Camino Le Puy Way: Stage 1 - Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont Aubrac

Discover the charm of Le Puy-en-Velay's old town, home to the stunning Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy and its remarkable 12th century cloister. Don't miss the iconic Corneille Rock, crowned by a striking 16-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary, offering panoramic views over the city.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

To reflect the spirit of the Pilgrimage, we carefully select welcoming, simple accommodation along the route. We offer stays in hotels and guest houses. While these stays may not offer the same level of luxury as our classic Headwater holidays, they provide genuine hospitality and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

You will enjoy private rooms and private bathrooms wherever possible, ensuring a restful night after a full day of walking. On the rare occasions when this cannot be arranged, we will let you know in advance.

Most of the properties we work with are small and family-run, and availability varies depending on how early you book. Full details of your stays will be provided closer to your departure date.

Before starting on this famous route, most of pilgrims attend the Pilgrim Mass in the cathedral. As a spiritual introduction before starting walking on the GR 65.

The trail quickly climbs out of the Puy basin, famed for its lentil fields, before leading into the Velay mountains with sweeping views over the city. From there, cross the heart of the dramatic Deves volcanic range.

The wetland at Lac de l'Oeuf marks the start of a long descent into the spectacular Allier gorges, the natural divide between Velay and Gevaudan areas. Pass through the hamlet of Rochegude, known for its Saint-Jacques chapel and hilltop stronghold overlooking the valley. A transfer at the end of your walk will take you to your accommodation for the night.

A morning transfer takes you to a climb of the Margeride plateau, the main ascent of this Camino de Santiago stage and enjoy the changing scenery and traditional stone architecture. On arrival in Saugues, discover the 13th-century tower named the 'English Tower' and the Gothic collegiate church of Saint-Medard.

Cross the Margeride plateau, a sweeping landscape of open grasslands, heather, blueberry moors, and the occasional stretch of towering ferns. Along the way, discover the 13th-century Clauze Tower, dramatically perched on a granite outcrop.

Discover the Chapel of Saint-Roch, also known as the Chapel of L'Hospitalet-du-Sauvage, a hidden gem nestled in a remote mountain pass at 1,280 metres above sea level. Once built beside a historic travellers' hospital, this serene sanctuary offers a unique glimpse into centuries-old pilgrimage routes and alpine heritage

The trail winds down into the scenic Truyere Valley before climbing across the expansive Margeride Plateau, eventually arriving in the charming village of Aumont-Aubrac.

Along the way, uncover the Romanesque Church of Les Estrets, once a Benedictine priory. It has been reshaped over the centuries and is crowned with a distinctive three-bay bell tower topped by a modest steeple.

Leave Aumont d'Aubrac and onward travels.

Enjoy exploring the town and consider an extra night before heading home.