The Le Chemin du Puy, also known as the Le Puy Route, stands out as the most beloved Camino de Santiago path in France. This adventure kicks off in the breathtaking town of Le-Puy-en-Velay, nestled in the heart of southern France’s Auvergne region. From there, the trail weaves through the Velay’s stunning volcanic landscapes and the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees, eventually merging with the Camino Frances at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, right at the doorstep of the Pyrenees on the French side.
Expect to spend roughly 4 to 5 weeks to traverse the entire 736km route. You’ll find the journey well-marked with the GR65 signs, featuring the iconic red and white markers of France’s Grande Randonée network, ensuring a clear path ahead.
Emulating the tradition of the Camino Frances, the Chemin du Puy has historically been the quintessential and busiest pilgrimage path to Santiago in France. This pilgrimage begins with a blessing at the Puy Cathedral, a site proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, setting the stage for a journey through an array of churches, historical monuments, abbeys, and cathedrals, each steeped in pilgrimage lore.
The journey offers flexibility. You can embark on the entire Puy Route in one epic journey or divide it into shorter segments, tailoring the adventure to your pace and preference. Our message is, “Walk the Way, Your Way.”
Reach out, and we’ll craft a personalized itinerary that aligns perfectly with your desires and curiosities. If you’re still exploring the different Camino routes available, check out our full selection of Camino Walking Tours.
Price Includes
Single Supplement
£1185
From Le-Puy-en-Velay, the route runs through the rural southern France to the Pyrenees
Starting from the monumental pilgrim town of Le-Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne region, the route runs through the beautiful hills of southern France before joining the Camino Frances in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on the French side of the Pyrenees.
It takes on average 4 to 5 weeks to walk Le Chemin du Puy. The 736km long route is well-waymarked throughout as the GR65, with the red and white balises of the French Grande Randonée network.
As France’s major pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the Chemin is filled with a thousand years of pilgrimage culture and architecture. The Puy Route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with pilgrim churches, historic monuments, abbeys and cathedrals spread all along the way.
There are many options for your journey. You can choose to take 7 days or 7 weeks out of your busy life. We are experts in the Chemin Le Puy and have considerable experience tailoring walking tours of the Puy Route.
The Chemin du Puy in France, a major pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, offers a winning blend of culture, history, and breathtaking architecture. Notable for its UNESCO-listed sites, the Le Puy Route attracts many for its natural landscapes, historic towns, and religious significance.
In Estaing, a charming village on the River Lot, visitors admire the 15th-century Chateau of Estaing, medieval houses, and the Church of Saint-Fleuret, housing St Fleuret’s relics and a renowned stone cross. A UNESCO-listed Gothic stone bridge spans the river, offering picturesque views.
Conques, perched above a river gorge, is known for its medieval architecture, including the Abbey of Sainte-Foy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for housing the relics of Sainte Foy and featuring a tympanum depicting “The Last Judgement.” Visitors are encouraged to explore the village’s treasury, which houses the precious statue of Sainte Foy.
Book your adventure on the Le Puy Route today! Or, if you’re still considering which Camino is perfect for you, explore our full list of Camino Walking Trips.
Walk through southern France and indulge your culinary senses. With an abundance of small inns along the way, pilgrims walking Le Puy Route can enjoy freshly prepared local dishes and wines.
Every town in the Camino has a variety of inns and small restaurants, so there will be plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the world-famous French gastronomy and locally-produced wines.
Comfortable, small establishments with high levels of personal service
We usually choose comfortable, small, family-run establishments on the Camino. All rooms have en-suite facilities. Our high level of personal service and customer care strives to offer the best in the local food, culture and history.
In the larger centres, we offer all accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis to allow you the chance to try local dishes in the immediate vicinity. This allows you the widest range of French cuisine and the chance to soak up the local atmosphere.
Some of our locations are very rural and the lodgings are Chambres d’Hotes, which are family-owned guest house establishments, offering lodgings and half board. Table d’hote menus are famously delicious and good value – as one would expect of rustic French cuisine.
