5-day French Way of St James Walking Holiday (Part 1)

Le Puy Camino or Via Podiensis is the Camino route starting in breath-taking Le Puy-en-Velay. Nestled between the Auvergne volcanoes and the Rhone Alpes valley, Le Puy en Velay is a charming small city that impresses visitors. Starting in this fascinating town, you will feel you are stepping back in time wandering the cobbled streets of the old town. Enjoy a walk up to “Notre Dame de France” for some fantastic panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Today your walk will across lush mountains in Velay Massif, enjoying stunning scenery all day long, before reaching the pretty village of Saint-Privat d’Allier. Between Le Puy and Saint Christophe the GR rises from 625m to 966m and crosses the vast plateau that leads to the Mountains of Velay. The trail faithfully adheres to the ancient pilgrims route as far as La Roche, before joining another of the old trails that comes from Ramourouscle at Saint Christophe. To be a real pilgrim, you should start from the door of the cathedral and go down the grand steps to La Rue des Tables and, just after passing the fountain turn left into Rue Raphael which opens out into the Place du Plot. You then follow the Rue Saint Jacques leading into Rue des Capucins.

Challenge: 23 km, 550 m ascent, 335 m descent

Today you will walk less in kilometres, but the ascents and descents make it the most challenging stage of this first section, however it is a very rewarding day as you will enjoy wonderful views of the Velay Massif. The Compostelle trail takes you to picturesque villages and hamlets such as Rochegude and Combriaux. From Monistrol on, the climb is quite steep to reach Montaure (1022 metres) on the edge of the Gevaudan plateau. You will be climbing up some 420 metres! Until Montaure the GR follows the ancient pilgrim’s trail precisely, and then the historical trail goes off to the right. A new route has now been developed which is just as direct but more pleasant for walking before you arrive in Saugues, where you will stay for the night.

Challenge: 19 km, 565 m ascent, 480 m descent

This is a long day. There are 'farm cafes' in Contaldes (a farm) and Chazeaux, but don't rely on them being open! There is also a cafe restaurant in Chanaleilles, just off the route. We would therefore recommend that you get supplies in Saugues before leaving. There is a patisserie nearly opposite the hotel and there is a supermarket and another baker on the way out of town. Today, your walk takes you to “Le Sauvage”, a farming area perched on top of a hill and dating back to the times of the Templars. You will then enter Lozère department at the Saint-Roch chapel (great spot for a picnic, with panoramic views) before finishing in Les Faux or Saint Alban-sur-Limagnole.

Accommodation tonight at a charming auberge in Saint Alban-sur-Limagnole, or earlier on the road at Les-Faux.

Challenge: 33 km, 560/560 m ascent/descent

A nice hilly, bucolic day undulating crossing small rivers through forests, by fields and into small villages. You will enjoy a scenic walk on the Aubrac volcanic and granitic plateau.

Your journey will end in the town of Aumont-Aubrac. You have the possibility to book an extra night in this charming village.

Challenge: 21 km, 330 m ascent, 480 m descent