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

You arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’?