Le Puy Camino - Conques to Cahors

Arrive in the picturesque town of Conques, nestled in lush greenery. We recommend arriving early to visit the Sainte-Foy abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, and to stroll along the medieval lanes of one of the "Most beautiful villages of France". Dinner at the hotel is included this evening. We can also assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request, if you'd like to stay longer.

The trail this morning heads to the surrounding hills where the view over the village of Conques is striking. Along the way, visit a small chapel dedicated to Saint Roch, pilgrim saint of Montpellier. Here he is depicted as a pilgrim with a scallop shell. This evening your accommodation will be in Livinhac (near Decazeville) by the Lot river. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +671m/2201ft, -753m/2470ft

Walking from Livinhac you will reach the hilltop village of Montredon, dominated by its church Saint Michel and Romanesque Chapel of St Mary. The route then crosses the countryside to arrive in Figeac. Figeac is a substantial medieval town in the Lot department, east of Cahors on the River Célé. It has an extensive and interesting historical centre, dating in part from the 9th century. There are also many houses and small palaces from the 13th to 16th centuries, when it was an important trade centre. It is the birthplace of Champollion, decipherer of the Egyptian hieroglyphs, and you can visit the excellent museum dedicated to his work. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +-507m/1663ft

The trail crosses the river Célé and ascends the limestone plateau where you can admire the magnificent "Cazels" or "Bories" - little drystone shepherd huts. Arrive in Gréalou, with its 12th century Romanesque church Our Lady of the Assumption then continue to rural accommodation in Ussac, Saint Chels. Distance 24.5km/15.3mi, +412m/1352ft, -231m/758ft Overnight may be in Grealou (subject to availability) where the accommodation has shared facilities. Distance to Grealou 20km/12.42mi

Today's walk is through forests and passes ancient dolmens (a type of megalithic tomb), stone shelters unique to the region and stone crosses, including the oldest on the whole route. Descend along the Lot valley to the small town of Cajarc in the heart of the valley, on a scenic stretch of the river as it passes through the Regional Natural Parc of the Causses de Quercy. Here you can visit the ruins of a castle dating from the 13th century and the chapel of St Margaret, listed as an historical monument since 1941. The site of the town has been occupied since the Roman period, with the fortified part of the village dating from the 12th century onwards, when the town prospered due to its port. Distance 11km/6.83mi, +109m/358ft, -338m/1108ft

Today’s walk takes you through lovely woods and the agricultural lands of the “Causses du Quercy”. “Les causses” means group of limestone plateaus in the Massif Central. It is quite an easy day’s walk, allowing you plenty of time to pace yourself, enjoy the walk and take in the lovely scenery. Limogne en Quercy is famous for its truffle fair, usually held on Sunday mornings from December to March and in summer. There is a Sunday market (also a Friday market in season). Distance 19km/11.9mi, +353m/1158ft, -203m/666ft

A great walk today as you continue across “le parc naturel regional des Causses de Quercy”. Along the way you'll see dolmens and other historic monuments and sights of interest: old windmills, wells, dry stone walls and a pretty monolithic cross (carved from a single block). The relative isolation of the plateau has created a quiet life for the villages, its farms and houses. If you get the chance, try the region’s most celebrated delicacy: the black truffle. Distance 22km/13.7mi, +230m/755ft, -385m/1263ft

Today's slightly undulating path runs through cultivated countryside and past several villages. You will pass many stone shepherd shelters, ‘caselles’, unique to the region. Walking into Cahors, you'll enjoy fantastic views. It's nestled in a meander of the Lot river and to arrive you cross the famous bridge Valentré, an emblem of the city and a well-known pilgrim milestone. Once a major financial and trading centre during the Middle Ages, Cahors' rich heritage is evident in its fine buildings. It's also know for wine, predominantly its AOC Cahors, an intense red. The region's wine making dates from Ancient Rome, with vines being planted in the area since around 50 BC. It is the largest city on the Le Puy Camino. On Saturday mornings, the market takes place at the foot of the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, a listed historic monument. We suggest trying pastis, Cahors' famous pastry and apple cake. Distance 18km/11.2mi, +170m/558ft, -310m/1017ft

Trip concludes after breakfast, or continue on the next stage to Lectoure. We can assist with booking extra nights in Cahors on request - please ask for our rates.