Walk along whole UNESCO World Heritage stretches of the Camino
Explore the Aubrac inspiring high plateau
Feel the progression in the landscape as you enter the Lot valley
Indulge yourself in en-suite rooms and with a high level of comfort all along the way.

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Departures:

>Self-Guided
Any time, all year round!

>Guided
See Guided Departures page

The Via Podiensis or Le Puy Route was taken for the first time in 950 AD when the archbishop of Le Puy-en-Velay walked to the tomb of Saint James, opening the first non-Spanish route to Santiago. Along Le Puy Route, modern walkers enjoy various incredible landscapes and a rich medieval architectural heritage, as the Camino runs through some of the most typical rural French areas, and crossing towns and cities full of history.
Le Puy Route begins in Le Puy-en-Velay, a city set in a volcanic landscape, 130 kilometres South West of Lyon, in France. It continues through south-western France to the foothills of the Pyrenees, where this Camino joins up with the French Way.

On our 2nd section of Le Puy Route, the Camino runs between Aumont-Aubrac and Conques. The area the Camino crosses is almost legendary on Le Puy Route as it goes through the austere high Aubrac plateau, an isolated landscape, home to green and sleepy volcano lands. The second half of the walking holiday enters the as nice but more lively Lot valley. The many ups and downs during the walk make it demanding but we have split the days in short enough stages so it is feasible by anybody with a reasonable level of fitness. It is also a high rewarding section, with stunning views and beautiful villages!

Day 1 - Day 1 - Aumont-Aubrac
Aumont-Aubrac is a typical village of the area, and the transition between the round topped hills of Allier département and gateway to the high plateau of mythic Aubrac and its endless austere and inspiring volcano lands, part of the Massif Central. The town has always been strongly linked to the Camino, as back in the medieval times, this is where pilgrims coming from the East on Le Puy Route rested before facing the upcoming stark and isolated lands of Aubrac.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities

Day 2 – Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals (27km, 7h, +250m -120m)
As we leave Aumont-Aubrac, we start our way towards the inspiring Aubrac high plateau, walking on walled tracks, with endless flat grassland surrounding us. Typical Aubrac cows grazing there bring life between sleepy villages and farmhouses. The walk ends up in Nasbinals, charming village with a Roman church.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 – Nasbinals to Saint-Chély d'Aubrac (17km, 4h30, +230m -620m)
Today, the Camino reaches one of its highest points as we climb up to 1370 metres before walking down to the historic hamlet of Aubrac, a legendary stage on Le Puy Route. The whole walk between Nasbinals to Saint-Chély d'Aubrac is listed at the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 – Saint-Chély d'Aubrac to Espalion (22km, 5h30, +150m -600m)
Soon after crossing over Saint-Chély bridge, we leave the typical sceneries of the Aubrac to enter chestnut and beechwoods. After this, we notice a more populated area and we reach medieval Saint-Come-d'Olt, one of the "nicest villages of France". It is then a nice stroll, climbing up a bit before getting down to the pretty village of Espalion, on the banks of the Lot river.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 – Espalion to Golinhac (27km, 7h, +550m -250m)
Along the walk, the area holds home to well preserved treasures from the past, part of UNESCO World Heritage site list. First, we head to the beautiful Roman church of Béssuéjouls and its upper chapel hidden in the 11th century steeple. Then, we reach Estaing, a medieval village topped by its impressive castle. We then continue along the Lot river, before climbing up to Montégut. The camino then runs through woods and countryside before reaching yet another pretty village: Golinhac

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Golinhac to Conques (21km, 5h15, -550m, +270m)
Countryside and peaceful woodlands will be our decor all day long during this easy walk. We have some time to wander around the charming village of Espeyrac on the bank of the river and to admire the old castle in Sénergues. Finally, we arrive in Conques, one of the nicest town on the whole Le Puy Route!

Town: ATM, shops, all facilities Meal: Breakfast

Day 7 – Conques
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

Town: ATM, shops, all facilities
Meal: Breakfast

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• En-suite Rooms
• Half-board during the cycle
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinners in Aumont-Aubrac and Conques
• Transfer from/to airport