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.
Location
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+7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
6 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
We recommend you to start your tour on a Friday so that you can see the market in Le Puy en Velay held every Saturday.
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
TERRAIN
COST
Classic Accommodation: US$1250
Single Supplement: US$445
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 gathered at the magnificent Cathédrale-de-Notre-Dame before their departure.
Day 2
Le Puy-en-Velay
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.
Walking Distance: 22 km, elevation gain 580 m.*
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 English mercenaries, left unemployed by the end of the Hundred Years’ War, occupied until they were paid off.
Walking Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 400 m.*
Day 4
Saugues
Cross the Margaride plateau, through pine forests and 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.
Walking Distance: 19 km, elevation gain 200 m.*
Day 5
Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole
Start with a taxi transfer to Domaine du Sauvage, from where you head into the countryside past the Chapelle Saint-Roch; visit Le Rouget, built of the red sandstone so widely used in the region. You’ll see it again in the cathedral and chateau when you arrive in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole.
Walking Distance: 13 km, elevation gain 350 m.*
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.
Walking Distance: 15 km, elevation gain 200 m.*
Day 7
Enjoy a short stroll in Aumont-Aubrac before departing for your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic

Overlooking a magnificent garden, the 4-star Hotel du Parc offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Member, Châteaux & Hôtels Collection, a unique collection of charming hotels and gourmet tables in France.

This small, traditional hotel boasts beautiful views on the “gorges”. The restaurant offers wonderful regional specialties.

A modest, but comfortable hotel with large rooms and good restaurant in the center of Sauges. The family managing the hotel give a warm welcome.

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.

This 3-star hotel has comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities and an excellent restaurant.
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