Enjoy both great sceneries and history all way long
Explore Basque Country's traditional and gastronomical cultures
Stay in typical French villages
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.

From Aire-sur-l’Adour to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the 6th and final section of Le Puy Route will surely bewitch you. It starts in Les Landes and hikers quickly enter the French Basque Country. Charming French villages, beautiful forests, great scenic views, history: this section combines it all as you get closer to the Pyrenees, never far ahead in the distance. Finally, you reach their foothills in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, both the end of Le Puy Route and the beginning of the French Way, en route to Santiago. This walk can be physically demanding and requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk including numerous cultural highlights.

Day 1 - Aire-sur-l'Adour
The pretty town of Aire-sur-l'Adour, gateway to Les Landes département, is split between two parts: the lower section lays by the river Adour and holds home of the 12th century cathedral. On the upper town, Eglise de Sainte Quitterie is also a must-see. This medieval market town is the perfect start to feel the region's peaceful way of living.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities

Day 2 – Aire-sur-l'Adour to Arzacq-Arraziguet (33.5km, 8h30, +200m -100m)
As the kick-off of the ultimate section of Le Puy Route, we spend our first day walking through les Landes département and its crop fields. Cultivated landscapes are dotted by hamlets with different ancient buildings, from well-conserved stone chapels to wash-houses. This first day is demanding, mostly because of its lenght rather than the difficulty of the terrain.

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

Day 3 – Arzacq-Arraziguet to Arthez de Bearn (28.5km, 7h15, +260m -240m)
The beauty of the route today lies in the nice paths taken along hillside from where, from time to time, we can see a stepple pointing up to the sky, from the valley below. The route runs through the round topped hills, passing by numerous villages and as many nice old churches, such as in Luvigny, Larreule or Caubin.

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

Day 4 – Arthez de Bearn to Navarrenx (29.5km, 7h30)
Today is a long day, going through the nice undulated countryside of Le Bearn area. After crossing over the river Gave de Pau, there are a few long uphill stretches which add some difficulty to this nice walk. One of the nicest rewards of the day comes after the effort, when arriving in Navarrenx, a beautiful fortified city which was the first bastionned city of France.

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

Day 5 – Navarrenx to Saint-Palais (27km, 6h45)
Soon after Navarrenx, we find ourselves walking through the countryside and nice woodlands. Then we reach Lichos, marking the entrance of the Camino into the Basque Country. Passing via the village of Aroue, we continue our way up and down with the Pyrenees getting closer and closer. Finally, we reach Saint-Palais.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Accommodation: En-suite. 2* accommodation or equivalent. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 – Saint-Palais to Larceveau (16.5km, 4h15)
This is another incredible walk, passing through few villages but offering beautiful views all way long. Walking through the peaceful countryside, we gradually make our way up to the chapel of Soyarce with its wonderful views over the Pyrenees. We pass the typical village of Ostabat and continue to Larceveau.

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

Day 7 – Larceveau to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (17km, 4h15)
The last day of the final section of Le Puy Route runs through the hilly and countryside of the Basque Country, with its grazing sheep and red roofed houses. The Camino goes up and down all day long, offering nice views over the green countryside and passing through villages with typical Basque names like Bastida Xoko, Utxiat or Bussunaritz. The journey ends up in the beautiful medieval Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foothills of the Pyrenees and starting point of the French Way to Santiago.

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

Day 8 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. If you wish to continue and experience crossing over the Pyrenees on the Camino, have a look at our French Way, Section 1. You can also stay overnight in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Town: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities
Meal: Breakfast

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• En-suite Rooms except Day 3 in Arthez (1 bathroom for 2 rooms)
• Half-board during the cycle
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinners in Aire-sur-l'Adour and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
• Transfer from/to airport