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, that follows 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.

This 8-day, 113-kilometer trek from Aumont-Aubrac to Conques provides a physical challenge through the highlands and volcanic valleys of southeastern France. 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.

Location

Aumont-Aubrac

Aumont-Aubrac, France

Day 1

Montgros

Montgros, Nasbinals, France

Day 2

Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac

Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, France

Day 3

Saint-Côme-d’Olt

Saint-Côme-d'Olt, France

Day 4

Estaing

Estaing, France

Day 5

Espeyrac

Espeyrac, France

Day 6

Conques

Conques, France

Day 7+8

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Any start date between May 1 and September 15
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights, with 6 days walking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Aumont-Aubrac / Conques

ACTIVITY LEVEL

13 to 24 km daily (7 to 14 miles), averaging 18.5 km (11.5 miles) This trip is suited to experienced hikers

TERRAIN

Climbs and descents which can be steep and require caution if the weather is wet

COST

US $2,150 per person

Single Supplement: US $550

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 Aumont-Aubrac, about 400 km south of Paris. There are several trains every day from Paris. The trip takes around seven 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

Aumont-Aubrac

Arrive in Aumont-Aubrac, a charming town that dates back to Roman times. It lies on the ancient Via Agrippa that connected Lyon and Toulouse. Be sure to visit the church of St. Etienne, which was once part of a 12th-century monastery.

2

Day 2

Montgros

Enjoy a day rambling through woods and across beautiful pastures and moors before climbing to Montgros, near the cross- country ski centre of Nasbinals.
Walking Distance: 24 km, elevation gain 220 m.*

3

Day 3

Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac

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.
Walking Distance: 20 km, elevation gain 500 m.* 

4

Day 4

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.
Walking Distance: 16.5 km, elevation gain 250 m.*

5

Day 5

Estaing

Enter the Lot River Valley; visit wonderful old towns like Espalion and Saint-Pierre de Bessuéjouls on your way to Estaing, another Plus Beau Village.
Walking Distance: 21 km, elevation gain 435 m.*

6

Day 6

Espayrac

Beautiful canyon scenery and simple villages mark the route to Espayrac graced by an old stone cross and the church of Saint-Pierre.
Walking Distance: 23 km, elevation gain 600 m.*

7

Day 7

Conques

A short day’s walk takes you to Conques, clustered around the huge abbey church of Ste-Foy, where the relics of Ste. Foy, a Christian martyr, once drew thousands of pilgrims. Conques itself is a magical destination in a dramatic setting.
Walking Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 280 m.* 

8

Day 8

Explore Conques before departing for home or other destinations.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Classic

Hôtel Chez Camillou, Aumont d’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 Come 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.


Trip starting at
USD $2,150