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.
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
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
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.
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
Classic Accommodation: US$1250
Single Supplement: US$445
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.
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 gathered at the magnificent Cathédrale-de-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.
Walking 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 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.*
4
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.*
5
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.*
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.
Walking Distance: 15 km, elevation gain 200 m.*
7
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.
Hotel de la Vieille Auberge, Saint Privat d’Allier
This small, traditional hotel boasts beautiful views on the “gorges”. The restaurant offers wonderful regional specialties.
Hotel La Terrasse, Saugues
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.
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.
Hotel Chez Camillou, Aumont d’Aubrac
This 3-star hotel has comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities and an excellent restaurant.
