Camino Le Puy to Conques

Le Puy-en-Velay, a town nestled in the heart of the Auvergne region, serves as the starting point for this transformative journey. The town itself is a treasure trove of history and culture, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the imposing cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Puy. Pilgrims often begin their journey by receiving the traditional pilgrim’s blessing at the cathedral, marking the official start of their spiritual adventure.

24 km / 8,5 h

The first stage is a gentle introduction to the Le Puy Camino. Here, you’ll cross the timeless landscapes of Haute-Loire, passing through lush forests and quaint hamlets.

The gradual ascent to Montbonnet provides both a physical challenge and a chance for introspection. As you climb, you may feel the weight of your thoughts, making this a time for reflection and self-discovery.

St-Privat d’Allier, a quaint village on the banks of the Allier River, is the culmination of your first day on the Le Puy Camino. The soothing sound of the river and the warm hospitality of the locals make St-Privat d’Allier a welcoming place for pilgrims.

26.5 km / 7 h aprox

The first part of this enchanting track takes you through the valley of the river Allier. It starts with a flat stroll leading to Rochegude, renowned for its historic St. Jacques Chapel and tower, remnants of a 13th-century castle. The trail then descends sharply, meandering through a spruce-covered, rocky path, ultimately arriving at Monistrol d’Allier, nestled in the valley beneath the volcanic cliffs, showcasing its stone structures. Once you start to walk out of town you will find the bridge built by the famous Eiffel company over the Allier between 1887-1888. Hundreds of workers came here at the time to carry out a project which represented real technical progress.

After a constant ascent you will reach Saugues, a medieval town which has been able to retain a strong identity in spite of the numerous invasions its inhabitants had to face over centuries. It represents the starting point of the Margaride and Gévaudan plateaus.

This Le Puy Camino stage will end up in La Clauze, a small village with an exceptional heptagonal tower. This is one of the finest examples of seigniorial architecture from this period in the region, which proves the astonishing skill of the masons and stonemasons in the Middle Ages.

25.3 km / 6.5 h aprox

The third stage of this Le Puy Camino Way section showcases the breathtaking landscapes of the Margaride Plateau, a sparsely populated area in the French Massif Central. Here the relief is importantly eroded, and the granitic parent rock is frequently seen. As you trek along its moors, pines and pastures you will feel nature is everywhere and humans are only their guests. 

On your way you will find the impressive Le Sauvage fort, which has been transformed into a gite to host pilgrims, and the 12^th century St-Roch Chapel. Once you reach Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, where you will spend the night, you’ll be welcomed by its imposing castle. Even though it was mentioned for the first time in the 12^th century, it is probably much older. It was then rebuilt and restored, becoming a psychiatric hospital in 1821.

15.6 km / 4 h aprox

During this stage you will continue your journey across the Margeride Plateau, following a similar pattern to the previous day, with picturesque rolling landscapes that mostly traverse comfortable dirt paths weaving through forests and fields.

A brief but steep ascent will lead you to Grazieres-Mages, followed by a descent to the tranquil hamlet of Les Estrets, passing through serene woods and farmland. You will then gently ascend to the end of the track. A segment of the route here aligns with the ancient Roman Agrippa Way.

Aumont-Aubrac is a charming market town, which has always held strong connections to the Way of Saint James. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims used to take a break here, before embarking on the forthcoming challenging route through the remote Aubrac region.

25.6 km / 6.5 h aprox

This segment of the journey traverses pine-filled groves before reaching the Aubrac Plateau’s sprawling pasturelands, where you’ll encounter the traditional shepherd’s shelters known locally as ‘burons.’ The path meanders through the charming villages of La Chaze and Labros, both quintessential examples of the idyllic French countryside, complete with herds of grazing cows. Along the way, you’ll come across the historic transhumance routes, which were once used to guide cattle to their summer pastures after the winter season.

The concluding destination is the village of Nasbinals, which serves as the entry point to the Aveyron region. Here, you can spend the night and even have the opportunity to savor a traditional Aubrac dinner.”

16.1 km / 4 h aprox

This entire stage of the Le Puy Camino is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, your journey will take you to the highest point on the Via Podiensis, reaching an elevation of 1370 meters. Along the way, you’ll come across the iconic village of Aubrac, which has welcomed pilgrims for centuries and served as a refuge for those in need. Aubrac is nestled amidst stunning scenery that will capture your heart with its tranquility and unspoiled wilderness.

Your overnight stop will be in the charming village of Saint-Chély d’Aubrac, known for its remarkable architecture and revered as the capital of the renowned Aubrac cow, a symbol of the plateau.

22 km / 5 h aprox

Prepare to embark on a captivating transformation during this stage of your journey. Say goodbye to the familiar plateau landscape as you delve into lush woodland adorned with chestnut and beech trees. Along this enchanting path, the exquisite village of Saint-Come-d’Olt beckons, proudly bearing the title of one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France.’ It’s an absolute must-stop to bask in the glory of its rich cultural heritage and relish the delightful atmosphere that envelops it.

Following this delightful interlude, your route unfolds into a captivating blend of ascents and descents, culminating in your arrival at Espailon, where you’ll spend the night. Espailon is a town straight out of a picturesque postcard, boasting a charming riverbank framed by traditional houses adorned with wooden balconies. Here, you can also feast your eyes on the vintage tanneries and the magnificent 11th-century Old Bridge that add to the town’s historical allure.

16.1 km / 4 h aprox

Upon departing Espalion, your path will lead you upwards toward the distinctive red sandstone church of Bessuéjouls, notable for its unique 11th-century chapel nestled within the bell tower. As you continue your journey, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the magnificent River Lot Valley, a region characterized by its classic rural scenery, featuring farms and sparse tree clusters.

The stretch of the route extending from Saint-Côme d’Olt to Estaing is widely renowned as one of the most remarkable natural heritage areas along the entire Le Puy Camino. Here, you’ll encounter a wealth of Romanesque structures, underscoring the historical significance of pilgrimage in this region.

You’ll spend the night in Golinhac, an enchanting village primarily centered around agricultural activities, where a peaceful and harmonious coexistence with nature defines the way of life. Golinhac will greet you with an alluring stone cross and captivate you with its architectural heritage. The Saint-Martin church, originally constructed in the 10th century, boasts a Romanesque altar that holds the distinguished status of a Historic Monument.

16 km / 4 h aprox

The final stretch of your journey is a gentle and leisurely one, offering an immersive experience in serene, lush woodlands throughout the entire route. Additionally, you’ll have ample time to explore the charming village of Espeyrac and the remarkable Sénergues Castle, boasting one of the most exquisite 14th-century towers.

This segment of the Le Puy Camino culminates in Conques, a town that ranks among the most enchanting along the Via Podiensis. Conques has earned its well-deserved status as one of France’s most picturesque villages, enchanting visitors with its cobbled streets, slate-roofed houses, and traditional half-timbered architecture.

The Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy in Conques stands as a true masterpiece of Romanesque design, and it holds a place of honor on the UNESCO World Heritage list. During the Middle Ages, it became a revered pilgrimage destination, thanks to the arrival of Sainte Foy’s relics in the late 9th century

-After breakfast end of our services

-Optional return transfer