Full Chemin du Puy, from Le-Puy to Saint-Jean

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 riverfront: 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 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’?

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.

From Cahors, the Le Puy Camino route climbs up giving you a good view of Cahors down in the valley, before continuing to the Causses limestone plateau. On your way, you will pass the villages of Labastide-Marnhac, Hospitalet and the pretty little village of Lascabanes where you can have a break by the lovely chapel. Lascabanes had a pilgrims hospital in the 15th century and the tiny church still offers a pilgrim blessing everyday at 6pm. Your stop for tonight is Montcuq: a small but lovely hilltop town of quaint streets with a medieval feel. For great views of the town and surrounding landscape, walk up to the 12th century tower at the top of town.

The Le Puy Camino route today has a few ascents and descents in store all the way to Lauzerte. The trail has less woodlands and more farmland and crop fields today, until you reach the beautiful village of Lauzerte with its pretty medieval houses. You will find a modern statue of Saint James in the church of Saint Barthélmy.

Today is one of the easiest walking days, as you make your way towards Moissac on quiet countryside tracks, crossing woodlands, crop fields and vineyards. Your stop for the night is the town of Moissac, by the Garonne River and its canals. Here you shouldn’t miss Saint Pierre Abbey, founded in the 7th century, and its impressive cloisters.

From Moissac, the Le Puy Camino follows the Garonne River (you will get fantastic views of the valley from the tiny hamlet of Boudou) for most of today, then crosses the canal at Malause before climbing up towards the town of Auvillar. From Auvillar you’ll enjoy good views of the valley below. Auvillar is another lovely town with cobbled streets and a distinctive medieval feel. In the pretty main square with wooden frame arched buildings you will find a unique circular market hall. Auvillar also has the title of ‘one of France’s most beautiful towns’.

Today you leave Le Lot department to enter the farmlands of Le Gers. The Camino takes you today to lovely villages such as Flamarens where you are surrounded by hundreds of acres of sunflowers and Miradoux and its Gothic church. From there you will slowly descend across lush fields before reaching Lectoure, a historic walled town with an impressive cathedral, ramparts and great views of the surrounding countryside.

Lectoure is designated ‘town of art and history’ by the French authorities and is one of the oldest towns in Gers. Not to miss in this historic spa town: the ramparts, the Albinhac Tower, Bourreau Tower, the old castle of the Counts of Armagnac, the Diane fountain, the church of Saint-Gervais-Saint Protais and the Holy Spirit Church or Chapel of Saint-Gény. Lectoure is also in the Armagnac region so treat yourself to a tipple of the famous brandy or the deliciously sweet souffle d’Armagnac.

Today you have one of the longest days of the trail ahead. From Lectoure, the Camino de Santiago trail crosses lush countryside until Marsolan, where you should stop to rest, take in the views and visit its Romanesque church. From here, it is a very pleasant stroll through woodland and peaceful countryside. If you take the trail through the village of La Romieu, the tower of the St Pierre Collegiate church will welcome you from the distance. The 14th century cloister is a must-see. The Le Puy Way then will take you past the ruins of a former monastery, a pond and a war memorial before reaching today’s destination: the city of Condom. *Please note there are two options today: one option skips La Romieu (29km in total) and takes pilgrims straight to Condom. If you choose to take the trail to La Romieu the total walking distance for the day will be 35kms.

Today is a relatively short walking day so you can take your time, pace yourself and enjoy the scenery. This section of the Le Puy Way from Condom is full of history and interesting architecture. On route you will pass the Eglise de Routges, the oldest church in the region. Passing a castle you will arrive in Montréal-du-Gers, home to the biggest vineyard of Armagnac, the famous brandy.

Today you have another short walking day ahead but the trail has some nice and steep inclines alongside lush vineyards. The first eight kilometres of the trail pass vineyards and pretty countryside until you reach the hamlet of Lamothe with its 13th century guard tower. The Camino de Santiago then heads down into the valley before a steady uphill trail takes you gently into the Place d’Armagnac in Eauze. Coin collectors and treasure enthusiasts should visit the local museum in Eauze where you will find a collection of 28,000 Roman coins.

Today you will mainly be walking along cereal crops and farmland, also passing some of the prettiest villages and hamlets on the entire route. Pine trees will start to appear, as vineyards become rarer.

From Nogaro to Aire sur l’Adour there is quite a bit of road walking but not much traffic, mainly tractors. The town of Aire sur l’Adour is a quiet market town by the river Adour. Must-visit in town: Aire Cathedral, built in the 11th century but renovated in the 14th and 17th centuries; the Gothic church of Sainte-Quitterie and the old grain market.

In the market town of Aire sur l Adour, visit Aire Cathedral, built in the 11th century and renovated in the 14th and 17th centuries; the Gothic church of Sainte Quitterie and the old grain market hall. Lush green countryside dotted with hamlets and ancient buildings such as medieval chapels and wash-houses make most of your walking day to Arzacq Arraziguet. It is a demanding walking day, mainly due to its length rather than the difficulty of the trail. When you reach Arzacq Arraziguet, visit the parish church of Saint Pierre where you can spot a stained-glass window of St James.

Today, the Le Puy Camino route takes you across rolling hills and past many villages such as Louvigny, Larreule (the 10th century Benedictine Monastery was an important stop for medieval pilgrims) and Caubin. In Uzan, visit the beautiful rural church of Sainte Quitterie and the stone fountain. Your stop for the night is the town of Arthez-de-Béarn, with its distinctive Basque architecture.

A long walking day ahead today. A few long uphill stretches will add some difficulty to this pleasant section of the Le Puy Camino trail. A long descent through a forest will take you to the lovely walled town of Navarrenx, the first place in France to be fortified with Italian-style ramparts in the 16th century.

Today, along the Le Puy Camino, you’ll journey through serene woodlands and tranquil countryside until you reach Lichos. From there, you’ll enter the charming French Basque Country. Along the route, you’ll come across the historic Chateau de Mongaston, originally constructed in the 13th century. Take a moment to visit the Romanesque church of St Ettienne in Aroue, and consider taking a short detour to admire the picturesque Romanesque church of St Just in Olhaiby. As we continued our journey, traversing ups and downs, the majestic Pyrenees mountains drew nearer with each step. Finally, we arrive at the delightful destination of Saint-Palais.

After breakfast, you will be dropped back to Aroue, where you will continue your journey on the Le Puy Way. At Hiriburia you will find the Stelle de Gibraltar, where all the Camino routes from France meet. The Le Puy trail then takes you across rolling countryside before reaching the chapel of Soyarce where you will get amazing views over the Pyrenees. Next, you will reach the village of Ostabat, today a small village but an important stop for medieval pilgrims. Your stop for the night is the village of Larceveau.

On the concluding day of the ultimate stretch of Via Podiensis, you’ll traverse the undulating landscapes of the Basque Country. Here, you’ll encounter pastoral scenes with sheep grazing peacefully and charming houses with vibrant red roofs. Throughout the day, the Camino meanders through a series of ascents and descents, granting you splendid vistas of the lush countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through villages adorned with quintessential Basque names such as Bastida Xoko, Utxiat, and Bussunaritz. Your journey culminates in the enchanting medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled at the base of the Pyrenees and serving as the starting point for the renowned French Way to Santiago.