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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 and the site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. In France this journey, also known as the Via Podiensis and the 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.
This stage begins in the centre of France, on the Massif Central at Le Puy-en Velay where many trails from across Europe converged enroute to the tomb of St James in Spain. The trail ascends the volcanic highlands of Margeride in the Haute Loire before continuing through the traditional granite villages of the Lozere. The presence of stone chapels and the unique crosses are symbolic of the pilgrimage and a continual reminder of the religious significance of the trail, whilst the pretty villages, rolling countryside and strong gastronomic traditions make this one of the best short walks in France.
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23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(117kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay
Arrive in historic Le Puy-en-Velay, a pilgrimage centre since the Middle Ages. This ancient town is 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 its narrow streets 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, you'll have great views over the town and surrounding area. You can also visit some of the many museums and the striking Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
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 and ascend to Saugues (4-5 hrs)
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 in Les Faux or at times, subject to availability, further along at St Alban sur Limagnole. 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 and stay overnight in Chanaleilles (vicinity) 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. Accommodation either at 2 Pelerins (some twin rooms have private facilities, usually it's dormitory single bed accommodation and shared bathrooms - distance 11.5km/7.2mi) or Le Sauvage (dormitory single bed accommodation and shared bathrooms - distance 19.5km/12.2mi) - dependent on availability.
Day 5
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
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast. If you'd like to continue to Conques: Trip code USJ is Le Puy to Conques, which has one night only in Aumont. If you'd like a rest day in Aumont (ie 2 nights there) you can book the next stage, trip code CT4.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 19 to 30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. There are some reasonable hills. 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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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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