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Highlights
Walk a section of the Camino de Santiago on a 5-day self-guided pilgrimage
Enjoy walking a section of the Camino de Santiago in France, as you navigate the Le Puy Camino from Le Puy to Aumont.
Take in the majestic views of the Auvergne volcanoes as you traverse the breathtaking landscapes of a natural reserve.
Get a taste for the pilgrimage life with this short 5-day walk, guiding you on well-marked trails that you can enjoy at your own pace.
Walk among a multitude of chapels, monasteries, and small villages steeped in rich gastronomic traditions.
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey in southern France, walking part of the most popular French section of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrims' route known as the Via Podiensis (or the Le Puy Camino) from Le Puy to Aumont-Aubrac.
The Le Puy Camino is an ancient pilgrimage route that unfolds through southwest France, beginning in Le Puy and ending in St. Jean Pied de Port where it joins the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela. The Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont tour guides pilgrims on a spectacular 90km section of the ancient trail through France's idyllic countryside and several charming villages along the way.
Starting from Le Puy, you'll revel in the beauty of a superb route flanked by volcanic landscapes as you traverse the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. You'll then continue the sacred pilgrims' trail at your own pace, with overnight stops in Saint-Privat-d'Allier, Saugues, Saint-Alban, and finally, Aumont-Aubrac.
Well-marked trails allow you to focus on taking in the route's remarkably varied scenery, like the Velay massif and the plunging gorges of Allier. With plenty of opportunities to pause in small villages like Le Sauvage, you'll experience the allure of rural France, where gastronomic surprises abound.
Embark on an unforgettable journey in southern France. Book this short Camino le Puy tour and discover the power of the famous Camino de Santiago for yourself!
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey in southern France, walking part of the most popular French section of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrims' route known as the Via Podiensis (or the Le Puy Camino) from Le Puy to Aumont-Aubrac.
The Le Puy Camino is an ancient pilgrimage route that unfolds through southwest France, beginning in Le Puy and ending in St. Jean Pied de Port where it joins the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela. The Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont tour guides pilgrims on a spectacular 90km section of the ancient trail through France's idyllic countryside and several charming villages along the way.
Starting from Le Puy, you'll revel in the beauty of a superb route flanked by volcanic landscapes as you traverse the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. You'll then continue the sacred pilgrims' trail at your own pace, with overnight stops in Saint-Privat-d'Allier, Saugues, Saint-Alban, and finally, Aumont-Aubrac.
Well-marked trails allow you to focus on taking in the route's remarkably varied scenery, like the Velay massif and the plunging gorges of Allier. With plenty of opportunities to pause in small villages like Le Sauvage, you'll experience the allure of rural France, where gastronomic surprises abound.
Embark on an unforgettable journey in southern France. Book this short Camino le Puy tour and discover the power of the famous Camino de Santiago for yourself!
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Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the historic town of Le Puy (Le-Puy-en-Velay). Since the Middle Ages, the ancient town, which is completed encased by stunning volcanic landscapes, has been an important pilgrimage hub.
Settle into your accommodations here, then set out on a walk to take in the Le Puy Cathedral, where you’ll lay eyes on one of the most beautiful Romanesque cloisters in all of Europe.
Overnight Location: B&B in Le Puy
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Begin the Via Podiensis (Le Puy Camino)
Your pilgrimage commences at the steps of the Le Puy Cathedral, where you’ll want to take a few moments to set some intentions for the journey ahead. Whether you’re embarking on a spiritual journey or are just interested in experiencing a different kind of walking tour, this route is sure to make an impact on you.
Follow the trail, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding volcanic landscape as you trace the Velay massif. Through rolling countryside, you’ll continue past fields of lentils and other vibrant crops, enveloped in a world of rich shades of green, which contrast remarkably under the blue sky.
Arrive in Privat-d’Allier, where you’ll enjoy superb views of the plunging gorges of Allier and its wild river.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Privat-d’Allier
Distance: 23km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3 Walk to Sauges via Monistrol-d’Allier
Set out this morning, ready to seize another leg of the pilgrimage, as you make your way to Saugues. Pursue the route, passing by the chapel of Rochegude and its impressive promontory, which affords pilgrims stunning views over the gorges of Allier.
Then, enjoy a thrilling river crossing in Monistrol-d’Allier, before tracing the opposite bank making your way through rustic villages and tiny hamlets. Arrive in Saugues after a challenging but rewarding day on the Via Podiensis.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saugues
Distance: 19km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4 Press on to Saint-Alban
Depart this morning first to Le Sauvage, traversing a hilly agricultural area that dates to the Templar Period. Take in the gorgeous Saint-Roch chapel on your way as you enter the department of La Lozère.
Arrive in Saint-Alban and settle into your accommodations before setting out on a walk to take in the splendour of its prized Romanesque church.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saint-Alban
Distance: 29km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5 Complete the Via Podiensis
Leaving Saint-Alban this morning, you’ll ascend towards Grazières-Mages, followed by a descent towards Les Estrets.
Continue through silent woods and pastoral land, marvelling at the empty green landscapes that emanate a feeling of calm and peace. Continue through Lozère, Cantal and Aveyron, finally arriving at your destination of Aumont-Aubrac, where your pilgrimage concludes.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Standard Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 15th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR595
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR585
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR395
- Sharing a triple room: EUR390
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 15th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR635
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR625
- Sharing a twin room: EUR460
- Sharing a double room: EUR495
- Sharing a triple room: EUR415
Accommodation on the Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont Price and Dates
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels are 2-star and 3-star in the standard package or 3+ star in the deluxe package. All accommodations will offer either basic or modern conveniences that can make your stay more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
What’s Included in the Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont Price and Dates Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Le Puy and after the tour in Aumont-Aubrac are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can book ahead to extend your tour at any of the locations along the route as well.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (1 piece per person, up to 13kg). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist city tax
- Medical and luggage travel insurance
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
- Visits and entrance fees
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Upgrade to deluxe hotels
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont tour?
- I’ve never been on pilgrimage! What is different about this type of walking tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Le Puy to start this tour?
- Where does the Walk the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Aumont tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
- When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
We rate this tour a 4/5. You should be comfortable walking up to 30km a day. The total distance covered on the tour is approximately 90km. Fit long-distance walkers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
A pilgrimage is when someone embarks into an unknown place, sometimes in search of personal transformation or to connect with nature. Some pilgrimages are closely aligned with major religions, and others are more about taking on a new challenge and enjoying a new experience. There are several famous pilgrims’ routes that have been used for thousands of years, often with a sacred site as the destination. Some of the world’s most famous pilgrimages are The Way of St James (France and Spain), Sanctuary of Atotonilco (Mexico), and Mount Kailash (Tibet).
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. This tip includes some insurance but it may not be comprehensive. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Le Puy Loudes Airport (LPY). You can arrange your own private transfer from the airport to your first accommodations or book a private transfer as a supplement in advance during the booking process.
The tour ends in Aumont-Aubrac. You can take a bus to return to Le Puy, which takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, or take the train, which takes 4.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can arrange your own private transfer to the airport or book a transfer as a supplement in advance.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Southern France for this walking tour is between May and September. If you prefer walking when the weather is cooler, May or September are best. If you prefer warmer temperatures, walking in July or August is ideal.
Customer Ratings
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
