Le Puy Camino - Le Puy en Velay to Cahors

Make your own way to le Puy-en-Velay and the joining hotel. It is an ancient town surrounded by a volcanic landscape, dominated by rocky peaks rising from the valley floor. We recommend that you allow at least half a day to explore. Take a stroll through town and warm up your walking legs climbing the 267 steps to the Chapel of St Michael d'Aiguilhe, built by Godescalc after his pilgrimage to Santiago in AD951, for views over the town and surrounding area.You can also visit some of the many museums and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

The cathedral at Le Puy is the starting point for your walk. As you follow the trail, there are great views over the whole area. Through rural landscapes you'll ascend rapidly from the Puy Basin. Crossing the Velay Mountains past fields of the famous green lentils, you enter the heart of the volcanic chain of the Deves before arriving in the small village of Saint Privat d’Allier and your gite. Distance 23km/14.3mi, +572m/1877ft, -390m/1280ft

A shorter but more challenging stage with ascents and descents, and very rewarding as there are wonderful views of the Velay Massif. The trail takes you to picturesque villages and hamlets such as Rochegude and Combriaux. From Monistrol on, the climb is quite steep to reach Montaure (1022m) on the edge of the Gevaudan plateau (up some 420m!). To Montaure the walk follows the ancient pilgrim’s trail precisely then leads you along a pleasant trail to arrive in Saugues, where you will stay for the night. Saugues is famous for its mushrooms, wooden shoes and as a meeting point for all pilgrims coming from the Auvergne. Distance 19km/11.9mi, +791m/2595ft, -694m/2277ft

Today is very picturesque as you cross the Margeride Plateau. With vast grassy plains and moors of broom and heather, this part of the trail though long is relatively easy going, gently ascending most of the day. Interesting sights along the way include St Roch Chapel or L’Hospitalet du Dauvage Chapel, founded in 1198 as a hospital for pilgrims and travellers. Farm cafes along the way may be open however we suggest stocking up on snacks before leaving Saugues. Overnight is usually in Les Faux or at times, subject to availability, further along at St Alban sur Limagnole. Distance to Les Faux: 28km/17mi, +-620m/2034ft Distance to St Alban: 32km/20.25mi,+716m/2350ft, -829m/2404ft Option: It's possible to split this stage (ie add an extra night) and continue to Les Faux/St Alban the following day. A supplement applies, please ask our team and this must be requested at time of booking. The overnight stay will either be in Le Villeret / Chanaleilles (rooms have private facilities - distance 11.5km/7.2mi) or Le Sauvage (all beds are single width, the food served is mainly home grown, rooms have shared facilities - distance 19.5km/12.2mi) dependent on availability.

From Les Faux the trail continues to the town of St Alban then descends into the Truyere valley. It's a bucolic day, taking you across small rivers, through forests, by fields and into small villages, as you traverse the vast plain of the Margeride. On the way, admire the Roman church of the Estrets, reworked several times and surmounted by a bell tower wall with three openings supporting a small steeple. Continue to Aumont and your accommodation. Distance from Les Faux: 21km/13mi, +383m/1256ft, -292m/964ft Distance from Saint Alban: 16km/10mi

From Aumont-Aubrac in “Terre de Peyre” (land of stone), the trail crosses beautiful pine forests before joining the Aubrac plateau, an expanse of pastures punctuated by “burons” (traditionally a shelter in the Auvergne region where cheese was made). Here you are in the country of the famous Laguiole knife, an indispensable tool to cut the cheese of the same name. Arrive at your hotel/guest house in Nasbinals. Distance 26km/16.2mi, +392m/1286ft, -264m/866ft (highest point approx 1250m)

This stage takes you through the heart of the Aubrac plateau, where the ancestral rite of transhumance is still practiced (the transhumance fair is on the Sunday nearest 25 May). For lunch you can try a regional specialty at a buron, where local dishes are available such as “aligot” (mashed potato with cheese and garlic), assorted meats from the mountains or a good crepe omelette. In Aubrac you can see remnants of an ancient “Domerie” (name given to the hospital in Aubrac in medieval times). Overnight hotel in St-Chely d'Aubrac. Distance 16km/10mi, +207m/679ft, -583m/1912ft (highest point approx 1360m)

Today you leave “Boraldes” (the name for the brooks descending from the plateau) country to reach the Lot valley. Here you are near St-Côme d’Olt, listed among the “Most beautiful villages of France”. There are remnants of numerous bridges constructed over the Lot river which made the pilgrims' crossings easier. Continue to St-Come d'Olt, where the usual accommodation has a pool. Distance 17km/10.3mi, +248m/814ft, -702m/2303ft (highest point approx 920m) Subject to availability you may stay at Espalion further along the trail. Espalion has a lovely old stone bridge over the River Lot, the Pont Vieux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a lovely river front: the buildings with characteristic wooden balconies were once tanneries. The Friday morning market is reputed to be one of the best in the area. Distance 21.5km/13.4mi, +330m/1082ft, -715m/2345ft

Continue your walk following the Lot river to the lovely village of Estaing, with its Gothic bridge and imposing chateau. There is one short, quite steep ascent at around the 4km point. The annual St Fleuret fair has been held in Estaing since the 14th century (on the first Sunday in July). On this occasion, a great procession travels through the village in period costume. Overnight hotel in Estaing. Distance from Saint-Côme d'Olt 20km/12mi, +500m/1640ft, -559m/1834ft (highest point approx 490m) Distance from Espalion 12km/7.5mi, +210m/689ft, -255m/837ft

Today is a straightforward walk, the last stage in the Lot valley. An ascent (approx 330m) is completed early on so you can enjoy the views across the hills as you walk along the plateau to Golinhac. Golinhac is remarkable for its church, which preserves the Roman foundations of a Benedictine priory, once dependent on Conques abbey. At the southern entrance of the village of Golinhac there is a stony cross with a small sculpted pilgrim. Overnight in Golinhac. Distance 14km/8.8mi, +512m/1680ft, -183m/600ft (highest point approx 660m)

From Golinhac you will soon reach Espeyrac where in 960, according to the tale, a pilgrim who became blind after a mugging, recovered sight by making an invocation to the patron saint of Conques. The trail crosses the Daze and Tayrac, minor rivers, and Senergues with its fortified chateau and beautiful little church, then climbs onto the rolling plateau of Campeux, leading you to one of the most notable places on the Way of St James, the town of Conques. The walk into Conques is very often a favourite for pilgrims, as the view over the village is breathtaking if you come from the east. While descending into the deep valley of the Ouche, you will arrive near the Dourdou river (which flows into the Lot river, to the north) and discover this village where the towers of the Sainte-Foy abbey-church dominate. Its tympanum of the Last Judgment is a true Romanesque art piece. Relax in one of the many bars to experience the atmosphere of this lovely town. Distance 21km/13mi, +373m/1224ft, -757m/2483ft (highest point approx 670m) Please note: if you arrive in Conques on a Monday, the restaurant is closed and dinner is not included. Conques is a lovely town and significant on the Le Puy Camino, if you'd like to add a rest day. This must be requested at time of booking.

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

Your trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.