Along the Via Podensis - French Camino from Le Puy en Velay to St Jean Pied de Port
Self-Guided Trip
40
CA$
days from
7890
Experience a quiet and contemplative alternative to Spain's Camino Frances while experiencing the stunning landscapes, culture, festivals and glorious food France is so well known for. Green hills alternate with wooded mountains, as you follow river valleys and canals through age-old picturesque towns.
This self-guided pilgrimage along the Via Podensis, the French Way of St James, starts in Le Puy en Velay and ends in the foothills of the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. From here you can choose to continue along the Santiago de Compostela, another 6-7 weeks hiking.
Activity / Theme
Country
Hiking
France
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Basic / Moderate
Moderate / Challenging
Transportation
Accommodation
On foot, luggage transfers
39 nights guesthouses or hotel, generally with ensuite facilities
Months of Operation
April, May, June, July, August, September
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
For a quiet and contemplative journey, the French Way of St James is a great alternative to the Camino Frances in Spain.
This self-guided tour can be done in several stages, varying in length between 5 and 12 days
Itinerary
This self-guided tour can be done in several stages, varying in length between 5 and 12 days. Points where you can start and end are indicated with **
DAY 1 Start Le Puy-en-Velay**
DAY 2 To St-Privat-d'Allier (5-6hrs, 23km)
DAY 3 Through the gorges of Allier to Saugues (4-5hrs, 19km)
DAY 4 Over the Margeride plateau to St Alban (7 or 8hrs, 26 or 29km)
**DAY 5 Into the Truyère valley, to Aumont-Aubrac (6 or 5hrs, 20km)**
DAY 6 Walk to Recoules-d'Aubrac or Nasbinals (7.5hrs, 26.5km)
DAY 7 Hike to St-Chely-d'Aubrac (5 or 4hrs, 20km or 17km)
DAY 8 Walk to St-Come d'Olt or Espalion (4 or 5hrs, 16km or 22km)
DAY 9 To Estaing (5 or 3hrs, 20.5km or 11km)
DAY 10 To Golinhac (4hrs, 16km)
DAY 11 To Conques (5-6hrs, 21km)
**DAY 12 Well-deserved rest day in Conques**
DAY 13 To Livinhac or Decazeville (6 or 5hrs, 24km or 20km)
DAY 14 To Figeac (7 or 8hrs, 25.5km or 29.5km)
DAY 15 Hike to Gréalou (5hrs, 20.5km)
DAY 16 Walk to medieval Cajarc (4hrs, 11km)
DAY 17 To Limogne (5hrs, 18km)
DAY 18 To the truffle town of Lalbenque (7hrs, 23km)
**DAY 19 Hike to Cahors (5hrs, 18km)**
DAY 20 Continue to Lascabanes (6.5hrs, 25km)
DAY 21 To Lauzerte (5.5hrs, 23km)
DAY 22 Walk to Moissac (7hrs, 24.5km)
DAY 23 To Auvillar with its medieval market (6hrs, 21km)
DAY 24 To Miradoux (5hrs, 17.5km)
**DAY 25 Walk to Lectoure (4hrs, 15km)**
DAY 26 Hike to La Romieu (5hrs, 19km)
DAY 27 Continue to the Armagnac town of Condom (4hrs, 16km)
DAY 28 Walk to Montréal with central square (5hrs, 17km)
DAY 29 To the Roman town of Eauze (5hrs, 16km
DAY 30 To Nogaro or Arblade-le-Haut (6hrs, 20km or 23.5km)
**DAY 31 Walk to Aire sur l'Adour (7.5 or 8hrs, 24 or 28km)**
DAY 32 Walk to Arzacq (9.5hrs, 34km)
DAY 33 Hike past a pilgrims hospital to Casteide Candau (6hrs, 21km)
DAY 34 To Maslacq (6.5hrs, 19km)
DAY 35 Continue pilgrimage to Navarrenx (6hrs, 22km)
DAY 36 Through fields and small villages to Lichos (4hrs, 15km)
DAY 37 Walk to St Palais (6hrs, 23km)
DAY 38 To Larceveau or Ostabat (3 or 4.5hrs, 11km or 15km)
DAY 39 To St Jean Pied de Port (6 or 5hrs, 19km or 23km)
DAY 40 Trip ends
The trip was fantastic, overall I thought they did a great job. Everything was very smooth and worked well. There was one place I stayed along the trip in St. Privat D'Allier where the owner of the Auberge was very rude and tried to make me pay for the room which had already been paid for but other than that, everyone was lovely and very helpful. There was also one day where they had me walk 33kms and that was too long but otherwise I thought the hike was well organized and well paced. I suspect that the one long day had to do with finding available accomodations since I know everything was pretty booked up.
I had a great time on the trip.
Miriam - Toronto, ON
Inclusions
39 breakfasts, 34 dinners
Accommodation
Information pack including route notes, maps and walking guide
Baggage transportation
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators