GR65 (Le Puy Camino)

Your journey begins with a gradual ascent out of Le Puy-en-Velay, offering views over the city and its volcanic spires. The trail winds through open countryside and small hamlets, passing chapels and fields before the final climb to Saint-Privat-d’Allier, a hilltop village surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Descend into the deep Allier Gorge before a steep ascent to Monistrol-d’Allier. The path then climbs through forests and rural villages, testing your legs early in the pilgrimage. Saugues welcomes hikers with its towered skyline and reputation as a classic GR65 stop.

Continue through the rolling Margeride hills, with forest tracks, moorlands, and passing the small village of La Clauze, noted for its watchtower. The day ends at Le Sauvage, a former commandery providing lodging for pilgrims amidst remote highland scenery.

Today’s walk takes you through forests and open fields, emerging into the high pastures near Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole. After crossing picturesque villages and rural landscapes, you arrive in Aumont-Aubrac, gateway to the famous Aubrac Plateau.

Enter the legendary Aubrac Plateau, an expanse of sweeping grasslands dotted with granite outcrops and mountain flora. The route follows ancient drover’s roads, passing through the tranquil hamlets of Rieutort-d’Aubrac and finishing in the stone village of Nasbinals.

Today’s stage continues across the windswept heights of the Aubrac Plateau, often with panoramic views. Descend gradually into lush woodland and farmland before reaching the scenic village of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac, situated in a green valley.

A steady descent from the Aubrac region into the Lot Valley reveals changing scenery. You pass through quiet hamlets, agricultural valleys, and riverside meadows before arriving at Saint-Côme-d’Olt, one of France’s most beautiful villages with its unusual twisted church spire.

This shorter day follows the Lot River valley, passing pastoral farmland and river crossings. Arrive in Espalion, a lively town known for its picturesque bridges, red sandstone houses, and the prominent church of Perse.

Depart Espalion, continuing down the Lot Valley, crossing rivers, stone bridges, and passing by Château de Calmont d’Olt. The path weaves through rural hamlets and gently rolling terrain, eventually reaching the historic village of Estaing and its fairytale château.

Leave Estaing with a climb from the riverbank, traversing forests and pastures. Views widen as you reach the plateau, and the trail takes you through a series of quiet, rural settlements before descending into Golinhac, a tranquil village perched above the valley.

Rolling hills, woodlands, and peaceful farmland mark the journey before a memorable descent into Conques. The medieval gem of Conques, set amidst steep forested slopes, is renowned for its Sainte-Foy Abbey, a highlight of the Camino.

Climb steeply out of Conques and cross rolling green hills towards Decazeville, a former mining town. Pass through small villages and woodland, with occasional views over the Lot Valley.

Traverse gently undulating terrain, crossing rivers and rural landscapes. The day’s end brings you to Figeac, a medieval town famed for its town squares, old stone buildings, and links to Champollion, the decipherer of the Rosetta Stone.

A varied stage with forest tracks, quiet villages, and small river valleys. Walkers encounter stretches of limestone plateau before descending to Cajarc, an attractive riverside town surrounded by cliffs and countryside.

The route leaves the Lot River valley and traverses the wild causse landscapes of Quercy, a region of sparse stone walls, rocky outcrops, and juniper forests. Limogne-en-Quercy is a village known for its markets and peaceful streets.

Heading deeper into the Quercy region, pass through a series of rural hamlets and wooded sections before approaching Cahors. The city, dominated by the famous Valentré Bridge and its medieval core, marks a lively stage finish.

Leave Cahors by crossing the Lot River and climbing into the hills. Woodland paths and isolated farms shape the route, leading to the peaceful hamlet of Lascabanes, popular with pilgrims seeking quiet surroundings.

Travel through gently rolling countryside, past orchards and open fields. The walled hilltop town of Lauzerte, renowned for its medieval square and panoramic views, provides a memorable overnight destination.

Cross broad agricultural plains, vineyards, and sunflower fields en route to Moissac, renowned for the abbey and its stunning Romanesque cloister. The Tarn River valley adds to the day’s scenic appeal.

Follow the Garonne Canal towpath and cross the fertile Garonne valley. Quiet country lanes lead to Auvillar, a picturesque village perched above the river, famed for its circular market hall and stone arcades.

Wind through hilly farmland, vineyards, and rural lanes, passing through small villages en route to Lectoure. This town boasts ancient ramparts, a cathedral, and sweeping countryside vistas.

Today’s path meanders through fields, forests, and riverside tracks. The approach to Condom, a cathedral city in the heart of Armagnac, marks your entry into Gascony’s rich culinary and cultural region.

Navigate gentle hills and vineyards, passing through historic hamlets such as Larressingle, a perfectly preserved fortified village. Conclude the day in Montréal-du-Gers with its arcaded square and medieval walls.

Continue through rolling countryside and vineyards amid the gentle hills of Gers. Eauze, a town with Roman origins and a lively market, is your destination, offering insight into regional history and culture.

A day traversing farms, vineyards, and patches of woodland. Arrive in Nogaro, a town known for its historic church and local hospitality.

Journey through quiet villages, farmland, and small forests before entering Aire-sur-l’Adour, a riverside town with an impressive cathedral and Roman remains.

Walk past lakes, through fertile farmland, and cross streams as you leave the Gers for the lands of Béarn. The destination, Arzacq-Arraziguet, is a bastide town with covered arcades and a central square.

Travel along undulating rural lanes, through sunflower and maize fields, and pass historic churches. The day concludes in Navarrenx, a fortified town on the Gave d’Oloron River and a highlight of the western stages.

Descend from the hills of Béarn into picturesque Basque country, passing through small villages with distinct Basque charm. The path approaches the Pyrenees, finally reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the traditional gateway for Camino pilgrims heading on to Spain.

Spend time exploring the cobbled streets, ancient ramparts, and historic sites of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Enjoy local Basque culture, provisions, and prepare for the next phase if you’re continuing to Santiago de Compostela.