Le Puy-en-Velay confirms its status as the capital of the route Saint-Jacques-from Compostela to the big screen! To mark the national release of the film CompostelaOn Wednesday, April 1, 2026, our destination will be revealed as an exceptional setting and an emblematic starting point for this universal human adventure.
Le Puy-en-Velay, the mythical starting point of the route
Renowned as the crossroads of Saint-Jacques-of-Compostelle and the starting point of the Via Podiensis, Le Puy-en-Velay welcomes nearly each year 35,000 walkers from all over the world.
The film Compostelle , directed by Yann Samuell and inspired by the book Walk and invent your life by Bernard Olivier, highlights this unmissable destination through the story of Adam, a teenager in search of landmarks, accompanied by Fred, his guide on the way.
Through this work, the entire human, spiritual and heritage richness of the territory is valued.
Filming in the heart of our region
The film crews used several iconic locations in the region, helping to promote our destination:
- The majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral of Le Puy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an iconic starting point for pilgrims
- The chapel Saint-Jacques from Rochegude to Saint-Privat-d'Allier, the first stage of the route
- The village of The Chaise-Dieu
- The natural landscapes that dot the route
These authentic settings offer the film a total immersion in the experience of the journey.
The Tourist Office is mobilized for the project
The Puy-en-Velay Tourist Office was fully involved in welcoming and supporting the filming:
- Logistics support for production teams
- Connecting with local stakeholders
- Enhancing iconic locations
- Coordination with local partners
This collaboration illustrates the Tourist Office's commitment to supporting projects that contribute to the region's visibility, both in France and internationally.
A dynamic territory driven by the “effect Saint-Jacques"
The path of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle is a real driver for the local economy:
- 522,000 overnight stays recorded in 2025a record year
- A strong increase in accommodation (+27% in Puy-en-Velay)
- An economic dynamic driven by accommodation providers, transporters, artisans and producers
The route, steeped in its thousand-year history, continues to reinvent itself and attract an ever-growing audience.
An exceptional showcase for the destination
With the Camino de Santiago , Le Puy-en-Velay benefits from national visibility, which further enhances its appeal to tourists. A great opportunity to introduce it to the general public:
- the richness of its heritage
- the diversity of its landscapes
- and the unique experience of the path of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle
Want to experience the adventure yourself?
Le Puy-en-Velay awaits you to take your first steps on the Camino. All the information is available. at this link !
