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From Le Puy en Velay to Conques. For centuries, the historically important routes of Saint James have been used by pilgrims and hikers on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Probably the oldest hiking trail of all time, since the Via Agrippa, which went from Lyon to Toulouse, was built by the Romans… Partly on the hiking trail, partly on parallel trails, our route crosses the Margeride Plateau, with its traditional villages, sleepy hamlets, religious crosses and pastures surrounded by stone walls. We then make our way across the Plateau de l’Aubrac, with its wide open spaces, its "burons" (stone mountain huts used for cheese-making), and its dry stone walls. Our route then takes us down, through beech, oak and chestnut forests, to the beautiful Lot Valley. Our journey ends with a tour of the village of Conques.
Welcome to Le Puy en Velay, the traditional starting point of the Way of St James from Santiago de Compostela (Via Podiensis variant). From here it is 732 kilometres to the Spanish border and 1522 kilometres to Santiago. This variant of the Via Podiensis is the most popular, perhaps because of its scenic beauty and diversity as well as the many cultural heritage sites that line the route.
Take time to stroll through the streets and visit the historic district with the cathedral and the Hôtel-Dieu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which reflect the richness of the city's architecture and history.
Set off on our cycle tour after a good breakfast at our partner hotel.
A relatively easy first day to start our tour. We make our way through the old part of Le Puy-en-Velay and its maze of narrow streets, under the watchful eye of the cathedral that dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. As we leave Le Puy (following the St Jacques), a splendid panorama opens up before us, with views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We then cross Velay, known for its black lambs and its lentils, before heading on to the Val d'Allier. Arrival in Saint Privat d'Allier to finish the first day's stage.
Distance covered: approx. 30 km / ascent: approx. 450 m
Our route takes us through a variety of landscapes and terrain before reaching the Plateau de la Margeride just before Saugues. The plateau offers wide open space as far as the eye can see! We discover the plateau, with its traditional villages, its sleepy hamlets, its religious crosses, and its pastures surrounded by dry stone walls. Each village has its own special charm; houses made of granite, with carved doorways, and lush green gardens. An optional loop offers us the chance to discover the Domaine du Sauvage, superb granite residence lost in the depths of the Gévaudan… that used to belong to the Templers. By way of a forest track, we reach the village of Les Faux where we spend a night at the village inn.
Distance covered: approx. 45 km (55 km with the optional loop) / ascent: approx. 950 m
We continue our crossing of the Plateau de la Margeride to Aumont, gateway to the Aubrac. Our route takes us through the pretty hamlets of Le Rouget, St Alban sur Limagnole and Les Estrets, with their bell-gable churches. We then leave the Margeride behind us and begin crossing the Plateau de l'Aubrac. A vast plateau of pastures, "burons" (stone mountain huts used for cheese-making), dry stone walls, and prairies full of flowers… If it wasn't for the lack of the sea, you’d be mistaken for thinking we were in Connemara, the landscapes are so similar. We reach Nasbinals and its superb 14th century Romanesque church built of brown basalt. Hotel for the night in Nasbinals.
Distance covered: approx. 55 km / ascent: approx. 550 m
Our route takes us across the magnificent Aubrac to the small village of Aubrac, with its notably picturesque bar… It was in this village that Adalard, pilgrim of Saint Jacques de Compostelle, established the Aubrac Hospice, to shelter and nurse passing pilgrims, between 1120 and 1122. We head to Belvezet and the valley of Boraldes, with its ruined castles, then on to Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac and its 16th century cross. Overnight stay in the small village of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac.
Distance covered: approx. 40 km / ascent: approx. 500 m
From Saint-Chely-d'Aubrac, we take a pretty track through woodland and along the cliffs overlooking the Lot River, before descending down into the valley. We take the time to discover the small town of Saint-Côme-d’Olt and its 13th century houses. Optional swim nearby! We ride through beech, chestnut and oak forests before arriving in Espalion, with its splendid Gothic bridge. We stop in St Pierre de Bessuéjouls to visit its superb Romanesque church, but not before tackling the short but steep climb that leads to the village! We also visit the village of Verrières, before arriving in Estaing, classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its castle perched high above the confluence of the Lot and the Coussanne, its medieval streets, and its 15th century church… Night in a hotel in Estaing.
Distance covered: approx. 50 km / ascent: approx. 700 m
This morning we tackle the most difficult ascension of the week! We need to climb back out of the Lot Valley on a road that leads to Golinhac, then on to Notre Dame des Hauteurs. We pass through Espeyrac, its ruined castle a reminder of the battles and difficulties the area suffered during the Middle Ages. Shortly after Espeyrac, we reach Sénergues which we take the time to visit, notably its castle and the Tour Carrée. From Sénergues, a quiet ridge road takes us gently towards our final destination… As we approach Conques, we make one final detour to the Bancarel viewpoint, which overlooks the village. Once in Conques, we take the time to appreciate the medieval village, without a doubt the most beautiful village on the Saint Jacques de Compostelle route. We settle into our hotel and make the most of a last dinner together to look back at all the magical moments of the last seven days…
Distance covered: approx. 45 km / ascent: approx. 950 m
Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end on day 7 after breakfast.
Conques - Le Puy-en-Velay transfer: A minibus transfer is available in order to return to Le Puy-en-Velay. Please see the "Dates and prices" tab for more details.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
