The Via Podiensis, also called "the Puy-en-Velay way", is one of the 4 main paths in France, described in the XNUMXth century, to reach Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in Spain. It begins at Puy-en-Velay to reach the Pyrenees via the Roncesvalles pass. This is the most traveled route of the paths of Saint-Jacques In France. In 1970, the Voie du Puy-en-Velay of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques has been marked out by the French Hiking Federation: GR®65.
La Via Podiensis takes its origin from the name of the city of Puy-en-Velay, hence the bishop Godescalc set out for Compostela in 950 AD. This last one is recognized as the first pilgrim to have made the pilgrimage to Saint-Jacques-of Compostela.
The paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle benefit from two strong distinctions:
- en 1987, they inaugurated the list of European Cultural Routes launched by the Council of Europe,
- en 1998, they were registered on the UNESCO world heritage list.
The section from Puy-en-Velay to Conques (GR®65) brings together the most beautiful stages of the path to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle. Walkers cross 4 territories rich in flora, fauna, geological diversity: the Volcanic Velay, the Margeride plateau, the Aubrac and the Lot valley.
TECHNICAL SHEET
GR®65 VIA PODIENSIS
- Departure: Le Puy-en-Velay
- Arrival: Conques
- Distance: 205km
- Duration: 10 days
- Means of transport for departure: Puy-en-Velay SNCF station
- Means of transport for return: bus/shuttle
- Website : https://cheminsdesaint-jacques.com
Stage 1: From Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d’Allier
The great departure of the path of Saint-Jacques in Puy-en-Velay has been done since Cathedral. Every day, from 1er April to October 31, mass dedicated to pilgrims is given there at 7 a.m. It is open to all. Then the monumental staircase opens into the heart of the nave of the cathedral and it is the start of a great journey!
A few kilometers after Le Puy-en-Velay, walkers will be able to appreciate two monuments classified as "Historical Monument": the Romanesque church in Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaison dating from the 12th century and the Saint-Roch chapel of Montbonnet in Bains built in the 10th century.
Some walkers may wish to shorten this first day of walking by stopping in Montbonnet , 15,5 km from Le Puy-en-Velay. For the more adventurous, your hike will take you through the Velay Mountains to Saint-Privat-d'Allier.
Stage 2: From Saint-Privat-d’Allier to Saugues
From Saint-Privat-d'Allier , the fabulous landscapes of the Allier Gorges unfold before you. Wild and steep-sided, they are home to salmon and whitewater sports. As you ascend to the granite plateau of the Margeride , a breathtaking view awaits hikers from the Rochegude chapel.
This is a hiking stage with a significant elevation gain. It is certainly the most difficult stage between Le Puy- en-Velay and Conques . Exploring the village of Monistrol d'Allier and the troglodyte chapel of La Madeleine are must-sees.
In Saugues , you are greeted by imposing wooden sculptures of pilgrims and the impressive Beast of Gévaudan . Discover the keep, the St. Médard collegiate church, and the famous English Tower.
Step 3: From Saugues to Sauvage
Saugues marks the start of Margeride and Gévaudan plateau, promising the wildest stages of the path of Saint Jacques of Compostela, with Aubrac.
On the way to Domaine du Sauvage, the leaning Tour de Clauze is a 15th-century vestige located in the commune of Grèzes.
Finally, the Domaine du Sauvage awaits you. This exceptional place welcomes pilgrims for an unforgettable stopover in the heart of the Margeride region. On site, an inn, run by farmers, offers meals made with local produce during the season.
Stage 4: From Sauvage to Aumont-Aubrac
You are now in Lozère after having traveled across the Margeride plateau. The town of Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole , formerly a stronghold of the barony of Apcher , grew up around its 12th-century castle. During 1764, this castle was one of the rallying points for organizing the hunts aimed at eliminating the Beast of Gévaudan.
The last leg of your journey before reaching the Aubrac plateau takes you through a land of streams and mountain plants. You'll soon arrive at Les Estrets , in the commune of Fontans, where you can visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist, a former commandery of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem. Then, a final 6,5 km walk will bring you to Aumont-Aubrac and its renowned priory, founded around the year 1000.
Stage 5: From Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals
The Aubrac plateaus are vast pastoral expanses interspersed with stone walls where herds of cows graze. A land of transhumance , the Aubrac today belongs to cattle and the cows of the famous Aubrac breed.
The villages of Aubrac are a delight for hikers, such as La Chaze de Peyre , a crossroads for numerous trails winding between pine forests and verdant pastures. You will also come across Malbouzon , a former priory dependent on Sainte Foy de Conques, of which the 12th-century church still remains.
For a refreshing break, a short detour to the Deroc waterfall is a must. Then Nasbinals finally reveals itself, with its beautiful and robust 11th-century Romanesque church, the gateway to the Aveyron department.
Stage 6: From Nasbinals to Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac
These 17 kilometers are part of the seven sections of the Puy-en-Velay route (Via Podiensis) listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is probably the most striking section in terms of landscapes and diversity. You will cross the rolling Aubrac plateau and its vast pastures , often following " drailles ," ancient transhumance routes offering unobstructed views. The descent then continues towards the Boralde and Lot valleys, through woods, along the beds of small streams, or along hillsides.
The village of Aubrac will captivate you! It is the heart of the Aubrac plateau , whose landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful! There you will discover the hospice dating back to 1120 with its church, the hospital that welcomed pilgrims, the English Tower built in the 14th century, the old Dômerie and its famous bell of the lost which helped pilgrims find their way.
Stage 7: From Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac to Espalion
You will leave Saint-Chély d'Aubrac by Pilgrims Bridge registered on the World Heritage List by UNESCO under the Paths of Saint-Jacques.
After passing L'Estrade, head towards Saint-Côme d'Olt and its medieval-looking streets. Its village is listed as one of the " Most Beautiful Villages of France " and has managed to preserve its character over time. The church's unusual twisted spire stands prominently in the center of the village. It can be seen both when descending from the Aubrac plateau and when traveling along the Lot valley.
Finally, 7 km remain to be covered before your arrival at Espalion. You can visit the Saint Jean Church, the chapel of the Brotherhood of Penitents, the diving museum, the museum of Popular Art and Traditions, the Rouergue museum, the old palace. Finally, don't miss the Old Bridge also registered on the World Heritage List by UNESCO under the Paths of Saint-Jacques.
Step 8: From Espalion to Golinhac
The route from Espalion towards Golinhac climbs into the Rouergue mountains, offering magnificent views of the Lot Valley and the Aubrac plateau. After just over ten kilometers, you'll catch a glimpse of Estaing . This village is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," boasting a Gothic bridge over the Lot River, the St. Jacques Hospitality House, and the 15th-century Saint Fleuret Church.
This part of the Lot Valley was an easy communication route, used by thousands of pilgrims. The Romanesque buildings and bridges that line it bear witness to this. The route between Saint-Côme d'Olt and Estaing is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Golinhac is revealed at the end of the route, bordered by the Lot river. Its church is dedicated to Saint Martin. It retains Romanesque foundations of a Benedictine priory which, in the 12th century, was dependent on the Abbey of Conques.
Step 9: From Golinhac to Conques
On this leg of the journey, a visit to Espeyrac is essential , a town built in an amphitheater shape. Of the two castles it once possessed, only that of the lords of Espeyrac remains today, reduced to a single building with a turret. The other castle, belonging to the Duke of Arpajon, lord of Séverac, stood on the site of the present-day church.
Then, head towards Senergues , the land of 5 churches and 4 castles. The town's rich cultural heritage will allow you to discover the Church of Saint Martin, the Château de Sénergues, the Tour de Montarnal, and the ruins of the keep.
Finally, after leaving Le Puy-en-Velay ten days ago, you've arrived in Conques ! This village has managed to preserve its authenticity. Stretching along the mountainside, the town encircles the abbey church in a wide arc. The original plan, dating back to the Middle Ages, has been largely preserved.
Since its foundation, the Abbey of Conques has continuously welcomed pilgrims from all over Christian Europe who came to venerate the relics of Saint Foy . The Book of Miracles testifies to this popular devotion.
To these pilgrims, were gradually added, from the 11th century, those who gained Saint-Jacques of Compostela, in Galicia. Today, this craze born more than a thousand years ago has not waned, far from it. In addition to traditional pilgrims, there are now modern-day walkers who, for multiple reasons, are taking this cultural route in increasing numbers every day. A privileged opportunity for human encounters and discovery of an exceptional architectural and artistic heritage.
Book your stay
You want to do the Way of Saint-Jacques without worrying about the logistical details? Then go with one of our partner travel agencies. They will be able to guide you in order to have a pleasant stay from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jacques-of Compostela.
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FAQ
What are the recommended stages of the Path of Saint-Jacques Via Podiensis GR®65 between Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques?
1) Le Puy-en-Velay -> Saint-Privat-d’Allier: 23 km
2) Saint-Privat-d’Allier -> Saugues: 19 km
3) Saugues -> Le Sauvage: 19,5 km
4) Le Sauvage -> Aumont-Aubrac: 26 km
5) Aumont-Aubrac -> Nasbinals: 27 km
6) Nasbinals -> Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac: 16,5 km
7) Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac -> Espalion: 24,5 km
8) Espalion -> Golinhac: 26,5 km
9) Golinhac -> Conques: 21 km
In total, there is therefore 203 km between Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques on the GR®65 Chemin de Saint-Jacques – Via Podiensis and 755 km between Le Puy-en-Velay and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Where is the start of the path? Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in Puy-en-Velay?
The great departure of the path of Saint-Jacques in Puy-en-Velay has been done since Cathedral. Every day, from 1er April to October 31, mass dedicated to pilgrims is given there at 7 a.m. Then the walkers will descend the street of tables then take a left rue Raphël to reach the Place du Plot which is a crossroads of hiking trails in Puy-en-Velay. THE GR®65 road of Saint-Jacques from Puy-en-Velay is signposted from Place du Plot. Walkers will be able to take a souvenir photo with the pilgrim statue before hitting the street Saint-Jacques.
Is the GR®65 Chemin de Saint-Jacques can it be done several times?
Given that the GR®65 between Le Puy-en-Velay and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is 755 km long, hikers can complete it in its entirety or in stages . Depending on your length of stay on the trail, check which stages have access to SNCF train stations. Note, for example , that there is no train station in Conques ; the only transportation options along the GR®65 are bus companies such as Compostel'bus, La Malle Postale, or Transbagages.
