5km/12.2mi) dependent on availability.
Day 5
Descend into the Truyère valley and continue to Aumont-Aubrac (5-6hrs)
From Les Faux the trail continues to the town of St Alban then descends into the Truyere valley. It's a bucolic day, taking you across small rivers, through forests, by fields and into small villages, as you traverse the vast plain of the Margeride. On the way, admire the Roman church of the Estrets, reworked several times and surmounted by a bell tower wall with three openings supporting a small steeple. Continue to Aumont and your accommodation. Distance from Les Faux: 21km/13mi, +383m/1256ft, -292m/964ft Distance from Saint Alban: 16km/10mi
Day 6
Walk to Nasbinals (7hrs)
From Aumont-Aubrac in “Terre de Peyre” (land of stone), the trail crosses beautiful pine forests before joining the Aubrac plateau, an expanse of pastures punctuated by “burons” (traditionally a shelter in the Auvergne region where cheese was made). Here you are in the country of the famous Laguiole knife, an indispensable tool to cut the cheese of the same name. Arrive at your hotel/guest house in Nasbinals. Distance 26km/16.2mi, +392m/1286ft, -264m/866ft (highest point approx 1250m)
Day 7
To St-Chely-d'Aubrac (4-5hrs)
This stage takes you through the heart of the Aubrac plateau, where the ancestral rite of transhumance is still practiced (the transhumance fair is on the Sunday nearest 25 May). For lunch you can try a regional specialty at a buron, where local dishes are available such as “aligot” (mashed potato with cheese and garlic), assorted meats from the mountains or a good crepe omelette. In Aubrac you can see remnants of an ancient “Domerie” (name given to the hospital in Aubrac in medieval times). Overnight hotel in St-Chely d'Aubrac. Distance 16km/10mi, +207m/679ft, -583m/1912ft (highest point approx 1360m)
Day 8
Continue to St Come d'Olt or Espalion (4.5-5hrs)
Today you leave “Boraldes” (the name for the brooks descending from the plateau) country to reach the Lot valley. Here you are near St-Côme d’Olt, listed among the “Most beautiful villages of France”. There are remnants of numerous bridges constructed over the Lot river which made the pilgrims' crossings easier. Continue to St-Come d'Olt, where the usual accommodation has a pool. Distance 17km/10.3mi, +248m/814ft, -702m/2303ft (highest point approx 920m) Subject to availability you may stay at Espalion further along the trail. Espalion has a lovely old stone bridge over the River Lot, the Pont Vieux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a lovely river front: the buildings with characteristic wooden balconies were once tanneries. The Friday morning market is reputed to be one of the best in the area. Distance 21.5km/13.4mi, +330m/1082ft, -715m/2345ft
Day 9
Follow the Lot river to Estaing (3-4hrs)
Continue your walk following the Lot river to the lovely village of Estaing, with its Gothic bridge and imposing chateau. There is one short, quite steep ascent at around the 4km point. The annual St Fleuret fair has been held in Estaing since the 14th century (on the first Sunday in July). On this occasion, a great procession travels through the village in period costume. Overnight hotel in Estaing. Distance from Saint-Côme d'Olt 20km/12mi, +500m/1640ft, -559m/1834ft (highest point approx 490m) Distance from Espalion 12km/7.5mi, +210m/689ft, -255m/837ft
Day 10
Continue to Golinhac (3.5hrs)
Today is a straightforward walk, the last stage in the Lot valley. An ascent (approx 330m) is completed early on so you can enjoy the views across the hills as you walk along the plateau to Golinhac. Golinhac is remarkable for its church, which preserves the Roman foundations of a Benedictine priory, once dependent on Conques abbey. At the southern entrance of the village of Golinhac there is a stony cross with a small sculpted pilgrim. Overnight in Golinhac. Distance 14km/8.8mi, +512m/1680ft, -183m/600ft (highest point approx 660m)
Day 11
To Conques (6hrs)
From Golinhac you will soon reach Espeyrac where in 960, according to the tale, a pilgrim who became blind after a mugging, recovered sight by making an invocation to the patron saint of Conques. The trail crosses the Daze and Tayrac, minor rivers, and Senergues with its fortified chateau and beautiful little church, then climbs onto the rolling plateau of Campeux, leading you to one of the most notable places on the Way of St James, the town of Conques. The walk into Conques is very often a favourite for pilgrims, as the view over the village is breathtaking if you come from the east. While descending into the deep valley of the Ouche, you will arrive near the Dourdou river (which flows into the Lot river, to the north) and discover this village where the towers of the Sainte-Foy abbey-church dominate. Its tympanum of the Last Judgment is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture from the first half of the 12th century. Relax in one of the many bars to experience the atmosphere of this lovely town. Distance 21km/13mi, +373m/1224ft, -757m/2483ft (highest point approx 670m) Conques is a lovely town and significant on the Le Puy Camino, if you'd like to add a rest day. This must be requested at time of booking.
Day 12
To Livinhac-le-Haut/Decazeville (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/Decazeville by the Lot river. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +671m/2201ft, -753m/2470ft
Meals: B
Day 13
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. The birthplace of Champollion, decipherer of the Egyptian hieroglyphs, there is an excellent museum here (closed on Mondays) dedicated to his work. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +-507m/1663ft
Day 14
Walk via Gréalou to Ussac - Saint-Chels (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
Day 15
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 16
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 17
Walk to the truffle town of Lalbenque (6-7hrs)
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 18
Walk 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 19
Trip concludes Cahors
Your trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.
Follow the Cele variant to Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie (5hrs)
From Figeac the variant begins. The hike through the Cele valley begins at the small hamlet of Beduer. The route follows the river to Sainte-Eulalie / Espagnac, a monastery village with steeply roofed houses. Discover its 16th century church and Val-Paradis priory. Distance 24.5km, +-420m/1378ft
Continue to Marcilhac-sur-Célé (4-5hrs)
Today the route continues towards Brengues and Saint Sulpice. Along the way you will discover troglodyte houses. Arrive at Marcilhac-sur-Cele and visit the remains of its Romanesque and Gothic Benedictine abbey church and its many ‘cazelles’, dry stone shepherds’ shelters. Distance 20.5km, +-710m/2330ft Note: the accommodation here has shared rooms (dorms) and bathrooms.
On to Bouziès (6-7hrs)
You will hike up to Cabrerets along paths lined with low dry stone walls, passing through the Causse and the picturesque village of Sauliac-sur-Cele, clining to the rock. The route follows a balcony path that overlooks the village and offers a lovely panorama of the Cele valley. In Cabrerets you can visit the Grotte du Pech Merle to discover authentic prehistoric paintings dating back more than 20,000 years (reservations essential, see https://www.pechmerle.com/). Distance 24km, +620m/2035ft, -700m/2296ft
Continue to Saint Géry-Vers via Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (5-6 hrs)
Today’s walk to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie takes you to the heights of the Lot river, where you will discover cliffs at the confluence of the Cele and Lot rivers. The village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie is perched on a rocky outcrop above the lot and is listed as one of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’. Distance 25.3km, +-840m/2755ft
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 11 and 31 km 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. In the summer months an early start is recommended to avoid sun exposure during the hottest period of the day as sections of the trail are unshaded. 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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