Self-Guided Pilgrimage
France: Le Puy Camino Way
Camino Le Puy Way: Stage 1 – Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont Aubrac
Trip code: H07PA
- Self-Guided Pilgrimage
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel
- Moderate
- CO₂ rating 1/5
Trip highlights
Trip details
In France, Le Puy-en-Velay marks the historic starting point of the legendary Saint-Jacques (Camino de Santiago) pilgrimage route. Visiting the Velay region means immersing yourself in vast natural landscapes and exploring a wealth of remarkable heritage sites, all nestled within the unspoilt heart of Auvergne. Here, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, wander through wide open spaces, and marvel at dramatic volcanic scenery. Le Puy-en-Velay invites you to experience nature and history in perfect harmony. Perfect introduction to the Camino de Santiago, with well paced stages that offer a relaxed, enjoyable rhythm, ideal for beginners.
What's included
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- Official Pilgrim's Passport (Credencial)
- Comprehensive route directions
- Half-board except dinner in Le Puy-en-Velay
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Tourist taxes where applicable
Not included
- Flights
- All lunches
- 1 dinner in Le Puy-en-Velay
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Compostela Registration fees
- Compostela &/or Certificate of distance
- Entrance fees to sites
- Any local public transport or taxi fares, as per itinerary
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Travel insurance
Travel options
Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099
Itinerary
Day 1 · —Arrive at Le Puy en Velay
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.
Day 2 · 16km/9.9miPuy en Velay to Montbonnet
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. Transfer to your accommodation in the afternoon.
Day 3 · 15km/9.3miMontbonnet to Monistrol d'Allier
Transfer from your accommodation to the starting point. 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.
Day 4 · 12km/7.5miMonistrol d'Allier to Saugues
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.
Day 5 · 12km/7.5miSaugues to Chanaleilles
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.
Day 6 · 16km/9.9miChanaleilles to St Alban
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
Day 7 · 20km/12.4miSt Alban to Aumont d'Aubrac
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.
Day 8 · —Departure
Leave Aumont d’Aubrac and onward travels.
Enjoy exploring the town and consider an extra night before heading home.
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Positive impact
Carbon score for this trip
8.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to walk the Le Puy Way?
Le Puy Way(Via Podiensis) is best walked in May to June and September, when the weather is pleasant and the French countryside is at its most beautiful. July and August are warmer and busier, while spring and autumn offer quieter paths and comfortable walking conditions.
Do I need a pilgrim Camino passport?
Yes, if you’d like to collect stamps along the way and receive the official Compostela certificate in Santiago. The pilgrim passport, or credencial, is a wonderful keepsake of your journey, it’s stamped at churches, cafés, and hotels as you progress. Even if you’re not walking for religious reasons, it adds a lovely sense of occasion and helps you access pilgrim menus and accommodation.
How long is the Camino Le Puy Way?
Le Puy Way (Via Podiensis) is one of the most beautiful and historic Camino routes, starting in Le Puy-en-Velay in France and finishing at the Spanish border in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The full route is around 750 km, typically taking 30 to 35 days to complete. We offer sections of the full itinerary, covering the most scenic sections, so you can experience the charm of rural France at your own pace.
Is there any luggage restriction on Camino Le Puy?
If you have luggage transfers booked, the service is limited to one item per person. Please ensure that each piece of luggage weighs no more than 13 kg. Any item exceeding this limit cannot be transferred. Excess weight can be repacked into an additional piece of luggage.
Please note that an additional charge will apply for extra luggage. Kindly inform us before departure so that any necessary arrangements can be made.
We recommend using soft-sided suitcases, as hard-shell cases are more susceptible to damage. Neither the courier company nor Headwater can accept responsibility for any damage to hard-shell luggage.
Luggage must not exceed 130 cm in total dimensions (H × W × D).
At your first hotel, please mark your bags with the Surname of the lead booker and number each bag (1 of 2, 2 of 2 etc.). Please also ensure that where possible you lock your bags and leave nothing valuable in them. Please note we cannot be held responsible for any damage.
Please have your bags ready for collection by 8am. We make every effort to deliver your luggage to the next hotel by 6pm,
please contact us locally if your luggage has not arrived by this time.
What is the recommended Le Puy Camino packing list?
Pack for comfort and changing conditions:
Sturdy, broken-in walking boots or shoes
Breathable layers for warm days and cooler evenings
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Reusable water bottle and small daypack
Quick-dry clothing for convenience
Repelent for ticks and insects
What type of accommodation is provided on the Le Puy Way?
You’ll stay in hand-picked hotels and charming guesthouses, chosen for their comfort and authentic character. Many feature traditional French architecture and offer a warm welcome, private bathrooms, and hearty breakfasts to start your day.
What types of meals can I expect on the Le Puy Camino?
Breakfast is included each morning, and you’ll find plenty of local restaurants and cafés along the way for lunch and dinner. Expect regional French specialties, such as rustic breads, cheeses, and hearty stews, alongside traditional pilgrim menus offering great value.
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