Le Chemin du Puy in France Chemin du Puy from Conques to Cahors 1 week

Today you leave the charming village of Conques walking down to the Dourdou River and crossing its medieval bridge. From here you will climb gradually to the chapel of Sainte Foy. The water from the small spring beside the chapel is said to cure tired eyes. You will get fantastic views of the village as you leave it behind. The Le Puy Way then takes pilgrims through forests and lush green fields to the town of Decazeville, where you will be stopping for the night. On your way, it is worth stopping in the village of Noailhac and the chapel of Saint Roch; where you will get great views of the surrounding landscape; a peaceful spot for a picnic break.

Today, you will notice the change in the landscape as you move from the Aveyron region into Le Lot. You will be climbing steadily for the first part of the day and will reach a great viewing point looking back at Decazeville. Your stop for the night is the pretty town of Figeac.

From Figeac, the Via Podiensis Camino route climbs up to a high plateau so there are many ups and downs today; but the climbing is rewarded with fantastic views. The landscape is quite wild and you will also pass ancient dolmens, stone shelters unique to the region and stone crosses, including the oldest on the whole route. Your stop for the night is the peaceful town of Cajarc on the banks of the Lot River. Check out its 19th century suspension bridge (which replaced the original medieval stone bridge).

Today’s walk takes you through peaceful woods and the agricultural lands of La Causse. 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. There aren’t many services until Limogne so, make sure you pack water and snacks.

The Le Puy trail follows mainly flat and peaceful woodland tracks today, as you continue your journey across the Les Causses Natural Park. On your way to Mas de Vers you will encounter more dolmens and stone structures. In Mas de Vers take the opportunity to taste the region’s most celebrated delicacy: the black truffle.

From Mas de Vers your last walking day will take you to Cahors. You will again pass many stone shepherd shelters known as ‘caselle’, unique to the region. As you make your way down into medieval Cahors you will get fantastic views.

The small city of Cahors, surrounded by steep cliffs and the Lot River, is one of the nicest towns in the whole Le Puy Camino route. It is definitely worth spending an extra day to explore its historic centre, wander its quaint little lanes lined by wooden framed medieval buildings, go for a stroll along the Lot River, cross the iconic 14th century Valentré Bridge and pay a visit to Saint-Etienne Cathedral.