Dyke Hotel, Le-Puy-en-Velay
Charming hotel in the heart of Le Puy which offers comfortable rooms and a cozy setting. Located close to the train station and the historical centre.
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who, for over a thousand years, travelled through France on their way to the shrine of the Apostle James the Elder at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Follow the Grande Randonnée (GR) 65, a long-distance walking path, to travel the first 200 km of the Way of St. James from Le Puy to Conques. Cross the rugged countryside of the Auvergne and the Massif Central, through picturesque towns and past the roadside crosses, chapels, and looming fortresses that marked the way for the faithful in centuries past.
For any traveller interested in history, art, culture and gastronomy the Camino de Santiago certainly ranks as one of the most spectacular trips in the world. On this tour you’ll immerse yourself in this potentially life-changing experience as you travel through rugged Auvergne countryside, to towns of historical significance, across the beautiful Massif Central and through lively cultural hotspots. So, come and test your legs, lungs, and loyalty on this classic pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of the saintly, the devout and the energetic of centuries past.
Chemin de St. Jacques Hiking 13 Days
Le Puy-en-Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay, France
Day 1+2
Saugues
Saugues, France
Day 3+4
Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole
Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, France
Day 5
Aumont-Aubrac
Aumont-Aubrac, France
Day 6
Montgros
Montgros, Nasbinals, France
Day 7
Saint-Chély-D’Aubrac
Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, France
Day 8
Saint-Côme-d’Olt
Saint-Côme-d'Olt, France
Day 9
Estaing
Estaing, France
Day 10
Espayrac
Espeyrac, France
Day 11
Conques
Conques, France
Day 12+13
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 12 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and four dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes and maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between May 1 and Sep 30. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
13 days / 12 nights
Arrive/Depart
Le-Puy-en-Velay / Conques
Activity Level
Avid
13 to 24 km daily (7 to 14 mi), averaging 18.5 km (11.5 mi)
This trip is suited to experienced hikers
Terrain
Climbs and descents which can be steep and require caution if the weather is wet
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $3,250
Single Supplement: US $800
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There
The tour starts in the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, located about 360 km south of Paris. There are several trains every day from Paris. The trip takes around six hours and usually requires at least one change. You depart from the tour area by way of Rodez where you can connect to trains to Paris or other destinations.
1
Day 1
Le Puy-en-Velay
Arrive in stunning Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the four main starting points for the pilgrimage to Compostela. Pilgrims gather at the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame before their departure.
2
Day 2
Saint-Privat-d’Allier
Follow the pilgrims’ route past churches of volcanic rock and fields where the famous green lentils of Le Puy grow. Their distinctive taste is said to be due to the volcanic soil in which they grow. Arrive in the small town of Saint-Privat-d’Allier.
Hike Distance: 22 km; elevation gain: 580 m
3
Day 3
Saugues
Head across the plateau through Rochegude, a frontier stronghold; pause at the chapel of St. James where pilgrims stopped for devotions. Today’s destination is Saugues, which was occupied by English mercenaries left unemployed after the Hundred Years’ War, until they were paid off.
Hike Distance: 18 km; elevation gain: 400 m
4
Day 4
Saugues
Cross the Margaride plateau through pine forests, small villages and past ruined castles to Domaine du Sauvage, a scattering of farm buildings near the site of a pilgrims’ hospice. A taxi will pick you up and transfer you back to Saugues, where you’ll spend a second night.
Hike Distance: 19 km; elevation gain: 200 m
5
Day 5
Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole
Begin with a taxi transfer to Domaine du Sauvage, from where you head into the countryside past the Chapelle Saint-Roch; visit Le Rouget, built from the red sandstone widely used in the region. You’ll see it again in the cathedral and château when you arrive in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole.
Hike Distance: 13 km; elevation gain: 350 m
6
Day 6
Aumont-Aubrac
Walk through woods, across moors, beside pastures with old stone walls, and along an ancient Roman road to the charming town of Aumont-Aubrac.
Hike Distance: 15 km; elevation gain: 200 m
7
Day 7
Montgros
Enjoy another day among beautiful pastures and moors before climbing to Montgros, near the cross-country ski centre of Nasbinals.
Hike Distance: 24 km; elevation gain: 220 m
8
Day 8
Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac
This is your last day on high plateaus. Pass through Aubrac, where the Brothers Hospitalier once kept an estate in order to protect the pilgrims. Arrive at the pretty town of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac.
Hike Distance: 20 km; elevation gain: 500 m
9
Day 9
Saint-Côme-d’Olt
Walk through remote country to the fortified town of Saint-Côme-d’Olt, designated one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Hike Distance: 16.5 km; elevation gain: 250 m
10
Day 10
Estaing
Enter the Lot River Valley and visit wonderful old towns like Espalion and Saint-Pierre-de-Bessuéjouls on your way to Estaing, another one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Hike Distance: 21 km; elevation gain: 435 m
11
Day 11
Espayrac
Beautiful canyon scenery and simple villages mark the route to Espayrac, graced by an old stone cross and the church of Saint-Pierre.
Hike Distance: 23 km; elevation gain: 600 m
12
Day 12
Conques
A short day’s walk takes you to Conques, clustered around the huge abbey church of Sainte-Foy, where the relics of Sainte Foy, a Christian martyr, once drew thousands of pilgrims. Conques itself is a magical destination in a dramatic setting.
Hike Distance: 12 km; elevation gain: 280 m
13
Day 13
Depart
Explore Conques before departing for home or other destinations.
Classic
Hôtel de la Vieille Auberge, Saint-Privat-d’Allier
This small, traditional hotel boasts beautiful views of the gorges and rocky outcrop of the village. The restaurant offers wonderful regional specialties.
Hôtel La Terrasse, Saugues
A modest, but comfortable hotel with large rooms and good restaurant in the center of Saugues. The family managing the hotel gives a warm welcome.
Hôtel Relais Saint Roch – Chateau de la Chastre, Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole
Christian Chavignon has made this 19th century residence a haven of peace and tranquility.The service is warm and the rooms are charming and relaxing. The restaurant “la Petite Maison”, provides generous, authentic dishes which will satisfy the most discerning gourmet.
Hôtel Chez Camillou, Aumont-Aubrac
This 3-star hotel has comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities and an excellent restaurant.
Auberge la Maison de Rosalie, Montgros-Nasbinals
This Auberge is an unpretentious 2-star hotel with modern facilities. The hotel serves a tasty ‘menu du jour’ to its hotel guests.
Hôtel des Voyageurs, Saint-Chely-d’Aubrac
This 2-star hotel has bright and cheerful rooms. It has been in the same family for four generations, and the restaurant offers delicious regional specialties.
Les Jardins d'Eliane, Saint-Côme-d’Olt
A small chambre d’hote in the center of Saint-Côme-d’Olt, recognized as one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’.
Aux Armes d’Estaing, Estaing
This very good hotel overlooks the Lot valley. The large dining room has a fine stone fireplace in which the chef cooks a range of regional specialties.
Hôtel de La Vallée, Espeyrac
This small hotel, owned by the family Marragou, offers a warm welcome. The hotel has a pleasant restaurant and bar.
Auberge de Saint Jacques, Conques
Located in the heart of the medieval village and just in front of the famous Abbey Sainte Foy, this 2-star hotel has a very good restaurant with regional specialties.
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