Chemin de St. Jacques Hiking 7 Days

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.

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 IN REGULAR TRIP

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

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Any start date between May 1 and September 15
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.

Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights, with 5 days walking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Le Puy-en-Velay / Aumont-Aubrac

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 $1,950 per person

Single Supplement: US $500

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.

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

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.
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

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.

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.

Relais st 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.