Compare The Full French Way of St James by UTracks

Day 1 Arrive Le Puy-en-Velay

Arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay. This is an ancient town surrounded by a volcanic landscape which is 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.

Day 2 Walk to St-Privat-d'Allier (5-6hrs)

The Le Puy-en-Velay cathedral is the starting point for your walk and you will ascend rapidly from the Puy Basin. Crossing the Velay Mountains and passing fields of lentils, you'll enter the heart of the volcanic chain of the Deves before arriving in the small village of St Privat d’Allier. Distance 23km/14.3mi, +572m/1877ft, -376m/1234ft

meals : B,D

Day 3 Descend the gorges of Allier to Saugues (4-5hrs)

Most of the day is spent crossing the valley. You will pass through the village of Rochegude, famous for its St Jacques Chapel, where a descent to the river at Monistrol will follow. Whilst the trail is easy to follow, the following ascent is quite sustained (500m/1640ft over 11km/6.8mi) just beyond Rognac from where the route leads you to the historic village of Saugues, famous for its mushrooms, wooden shoes and a meeting point for all pilgrims coming from the Auvergne. Distance 19km/11.9mi, +927m/3040ft, -829m/2720ft

meals : B,D

Day 4 Walk across the Margeride plateau to Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole (8hrs)

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 is relatively easy going - although gently ascending most of the day. Amongst the most interesting sights are St Roch Chapel or L’Hospitalet du Dauvage Chapel, founded in 1198 as a hospital for pilgrims and travellers. Overnight in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole (or St-Alban les Faux if booking the upgrade accommodation option). Distance up to 32km/20.2mi,+716m/2350ft, -829m/2404ft It's possible to shorten this stage and stay overnight in Chanaleilles (in a gite, some rooms have shared facilities) continuing to Les Faux/St-Alban the following day. Supplement applies, ask your consultant. Must be requested at time of booking. Walking is approx 11km.

meals : B,D

Day 5 Descend into the Truyère valley, continue to Aumont-Aubrac (4-5hrs)

From St Alban the trail descends into the Truyere valley. You then traverse the vast plain of the Margeride to reach Aumont-Aubrac. On the way, admire the Roman church of the Estrets, re-worked several times and surmounted by a bell tower wall with three openings supporting a small steeple. Aumont-Aubrac lies in the south of the Auvergne area. Its old town has well-preserved houses from the 16th and 17th century with sculpted stone facades. Just up the road is a ‘Laguiole’ outlet store, great for souvenirs. Overnight Aumont-Aubrac (or Peyre en Aubrac with the upgrade option). Distance 15km/9.1mi, +387m/1270ft, -294m/965ft

meals : B,D

Day 6 Walk to Nasbinals (7hrs)

From Aumont-Aubrac in “Terre de Peyre” (land of Peyre which means land of stone), the Way of St James crosses some beautiful pine forests before joining the Aubrac plateau, a vast expanse of pastures punctuated by “burons” (in the Auvergne region this is a shelter where the cowherd lives and makes cheese during the summer). It's a change from the previous walking stages, a wilder windswept moorland, with peat, laced with winding ribbon streams, drystone walls and huge boulders. Arrive at your hotel in Nasbinals. Its church with schist roofs and brown basalt walls is typical of the Auvergnat roman style. Distance 26km/16.2mi, +479m/1571ft, -346m/1135ft (highest point 1256m)

meals : B,D

Day 7 To St-Chely-d'Aubrac (4-5hrs)

This stage takes you through the heart of the Aubrac plateau, where the ancestral rite of transhumance is still practiced (the annual transhumance fair is on the Sunday nearest 25th of May). Today you'll pass the highest point of the whole 750 km between Le Puy-en-Velay and St Jean Pied-de-Port (1366m) just before the historical village of Aubrac. For lunch we suggest trying the regional specialties such as“aligot” (mashed potato with melted cheese and garlic), assorted meats from the mountain or a good omelette. Descend into less wild territory, and the very pleasant village of Saint Chely d'Aubrac. Distance 16km/10mi, +224m/735ft, -588m/1929ft (highest point 1366m)

meals : B,D

Day 8 To Espalion (5.5hrs)

We leave the country of the “Boraldes” (name given to the brooks descending from the Aubrac) 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. At Saint-Come, you leave the Aubrac region and enter the Rouergue. Continue to Espalion, also along the Lot, where you'll stay tonight. Espalion has a lovely river front: the buildings with characteristic wooden balconies used to be tanneries. The town has a great market on Friday mornings. (subject to availability overnight may be in Saint-Côme d’Olt). Distance 22km/13.67mi, +227m/745ft, -675m/2214ft (highest point 922m)

meals : B,D

Day 9 To Estaing (3-4hrs)

The walk continues on the Way of St James following the Lot river to the lovely village of Estaing, also one of “les plus beaux villages de France”, with its Gothic bridge and imposing chateau. The annual St Fleuret fair has been held here since the 14th century (on the first Sunday of July). On this occasion, a great procession travels through the village in period costume. Every other weekend in September, Estaing hosts a market with local produce and artisans' works, and groups of Troubadours entertain with juggling and traditional music. Overnight hotel in Estaing. Distance 12/7.45mi, +210m/689ft, -255m/837ft (highest point 490m)

meals : B,D

Day 10 To Golinhac (4hrs)

Today is a straightforward walk mainly along quiet tarmac roads. Most of the day's ascent is completed early on so that you can enjoy great views across the hills as you walk towards Golinhac. Golinhac's church preserves the Roman foundations of a Benedictine priory that was dependent on Conques abbey. Of interest at the south-eastern entrance to the village is a stone cross dating from the fifteenth century, with a decorative carving of a pilgrim. Overnight hotel in Golinhac. Distance 14km/8.8mi, +586m/1922ft, -256m/840ft (highest point 660m)

meals : B,D

Day 11 To Conques (6hrs)

Today's walk is one of the favourite stages for pilgrims as the view over the village of Conques is breathtaking from the east. While descending into the deep valley of the Ouche, you will arrive near the Dourdou river (which flows into the Lot, to the north) at Conques. It is one of the most notable places on the Way of St James, with its superb abbey-church and medieval buildings. Relax this evening in one of the many bars to experience the atmosphere of this lovely town. There may be a piano recital at the church in the evening (check locally). Distance 21km/13mi, +398m/1305ft, -749m/2457ft (highest point 677m)

meals : B,D

Day 12 Rest day in Conques

Today is free to discover the village and its pointed roofs from which the towers of the Romanesque Abbey-Church Sainte Foy dominate. The doorway of the abbey - the Tympanum - is one of the most important examples of Romanesque sculpture in the World, and don't miss 'Le Tresor' with its fine collections of medieval gold and jewels.

meals : B

Day 13 To Livinhac le Haut (6hrs)

The trail this morning heads to the surrounding hills, where the view over 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. You will walk through forests and lush green fields to the town of Decazeville. This evening your accommodation will be at Livinhac (or Decazeville (20km), dependent on availability.) Distance 23.5km/14.6mi, +774m/2539ft, -856m/2808ft

meals : B,D

Day 14 To Figeac (7hrs)

Leaving from either Livinhac (or Decazeville), you 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, with its lovely medieval architecture. The birthplace of Champollion (mainly known as the decipherer of Egyptian hieroglyphs), you can visit the excellent museum dedicated to his work. There is also a Benedictine abbey from the ninth century. Distance 24km/14.9mi, +507m/1663ft, -517m/1696ft - From Decazeville 29.5km/18.3m

meals : B

Day 15 Walk to Gréalou (5hrs)

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. Distance 20km/12.42mi, +498m/1633ft, -315m/1033ft

meals : B,D

Day 16 Continue to the pretty medieval town of Cajarc (4hrs)

The forested trail today descends along the Lot valley to the village of Cajarc. You'll pass ancient dolmens (a type of megalithic tomb), stone shelters unique to the region, and stone crosses including the oldest on the route. Cajarc is an attractive village surrounded by high limestone cliffs, situated on the banks of the Lot River. On arrival you can visit the ruins of a 13th century castle and the chapel of St Margaret, listed as an historical monument since 1941. At times you may be booked at a hotel in Cajarc on a Bed & breakfast basis, in which case a discount will apply. Distance 11km/6.83mi, +120m/394ft, -341m/1119ft

meals : B,D

Day 17 To Limogne en Quercy (5hrs)

The trail continues along the arid plateau of Limogne en Quercy. You'll walk through lovely woods and the agricultural land of the Causses du Limogne (the group of limestone plateaus in the Massif Central). The rainwater seeps inside the rocks to form a network of underground rivers and the region is also rich in caves, some of which contain paintings.It's an easy day’s walk, allowing you plenty of time to take in the lovely scenery. Overnight in Limogne-en-Quercy. There is a Sunday market (also a Friday market in season). Distance 19km/11.9mi, +410m/1345ft, -274m/899ft

meals : B,D

Day 18 Walk to the truffle town of Lalbenque (6-7hrs)

Today’s walk will be mainly flat on woodland tracks, as you continue your journey across “le parc naturel regional des Causses de Quercy”. On your way to Mas-de -Vers and Lalbenque 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 apparent isolation of the plateau has created a quiet life for the villages, its farms and houses. If you get the chance, taste the region’s most celebrated delicacy: the black truffle. (Note: Dinner is not included tonight with the upgrade option). Distance 22km/13.7mi, +211m/692ft, -246m/807ft

meals : B,D

Day 19 Walk to Cahors (5hrs)

The trail takes you along the Cami Ferrat, an ancient trade route between Cahors and Caylus. You'll pass many stone shepherd shelters, ‘caselle’, which are unique to the region. As you walk into Cahors, you'll enjoy fantastic views. It's nestled in a U-shaped bend 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 Way of St James, with a population of over 22,000 inhabitants. Distance 22km/13.7mi, +211m/692ft, -246m/807ft

meals : B

Day 20 Walk to Lascabanes (6hrs)

Leaving Cahors, the walk starts with a demanding climb, giving you a good view of the city down to the valley. You'll then continue to the Causses limestone plateau. On your way you will pass the villages of Labastide-Marnhac, before arriving in the little village of Lascabanes where you find a lovely chapel. Lascabanes had a pilgrims' hospital in the 15th century and the tiny church still offers a pilgrim blessing every day at 6pm. Overnight Lascabanes (or Lendou en Quercy with the upgrade option). Distance 22km/13.7mi, +453m/1486ft, -392m/1286ft

meals : B,D

Day 21 On to Lauzerte (6hrs)

The trail today leads you into the Tarn and Garonne region, with a few ascents and descents all the way to Lauzerte. There is less woodland and more farmland and crop fields. You'll reach the village of Lauzerte, another of the “most beautiful villages of France”. It is a medieval bastide, perched above the valleys and hills of the Quercy Blanc. In the heart of the Chasselas appellation and the production area of the Melons du Quercy, Lauzerte watches over an appetizing countryside of limestone plateaus and valleys. Over the seasons, the latter take on the colours of fruit trees, sunflowers, maize, vines, lavender, etc. Overnight Lauzerte. Distance 25km/15.5mi, +582m/1909ft, -543m/1781ft

meals : B,D

Day 22 Walk to Moissac (7hrs)

Today is one of the easiest walking days, as you make your way towards Moissac on quiet countryside tracks, crossing woodlands, crop fields and vineyards. Moissac was formerly an important stop on the road to Santiago coming in from Geneva. Here you can visit the prestigious Abbey of Saint-Pierre with its UNESCO World Heritage cloister. Take a walk along the pont Canal de Cacor, a 356m canal bridge which allows the Garonne lateral canal to cross the Tarn river. Distance 28km/17.4mi, +552m/1811ft, -694m/2277ft

meals : B,D

Day 23 To Auvillar with its interesting medieval circular market (6hrs)

On leaving Moissac, pass by its abbey and continue along the Tarn before returning to the Garonne and its lateral canal. You soon enter the Lomagne or "hunchback Gascogne", an area of natural beauty. This former dependency of the Duchy of Gascony is the land of white garlic, interesting houses and churches. Your destination today is the village of Auvillar, which was built on a promontory and is another of the "most beautiful villages in France". With its circular market built in 1824, its clock tower and old stone houses, there is much to explore. Distance 21km/13mi, +377m/1237ft, -340m/1115ft

meals : B,D

Day 24 To Flamarens (4hrs)

Today you will leave the department “Lot” to enter the farmlands of “Le Gers”. The walk takes you to the lovely village of Flamarens, with its castle built in the 13th century. Distance 14km/8.7mi, +398m/1305ft, -310m/1017ft

meals : B,D

Day 25 Walk to Lectoure (6hrs)

Continue your Camino walk to Miradoux, a former bastide, founded in 1253, the oldest in the department. Built on a small promontory, the town has character-filled stone houses, evidence of the area's rich history. Further along the trail is the lovely town of Lectoure, built on a rocky outcrop high above the hills of Lomagne. This is Armagnac región, the famous brandy! Known as one of the oldest cities in the Gers, Lectoure's foundation dates back to the Gallo-Roman period. With its imposing Cathedral and Chateau, once home to the Counts of Armagnac, the town has a colourful history such as the seige of Louis XI in 1473. If you are here on a Friday, there is a fabulous market in the morning that showcases the region's gastronomical delights. Distance 21km/13mi, +277m/909ft, -303m/994ft

meals : B,D

Day 26 Walk to La Romieu (5hrs)

Leaving Lectoure and the Gers River behind, the trail takes you to Marsolan where on the terrace of the remains of the old hospital Saint Jacques at the entrance to the village, you can take in the impressive view of the Auchie Gascon Valley. It is a very pleasant stroll through woodland and peaceful countryside today. Continuing through fields and woods, the trail leads to La Romieu, another of the "most beautiful villages in France". Here you can visit the Collegiate Church of St Pierre La Romieu, whose cloisters are a 'must-see'. It's also called the "village of cats" because of the many sculpted cats you'll see around town, the work of Maurice Serreau, Distance 18km/11.2mi, +349m/1145ft, -350m/1148ft

meals : B,D

Day 27 Continue to the Armagnac town of Condom (4hrs)

Leaving La Romieu the expansive views of the open countryside of the Gers are inspiring. It's an ideal walking environment, best before the midday sun sets in. The area represents the transition between the 'haute' Armagnac around Lectoure (also called White Armagnac due to the limestone found throughout the area) and the 'bas' Armagnac around Eauze, where thick black oak woods are found and more than half of the wine crops of Armagnac are located. Cereals, sunflowers, orchards and vegetable crops also flourish, as well as garlic and melon. On the way you'll pass La Chapelle Sainte Germaine, a restored church, with great views over the countryside. Condom is a principal Armagnac town and is located at a spur of the rivers Gele and Baise. A key attraction is the Gothic styled Cathedral of St Peter's, the last built in the Languedoc style. Own dinner arrangements tonight. Distance 13km/8.1mi, +237m/777ft, -331m/1086ft

meals : B

Day 28 Walk to Montréal du Gers with its arcade lined central square (5hrs)

En route to Montréal-du-Gers we recommend a 15 minute detour to visit the tiny fortified town of Larresingle which was the fortress of the Bishops of Condom in the Middle Ages and another of the' most beautiful villages' in France. Further along the route you pass the Pont d'Artigues, a Romanesque bridge crossing the Osse river, approx. 1000km from Santiago. It was also the site of a pilgrim hospital and a church but there are no remains of these buildings today. A little further you will come across the Eglise de Routges, the oldest church in the region, before arriving at Montréal-du-Gers. This interesting bastide town has a central square surrounded by arcades, the 13th century Church of Sainte-Marie and historic houses. Distance 16km/9.9mi, +263m/863ft, -239m/784ft

meals : B,D

Day 29 To the Roman town of Eauze (5hrs)

Most of the walking today is flat, across agricultural landscapes intersected by minor roads. The first 10km of the trail pass vineyards and pretty countryside until you reach the hamlet of Lamothe, with its 13th century guard tower. The walk then heads down into the valley before a steady uphill trail takes you gently into the Place d’Armagnac in Eauze, capital of Armagnac. The Gothic cathedral is worth a visit, while other attractions include a museum with Roman coin collection, an Andalucian style bullring and numerous historic houses. Distance 17km/10.6mi, +241m/791ft, -198m/650ft

meals : B,D

Day 30 Pass Armagnac vineyards and walnut groves to Nogaro (6hrs)

Continue today on a fairly flat trail through vines, walnut groves and open countryside. In Manciet, about half way along the day's walk, there is a bullring used for cattle races which are held on the 2nd Sunday in September to coincide with the village fete. Passing the church of St Jean Baptiste de la Commanderie de Saint Christie de l'Armagnac, there are some small descents and ascents before arriving into Nogaro. The town has a bullring and a Romanesque church. (Note: Dinner is not included tonight with the upgrade option). Distance 20km/12.4mi, +338m/1109ft, -364m/1194ft

meals : B,D

Day 31 Walk to Aire sur l'Adour or Barcelonne du Gers (7.5hrs)

Today you will mainly be walking alongside cereal crops and farmland, and passing some of the prettiest villages and hamlets on the entire route. On the last stretch vineyards become rarer and the landscape changes to an area that is tree covered with maritime pines, oaks and chestnuts.There is quite a bit of road walking but not much traffic, mainly tractors. Barcelonne du Gers and Aire sur l’Adour are neighbouring towns by the river Adour. Must-visits are Aire Cathedral, built in the 11th century and renovated in the 14th and 17th centuries, the Gothic church of Sainte-Quitterie and the old grain market. On Tuesdays there is a food market in Aire-sur-l’Adour. Distance 27km/16.8mi, +373m/1224ft, -434m/1424ft

meals : B,D

Day 32 Continue to Arzacq Arraziguet (8-9hrs)

Today is a demanding walking day, mainly due to its length rather than the difficulty of the trail. You'll wander through lush green countryside with hamlets and ancient buildings such as medieval chapels and wash-houses (“lavoirs”). The snow-capped Pyrenees come into view as you enter the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department. Pass the magnificent 11th century Church of Miramont Sensacq, formerly dedicated to St James, and Pimbo, one of the oldest villages in the Landes. From here you enter the region called “Béarn”. Arzacq Arraziguet is a bastide town built in the 11th century with two main squares and two “lavoirs”. Distance 32km/19.9mi, +751m/2464ft, -725m/2379ft Note: If you are unsure about walking 32km, it's possible to split today into two days, staying in the town of Miramont (at 18km). If you wish to do this please advise us at the time of booking - supplement applies for additional night.

meals : B,D

Day 33 Continue past a pilgrims hospital to Larreule (6hrs)

A shorter day today. The trail continues through the beautiful Béarn region. With the Pyrenees to the south, you'll cross rolling hills and pass many villages such as Louvigny to Larreule with its Benedictine Monastery. Distance 12km/7.8mi, +310m/1017ft, -330m/1083ft

meals : B,D

Day 34 To Argagnon or Maslacq (8hrs)

The trail continues past a pilgrims' hospital and a Romanesque chapel to reach Arthez-de-Béarn, with its distinctive Basque architecture. A few long uphill stretches will add some difficulty to this pleasant section of the trail. The route passes through woods, churches and chapels before reaching Aragnon or continue to the small village of Maslacq. Distance 26km/16.1mi, +193m/633ft, -241m/790ft

meals : B,D

Day 35 Continue to Navarrenx (6-7hrs)

Starting the day through fields and woods following the Gave de Pau, the route passes a sanctuary and later a former monastery (La Sauvelade). The undulating trail takes you through quiet rural scenes before a long descent through a forest which will take you to the lovely walled town of Navarrenx, the first place in France to be fortified with Italian style ramparts in the 16th century. Navarrenx is one of “the most beautiful villages in France” and is notable for its fortifications, which are classified as Historic Monuments. Distance 22km/13.7mi, +526m/1726ft, -660m/2165ft

meals : B,D

Day 36 Through fields and past villages to Lichos (4hrs)

Another great day's walk through the last of the Béarnais countryside, crossing small streams and ascending fields and wooded trails. En route you'll pass a pâté producer (Jean Haget) and the Mongaston Castle, before reaching the small village of Lichos, birthplace of Saint-Grat, Bishop of Oloron, in the Basque region of France. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +331m/1086ft, -283m/928ft

meals : B,D

Day 37 Walk to Saint Palais (6hrs)

Stop at the Romanesque church of St Etienne in Aroue and make a detour off the path to see the lovely Romanesque church of St Just in Olhaiby. You'll follow rural trails to St Palais, a cultural town which plays host to colourful festivals and markets. Here the street signs are in the Basque language which is typical of the region. This is also the entry point into the Lower Navarre, formerly the Kingdom of Navarre. There are a number of sights to visit including a museum containing pilgrim relics and a statue of St James. Distance 25km/15.5mi, +404m/1325ft, -612m/2008ft

meals : B,D

Day 38 To Ostabat-Asme (3hrs

Continue on a trail past pilgrims hospitals, small chapels and historic villages. During your walk today you will pass the Gibraltar stele, where all the Camino routes from France meet. The trail leads you across rolling countryside before reaching the chapel of Soyarce where you will get amazing views over the Pyrenees. Continue to Ostabat-Asme, an important centre for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Distance 11km/6.8mi, +406m/1332ft, -294m/964ft Note: if Ostabat is full you'll stay at Larceveau (15km/9.3mi, ascent: +360m, descent -160m)

meals : B,D

Day 39 To St Jean Pied de Port (6hrs)

Your last walking day today! The trail leads you through the Basque countryside and along the D933, through the valley and on old paths either side of the road. En route you pass the sights of pilgrims' hospitals and the Croix de Galzetaburia which is a cross placed on the crossing of Roman roads to mark the entry of secondary routes onto the Via Pondensis. Passing the villages of Mongelos and Bussanarits you reach Donazaharre with its church of St Pierre. Soon you'll enter the pretty pilgrimage town of St Jean Pied de Port via the Porte Saint-Jacques. At the foothills of the Pyrenees, St Jean is a small border town but it's always busy with pilgrims. It has traditionally been an important point on the Way of St James, standing at the base of the Roncevaux Pass across the Pyrenees. Pied-de-Port means 'foot of the pass' in Pyrenean French. The routes from Paris, Vézelay and Le Puy-en-Velay meet at Saint-Jean,the last stop before the arduous mountain crossing into Spain. Distance 22km/13.9mi, +446m/1463ft, -437m/1434ft If you're booked at Larceveau, its 19km/11.9mi, ascent +200m, descent -215m)

meals : B

Day 40 Trip concludes

Your trip concludes after breakfast.

meals : B