Le Chemin Du Puy In France

Chemin du Puy from Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques in 2 Weeks

Rate:
Price: 6 nights from €614
  • Activity Walking or Easy Walking or Cycling or Easy Cycling
  • Distance 202 km
  • Duration 10 Nights
  • Difficulty Challenging
  • Tour Type Self-Guided Caminos
  • Time To Go April to October

Chemin du Puy from Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques in 2 Weeks

Le Chemin du Puy from Le Puy en Velay is one of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes in France and this first section attracts many pilgrims for its historic heritage, picturesque villages, and natural beauty. This section stretches 200km from atmospheric Le Puy en Velay all the way to spectacular Conques, across scenic rolling countryside and pretty villages.

Starting in fascinating Le Puy-en-Velay, pilgrims will feel they are stepping back in time wandering the cobbled streets of the old town. Stamp your pilgrim passport at Le Puy Cathedral and walk up to Notre Dame de France for fantastic panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanic landscapes; before you meet fellow pilgrims at Place du Plot, a traditional meeting point.

On your way to Aumont Aubrac, you will be stopping in charming little hamlets and admiring magnificent green and rocky landscapes. As the Camino takes you along the Lot Valley, you will encounter some of the most beautiful villages in France. Your destination is the town of Conques with its medieval charm and quaint cobbled lanes; one of the most spectacular villages of the whole route.

This route is marked as Medium to Challenging and a certain level of fitness will make it more enjoyable. If you would like to learn more about fitness on the Camino and Camino preparation, you can Download our Fitness Ebook.

In France, the Camino de Santiago is marked as a GR Route with a red and white stripe; as well as the usual scallop shell and yellow Camino markings you can find everywhere along the Camino.

Click below to create your trip and customise your Chemin du Puy from Le Puy en Velay. You can walk or cycle this route, whichever you prefer.

Map of the Chemin du Puy From Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques in 1 Week

Itinerary For Le Chemin Du Puy From Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques

Le Puy-en-Velay

Stage: Le Puy-en-Velay

You arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay.

24 km

Saint-Privat-d’Allier

Stage: Saint-Privat-d’Allier

Nestled between the Auvergne volcanoes and the Rhone Alpes valley, Le Puy en Velay is a charming small city that impresses visitors: head to Notre Dame de France at the top of the old town to enjoy the best views over the surrounding mountains.

Today the Via Podiensis takes pilgrims across lush mountains in Velay Massif, enjoying stunning scenery all day long, before reaching the pretty village of Saint-Privat-d’Allier.

19 km

Saugues

Stage: Saugues

This is a short walk but the ascents and descents make it the most challenging stage of this first section, however, it is a very rewarding day as you will enjoy wonderful views of the Velay Massif and Gévaudan Plateau. The Camino trail takes you to picturesque villages and hamlets such as Rochegude, Combriaux and Montaure before you arrive in Saugues, your stop for the night.

26 km

Les Faux

Stage: Les Faux

Today, the Le Puy Way takes you to Le Sauvage, a farming area perched on top of a hill and dating back to the times of the Templars. You will then enter La Lozère department at the Saint-Roch chapel (great spot for a picnic, with panoramic views) before finishing in Les Faux.

20 km

Aumont-Aubrac

Stage: Aumont-Aubrac

Aumont-Aubrac has always had strong links to the Camino. Back in medieval times, this is where pilgrims coming from the East on the Le Puy Camino route rested before tackling the imminent isolated lands of the Aubrac Plateau.

26 km

Nasbinals

Stage: Nasbinals

Today, the Via Podiensis takes pilgrims along walled tracks across the Aubrac Plateau, grasslands all around you and only sheep for company. Stop for a rest at the granite fountain and trough in the remote hamlet of Rieutort d’Aubrac before continuing your Camino through sleepy villages to the town of Nasbinals, your stop for the night. Make sure to visit the 11th-century Romanesque church in Nasbinals.

17 km

Saint-Chély d’Aubrac

Stage: Saint-Chély d’Aubrac

Today, the Le Puy Camino route ascends to one of its highest points at 1370 metres above sea level. Along the way, you will reach the hamlet of Aubrac, founded by a Flemish knight in the 12th century, as a refuge for passing pilgrims. After Aubrac you will continue on forest paths and reach the hamlet of Belvezet and the remains of its 13th century castle. Your stop for the night is the pretty town of Saint-Chély d’Aubrac.

22 km

Espalion

Stage: Espalion

From Saint-Chély, the Le Puy Way starts descending to the superb Lot Valley, home to some of the most beautiful villages in France (an official accreditation in France). The first one is Saint-Côme-d’Olt on the banks of the Lot River. Its old quarter has a distinctive medieval feel; spot the twisted spire in its pretty church and the street names you will notice are written in both French and Occitan. From Saint-Côme-d’Olt is only a leisurely stroll to Espalion, also along the Lot River. Espalion has a picturesque medieval bridge over the Lot and a lovely river front: the buildings with characteristic wooden balconies, used to be old tanneries.

33 km

Golinhac

Stage: Golinhac

Today’s walk continues along the Lot Valley where many more beautiful sights await. The beautiful Romanesque church of Bessuéjouls is one of the oldest along the route and has a 11th century chapel in the bell tower; the village of Estaing is another spectacular sight with its impressive castle welcoming pilgrims from the distance. Strolling its quaint medieval streets you’ll feel like you are stepping back in time. The Le Puy Camino route continues through woods and lush countryside along the Lot River until you reach your stop for the night: the pretty village of Golinhac.

21 km

Conques

Stage: Conques

Today is an easy walk across the wonderful countryside and peaceful woodlands before arriving in Conques, one of the most spectacular villages of the whole Le Puy Camino route. Conques is a fairy-tale village full of quaint cobbled lanes, medieval wooden beam houses and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Pilgrims have traditionally walked to Conques to visit the relics of Sainte Foy, in the Abbey of Sainte Foy, one of the most significant treasures on the Via Podiensis and not to be missed.

Make sure you take some time to explore Conques if you can. The Romanesque Abbey of Sainte Foy, in the centre of the village, has been a pilgrimage destination since the 9th century. From the chapel of Saint Roch (heading towards the medieval bridge over the Dourdou River) you’ll get lovely views of the whole village, perched on a hillside, and the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding this magical place. Did you know the name Conques comes from the Latin for ‘shell’?

Accommodation

Country Cottages

Country Cottages or  'Casas Rurales' are beautifully restored country homes and farmhouses in the heart of peaceful rural communities. Our Country Cottages are renowned for their exceptional food, unique settings and personal touch. Rest assured when you select Country Cottage you will enjoy the full experience of our collection of beautiful Casa Rurales when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Country Cottages

Standard Hotels

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

Superior Collection

Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino.  We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Superior Collection

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

Le Puy en Velay

Lyon Airport 145km: From Lyon Airport you can take the “Rhonexpress” (shuttle train) to the city centre and the train station (named Lyon Part Dieu), (every 15 mins, approx 30 mins travel time). See www.rhonexpress.fr. There is a direct train connection between Lyon City Centre and Le Puy-en-Velay (Part Dieu) 3 times per day, approx 2h15 travel time). See www.voyages-sncf.com.

Aumont-Aubrac

Lyon Airport 220km: The “Rhonexpress” (shuttle train) connects the airport with the city centre and the train station (named Lyon Part Dieu)(every 15min, approx. 30 min travel time). See www.rhonexpress.fr. A train connection between Lyon and Aumont-Aubrac and Lyon (Part Dieu) exists (3 times/ day, approx. 6h). See www.voyages-sncf.com.Rodez airport (90km)

Rodez Airport 90km: To get to Rodez you need to change in Severac le Chateau or Millau: Between Aumont-Aubrac and Severac le Chateau/ Millau, an “autocar” (coach bus) links the train stations, while between Severac/ Millau and Rodez, a train connection is available. The complete route can be taken twice a day, one via Millau and the second via Severac. Travel time is 2h30 (via Severac) and 3h45 (via Millau)). See www.voyages-sncf.com.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport service from the airport, but it is possible to get a taxi. See https://www.aeroport-rodez.fr/.

Conques

Rodez Airport 40km: The easiest option is to take the bus (mon-fri): There is one bus per day, taking 1h-1h30. See www.tourisme-conques.fr.
To take the train to Rodez you will need to change in either Severac or Millau: Between Aumont-Aubrac and Severac le Chateau/ Millau, an “autocar” (coach bus) links the train stations, while between Severac or Millau and Rodez, a train connection is available. The complete route can be taken twice a day, one via Millau and the second via Severac. Travel time is 2h30 (via Severac) and 3h45 (via Millau)). See www.voyages-sncf.com.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport service between Rodez town centre and the airport, but it is possible to take a taxi. See https://www.aeroport-rodez.fr/.

Aurillac Tronquiere Airport 50km: The airport in Aurillac can only be reached by car. See www.aeroport.fr.

Whats Included

  • Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising a support vehicle if needed.
  • Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…

Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details.

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