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 100 km of the Way of St. James from Le Puy to Aumant-Aubrac. 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 superiority, over the beautiful Massif Central and through lively cultural hotspots.
Le Puy-en-Velay, France
Day 1+2
Saugues, France
Day 3+4
Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, France
Day 5
Aumont-Aubrac, France
Day 6+7
| Start any start date between May 1 and Sep 30. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Avid
13 to 24 km daily (7 to 14 mi), averaging 18.5 km (11.5 mi)
This trip is suited to experienced hikers
Climbs and descents which can be steep and require caution if the weather is wet
Classic Accommodation: US $2,150
Single Supplement: US $540
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.
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.
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
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.
Hike Distance: 18 km; elevation gain: 400 m
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.
Hike Distance: 19 km; elevation gain: 200 m
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.
Hike Distance: 13 km; elevation gain: 350 m
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
Depart
Enjoy a short stroll in Aumont-Aubrac before departing for your next adventure.

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.

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