The famous path of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle from Puy-en-Velay – Via Podiensis – GR®65 awaits you! “El Camino” (the path in Spanish) will take you step by step until Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle located in Spain in the Galicia region.
Thousand-year-old itinerary, the pilgrimage to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle is one of those mythical paths that we dream of taking at least once in our life. And guess what? In France, Le Puy-en-Velay is the historic starting point of the path of Saint-Jacques. There are a thousand and one reasons to put on your sneakers and set off on the trail. So go for a day, a weekend or even further…
make the way to saint-jacques
To follow “the path” is to be ready to surpass yourself. It's feeling this path, under your feet, this mythical itinerary which inspires within oneself the desire to go ever further. On the path of Saint-Jacques, we learn to know ourselves: our limits, our ambitions, our ruptures, our thoughts. Being alone with oneself, isn't that whatspirit of the path ? Go on an adventure without really knowing what it has in store for us, letting go of the futile and material things of modern life to better refocus on which is essential.
We also get to know others. These people that life would certainly not have allowed us to meet one day. These other walkers with whom the conversation begins, the inhabitants of the villages who offer you a drink or a bite to eat. These hosts who welcome you to their home for an evening by the fire and an invigorating breakfast before leaving.
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Le Puy-en-Velay
CAPITAL OF THE ROADS OF SAINT-JACQUES
Known and recognized for being the point of historic start pilgrims towards Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle on the Via Podiensis, Le Puy-en-Velay today claims to be the crossroads of the Jacquaire routes.
Cluny, Lyon, Geneva : 3 emblematic towns join the Vellave city in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region on these legendary routes. From now on, we only leave Puy-en-Velay to reach the Aubrac plateaus, the Aveyron landscapes or even the Pyrenean slopes... You can also start your journey upstream!
GR®65 Path of Saint-Jacques (Via Podiensis)
From Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Eternal Via Podiensis, understand “Voie du Puy-en-Velay”, it is the most traveled Jacquaire route by pilgrims departing from Puy-en-Velay. According to many walkers, the The first 10 stages between Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques would be the most beautiful section of the GR®65. Leaving Puy-en-Velay means soaking up its history before exploring the Allier gorges by the Velay mountains. Then, cross the Gevaudan and part of the Margeride towards Saugues and Domaine du Sauvage.
The Puy-en-Velay route joins Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, after approximately 755 kilometers of paths. Its notoriety lies in the beauty of the exceptional landscapes crossed. We think in particular of the wild gorges of the Allier river, the Aubrac plateau or the villages classified as “Most Beautiful Villages of France”.
Beyond these mythical hiking stages and this omnipresent spirituality, 12 monuments along the path are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hôtel-Dieu cathedral complex in Puy-en-Velay, the so-called “pilgrims” bridge in Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, the Moissac cloister and the Saint-Foy abbey church in Conques.
GR®65 Path of Saint-Jacques (Via Gebennensis)
FROM Geneva to Puy-en-Velay
Since the Switzerland, the route follows quite a long way the course of the Rhône and walks through the Haute-Savoie, Dauphiné and marginally the Savoie and Ain. From Yenne, the path switches for several stages in the department ofIsère. He then walks on the hills shaped by the Rhône and Isère glaciers which have created wide and beautiful valleys here.
Further on, as the Rhône valley reveals its final meanders, there are already the landscapes of the Pilat Regional Nature Park who appear. The vineyards and orchards then give way to the plateaus and pastures of Vivarais.
From then on, juices and forests mark the arrival in Velay before joining the capital of the roads Saint-Jacques from Compostela: Le Puy-en-Velay. And already 15 days separate you from your departure point in Geneva.
GR®765 Path of Saint-Jacques
From CLUNY/Lyon to Puy-en-Velay
The Cluny and Lyon routes of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques are two remarkable routes thanks to their architecture, their heritage and the variety of landscapes they offer.
From Burgundy, the route begins in the unmissable town of Cluny and its large medieval abbey which spread its influence throughout Europe. He then crosses the Beaujolais Mountains, then it winds through the vineyards of Roan coasts before reaching the Forez Mountains.
Join Le Puy-en-Velay from Lyon is an alternative that allows you to discover the Monts du Lyonnais in nine days of walking in the footsteps of pilgrims who came from the north and east of Europe and joined the Way of Cluny through the Monts du Forez.
The Cluny and Lyon paths of the GR®765 meet at Saint-Georges-Upper Town for a few kilometers. Then, two options are available to hikers to reach Le Puy-en-Velay, the famous Loire gorges or St. Paulien, the former capital of Velay.
PRACTICAL TIPS
When to set out on the path to Saint-Jacques ?
Ideal for making the journey Saint-Jacques is the period from spring to fall. Indeed, there is a season for hiking on the path of Saint-Jacques. Accommodations are generally open from April 1 until 15 October of each year. Winter should therefore be avoided when making the journey Saint-Jacques because it can snow at altitude.
How to prepare your path Saint-Jacques ?
The path of Saint-Jacques rather accessible to everyone. It is GR approved® (Grande Randonnée) by the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre, which means it is well signposted. In order to prepare for the path of Saint-Jacques, it is essential to study the steps according to the abilities of each person. In general, walkers average 20 km per day while roaming.
Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance on the way to Saint-Jacques ?
Everything depends on you ! Booking your stops means planning your stay, reassuring yourself about the organization of your stops and having the assurance of accommodation that meets your expectations. Whereas not booking means embarking on an adventure, following your desires and being able to adapt your stay. You have been warned!, at certain times of the year, Accommodations can quickly become full on the path of Saint-Jacques. Ask the hosts of the use of the path a few months, weeks or days before your departure.
What budget should you plan for on the way to Saint-Jacques ?
For food and accommodation, it takes approximately 40 euros daily expenses per person to make the journey Saint-Jacques. All along the way, the range of accommodation varies (from dormitory to guest room via stopover gite) and the frequency of accommodation is regular, i.e. one accommodation every 4-5 km on the Via Podiensis .
How to organize yourself for the return trip after your trip Saint-Jacques ?
When your arrival on the path of Saint-Jacques, you can call on transport services people and luggage like La Malle Postale, Compostel'bus or even Transbagages to return to your point of departure or be dropped off near an SNCF station. Consider booking these services a few days in advance.
