Hiking tour between Lyon and Le Puy. Leave for 10 days in freedom in the footsteps of the pilgrims, after crossing the Monts du Lyonnais, you cross the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, to reach Le Puy.
Day 01: Lyon (160 m)
Arrival in Lyon at the end of the afternoon.
You are accommodated on a bed and breakfast basis. Meals are at your expense, but you will have no problem finding one of the famous "bouchons" in the St Jean or St Paul districts.
Visit the city classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
If you arrive during the day, we recommend the very interesting Jacquaire Trail in Lyon.
If you live in the Lyon area, do not hesitate to contact us for the “Leave from home to St Jacques de Compostelle” option.
Day 02: Lyon – Thurins (326 m)
From the St Nizier Cathedral, after crossing the Saône, you reach the Saint Jean district and its cathedral. The warm-up begins here with the climb of Gourguillon, dear to the hearts of the people of Lyon.
You pass not far from Fort St Irénée, towards Sainte Foy les Lyon, Beaunant and Chaponost.
Although urban, the route takes small, little-used roads. You pass several times the aqueducts, vestiges of the water supply from the Pilat Massif to Lugdunum, in Gallo-Roman times. The Garon valley offers you a bucolic break, just before Soucieu en Jarrest.
Beautiful houses, landscapes of meadows, crops and orchards accompany you to Thurins, your stopover, at the foot of the Monts du Lyonnais.
Elevation gain: + 370 m, – 200 m Length: 22 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 03: Thurins – St Symphorien sur Coise (597 m)
You will find this portion of the path through the Monts du Lyonnais very pleasant, with gentle climbs and descents.
From now on, paths and trails predominate. Your stage begins with a slow ascent and passes the villages of Rontalon and St Martin en Haut, aptly named.
Your highest point at 814 meters above sea level marks the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The waters now flow towards the Loire.
You arrive at St Symphorien sur Coise, once a medieval wall. This will be your stop for the day, dominated by its imposing Gothic-style fortress-church.
Elevation gain: + 690 m, – 420 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 04: St Symphorien sur Coise – St Galmier (440 m)
The stage is short, we advise you to spend a good part of the morning discovering the village of Saint Symphorien sur Coise.
You leave the Monts du Lyonnais to enter the Loire. The presence of numerous water mills on the Coise attests to the economy and development of the villages since the Gallo-Roman era.
You pass near Chazelles sur Lyon, the homeland of the hat. Here Saint Jacques would have invented the technique of this felt which made the wealth of the city.
Today's stage offers you beautiful views of the nearby Forez plain. You arrive at Saint Galmier.
Here again, water has shaped landscapes and the economy since Roman times, then in the Middle Ages. The Badoit spring is today the number one water sold in France. To be enjoyed without moderation!!!
Elevation gain: + 200 m, – 360 m Length: 15 km Time: 3 h 30 min
Day 05: St Galmier – Montbrison (400 m)
The path takes you to the Forez plain where you calmly cross (by the bridge!) the Loire at Rivas.
No doubt you will think of the pilgrims of the Middle Ages who had to cross it in perilous conditions, taking long detours, relying on smugglers, or even drowning. You arrive at St Romain le Puy, where you will be placed under the protection of St Jacques, like all the pilgrims who have contemplated the small 10th century chapel perched on its volcanic peak.
As the stage is flat, we encourage you to climb the 90 metres of altitude difference to reach the summit of the puy and thus offer a beautiful view of the entire plain, the past stages and the future stages.
The stage ends in St Romain le Puy, but you are staying in Montbrison which you reach by train (duration 7 mins – cost €2,40 to be paid on site)
Elevation gain: + 80 m, – 120 m Length: 21 km Time: 5 hours
Day 06: Montbrison – Marols (833 m)
You leave directly from Montbrison following the path that comes from Cluny.
At St Georges-Haute-Ville, you find the Lyon route. You will gradually begin the climb into the Monts du Forez.
The countryside is green and the villages are beautiful. Like the pilgrims who came from Cluny, to the Romanesque chapel of Monsupt (13th century), take the time to contemplate the Forez plain.
Your path takes you along the bridge spanning the Mare (don't worry, its parapets are engraved with small protective crosses) and you arrive at Saint Jean Soleymieux and its XNUMXth century crypt.
You will reach your stopover in Marols, which was burned down by the turbulent Baron des Adrets in 1562. This small village of character has since regained its tranquility and many artists and craftsmen exhibit their works.
Elevation gain: + 550 m, – 120 m Length: 22 km Time: 6 h 00 min
Day 07: Marols – Leignecq (960 m)
You follow a beautiful route through the forest and pass the highest point of your route at 1165 meters. At Montarcher, a former stronghold dependent on the Counts of Forez, you admire the view of all the surroundings. Just after, the route leaves the ancient Bolène road which since the Celts and the Romans linked Lyon to Aquitaine.
You now take the GR765 East (common to the GR3) following the peaceful course of the Andrable and arrive at Leignecq, a hilltop and formerly fortified village.
From Montarcher, it is possible to follow the GR765 West (see the “Variant” below).
Elevation gain: + 670 m, – 540 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 08: Leignecq – Retournac (509 m)
It is important to leave early for this long and hilly stage. Your host can take you to Valprivas to reduce it (- 10 km, – 2 h 30 min transfer at your expense to be paid on site). You reach Valprivas and its castle.
You then leave the gentle reliefs of the Monts du Forez to descend to cross the Andrable. This watercourse marks the limit of the Forez and today you enter Haute-Loire. The landscapes change, the relief becomes steeper: a good climb on the other bank allows you to reach Châles before plunging back into the Ance valley.
The final ascent leads to Sarlanges before arriving at Retournac, in the heart of the Loire Gorges.
A visit to the Lace Manufactures Museum is a must.
Elevation gain: + 640 m, – 1090 m Length: 28 km Time: 7 hrs
Day 09: Retournac – Vorey sur Arzon (534 m)
Your path winds like the course of the Loire which has carved its way through this volcanic terrain.
In the heart of this natural landscape, your route will take you to discover picturesque villages such as Chamalières (magnificent 6th century church) or the remains of fortresses overlooking the Loire. The most remarkable are those of Artias (1th century) and Roche en Régnier. You will stop at Vorey sur Arzon, on the banks of the Loire or at St Vincent (+ 30 km, + XNUMX h XNUMX min).
If you are staying in St Vincent, you can reduce your stopover by taking the train from Retournac to Chamalières or from Vorey sur Arzon to St Vincent.
Elevation gain: + 630 m, – 600 m Length: 21 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 10: Vorey sur Arzon – Le Puy en Velay (640 m)
You end with a new long stage. You can shorten it by taking the train from Vorey sur Arzon to Lavoûte sur Loire (- 11 km, – 2h30). At Lavôte sur Loire, the path joins the river which forms a magnificent loop.
Inside it, the castle of Lavoûte Polignac stands on its rocky promontory. The route then crosses the basin of the Emblavez, covered with crops, meadows and hamlets and reaches the spectacular castle of Polignac (again this family), perched on its rock. The last part of the path leads to Puy en Velay, the "City of the Virgin" and departure of the Via Podiensis.
The visit is unmissable with in its center, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
End of stay at the end of the afternoon.
Elevation gain: + 760 m, – 660 m Length: 27 km Time: 7 hrs
The times have been calculated for a pace of 300 meters of elevation gain per hour uphill, 500 meters per hour downhill and 4 km per hour on the flat, in order to be able to compare the different hikes with the same base. They only concern the actual walking, all meal, break or contemplation times are to be added.
We may have to change your stages if the planned accommodations are unavailable at the time of your trip. The accommodations offered as replacements will be of a similar category and their location will have little impact on your itinerary.
Trust us, these modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and better comfort!
Note: On this part of the Santiago de Compostela route, there are few accommodations and they are of small capacity. Also depending on the closing days, at certain stages, the different possible accommodations are often several kilometers apart. The length of the stages mentioned in this technical sheet is determined according to characteristic places on the path and is therefore only indicative. Once you have the file, you will have all the elements to recalculate the actual length.
VARIANT BY THE GR765 WEST
From Montarcher the GR 765 divides into 2:
The GR765 East which joins the Gorges de la Loire and goes up them to Le Puy. Official route for the Way between Lyon and Le Puy.
The GR765 West which remains on the plateau and offers slightly easier stages. Official route for the Way between Cluny and Le Puy.
If you wish, you can take this easier variant from Day 07 to Day 10.
Since the accommodations are not the same, it is absolutely necessary to make this choice at the time of booking.
Here is the description:
Day 07: Marols – Usson en Forez (910 m)
You follow a beautiful route through the forest and pass the highest point of your route at 1165 meters. In Montarcher, a former stronghold dependent on the Counts of Forez, you admire the view of all the surroundings. Just after, the route continues on the Bolène route which since Antiquity linked the Celts and the Romans, Lyon to Aquitaine. In the villages, it is not uncommon to find a "job" which was used to shoe oxen. The profile softens and you reach Usson en Forez and its Ecomuseum of the Mont du Forez. You will find all the information there concerning the pitch ovens encountered on the way.
Elevation gain: + 560 m, – 480 m Length: 18 km Time: 5 hrs
Day 08: Usson en Forez – Chomelix (897 m)
In Jouanzecq, after a few kilometers, you can admire a magnificent Jacquart loom in working order. The crossing of the Ance valley marks the boundary between the Loire and the Haute-Loire. The profile becomes decidedly gentle when taking the path of Caesar. This is an ancient Roman road that linked Lyon to Agen. Beautiful forests alternate with more open spaces. The Arzon is crossed by a footbridge in a bucolic place and you arrive at Chomelix. Accommodation possible in Beaune sur Arzon (+ 2 km, + 30 mins).
Elevation gain: + 390 m, – 400 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 09: Chomelix – St Paulien (810 m)
The route is a little uneven at the beginning of the stage up to Bellevue la Montagne (1000 m). The path is rich in vernacular heritage: assembly houses, crosses, wash houses, bread ovens, etc. and offers vast panoramas of the Velay mountains with the Meygal and Mézenc massifs in the background. The rest of the path is then very easy-going, in the heart of the Pays de l'Emblavez (emblavé = planted with wheat). Indeed, despite the altitude, wheat fields alternate with pine forests. This takes you to St Paulien, nestled at the foot of its magnificent polychrome Romanesque abbey church of St Georges from the XNUMXth century.
Elevation gain: + 350 m, – 430 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 10: St Paulien – Le Puy en Velay (640 m)
A short stop awaits you for this last day and will allow you to stroll around Le Puy. After finding the variant passing through the Gorges de la Loire, the path joins the spectacular fortress of Polignac, perched on its rock. There is only one last small climb in the middle of nature and the arrival at the heart of Le Puy-en-Velay, the "City of the Virgin", departure of the Via Podiensis will undoubtedly remain one of the highlights of the route. The visit is unmissable with in its center, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. End of the stay at the end of the afternoon.
Elevation gain: + 310 m, – 480 m Length: 16 km Time: 4 h 15 min
Arrival in Lyon at the end of the afternoon.
You are accommodated on a bed and breakfast basis. Meals are at your expense, but you will have no problem finding one of the famous "bouchons" in the St Jean or St Paul districts.
Visit the city classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
If you arrive during the day, we recommend the very interesting Jacquaire Trail in Lyon.
If you live in the Lyon area, do not hesitate to contact us for the “Leave from home to St Jacques de Compostelle” option.
Day 02: Lyon – Thurins (326 m)
From the St Nizier Cathedral, after crossing the Saône, you reach the Saint Jean district and its cathedral. The warm-up begins here with the climb of Gourguillon, dear to the hearts of the people of Lyon.
You pass not far from Fort St Irénée, towards Sainte Foy les Lyon, Beaunant and Chaponost.
Although urban, the route takes small, little-used roads. You pass several times the aqueducts, vestiges of the water supply from the Pilat Massif to Lugdunum, in Gallo-Roman times. The Garon valley offers you a bucolic break, just before Soucieu en Jarrest.
Beautiful houses, landscapes of meadows, crops and orchards accompany you to Thurins, your stopover, at the foot of the Monts du Lyonnais.
Elevation gain: + 370 m, – 200 m Length: 22 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 03: Thurins – St Symphorien sur Coise (597 m)
You will find this portion of the path through the Monts du Lyonnais very pleasant, with gentle climbs and descents.
From now on, paths and trails predominate. Your stage begins with a slow ascent and passes the villages of Rontalon and St Martin en Haut, aptly named.
Your highest point at 814 meters above sea level marks the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The waters now flow towards the Loire.
You arrive at St Symphorien sur Coise, once a medieval wall. This will be your stop for the day, dominated by its imposing Gothic-style fortress-church.
Elevation gain: + 690 m, – 420 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 04: St Symphorien sur Coise – St Galmier (440 m)
The stage is short, we advise you to spend a good part of the morning discovering the village of Saint Symphorien sur Coise.
You leave the Monts du Lyonnais to enter the Loire. The presence of numerous water mills on the Coise attests to the economy and development of the villages since the Gallo-Roman era.
You pass near Chazelles sur Lyon, the homeland of the hat. Here Saint Jacques would have invented the technique of this felt which made the wealth of the city.
Today's stage offers you beautiful views of the nearby Forez plain. You arrive at Saint Galmier.
Here again, water has shaped landscapes and the economy since Roman times, then in the Middle Ages. The Badoit spring is today the number one water sold in France. To be enjoyed without moderation!!!
Elevation gain: + 200 m, – 360 m Length: 15 km Time: 3 h 30 min
Day 05: St Galmier – Montbrison (400 m)
The path takes you to the Forez plain where you calmly cross (by the bridge!) the Loire at Rivas.
No doubt you will think of the pilgrims of the Middle Ages who had to cross it in perilous conditions, taking long detours, relying on smugglers, or even drowning. You arrive at St Romain le Puy, where you will be placed under the protection of St Jacques, like all the pilgrims who have contemplated the small 10th century chapel perched on its volcanic peak.
As the stage is flat, we encourage you to climb the 90 metres of altitude difference to reach the summit of the puy and thus offer a beautiful view of the entire plain, the past stages and the future stages.
The stage ends in St Romain le Puy, but you are staying in Montbrison which you reach by train (duration 7 mins – cost €2,40 to be paid on site)
Elevation gain: + 80 m, – 120 m Length: 21 km Time: 5 hours
Day 06: Montbrison – Marols (833 m)
You leave directly from Montbrison following the path that comes from Cluny.
At St Georges-Haute-Ville, you find the Lyon route. You will gradually begin the climb into the Monts du Forez.
The countryside is green and the villages are beautiful. Like the pilgrims who came from Cluny, to the Romanesque chapel of Monsupt (13th century), take the time to contemplate the Forez plain.
Your path takes you along the bridge spanning the Mare (don't worry, its parapets are engraved with small protective crosses) and you arrive at Saint Jean Soleymieux and its XNUMXth century crypt.
You will reach your stopover in Marols, which was burned down by the turbulent Baron des Adrets in 1562. This small village of character has since regained its tranquility and many artists and craftsmen exhibit their works.
Elevation gain: + 550 m, – 120 m Length: 22 km Time: 6 h 00 min
Day 07: Marols – Leignecq (960 m)
You follow a beautiful route through the forest and pass the highest point of your route at 1165 meters. At Montarcher, a former stronghold dependent on the Counts of Forez, you admire the view of all the surroundings. Just after, the route leaves the ancient Bolène road which since the Celts and the Romans linked Lyon to Aquitaine.
You now take the GR765 East (common to the GR3) following the peaceful course of the Andrable and arrive at Leignecq, a hilltop and formerly fortified village.
From Montarcher, it is possible to follow the GR765 West (see the “Variant” below).
Elevation gain: + 670 m, – 540 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 08: Leignecq – Retournac (509 m)
It is important to leave early for this long and hilly stage. Your host can take you to Valprivas to reduce it (- 10 km, – 2 h 30 min transfer at your expense to be paid on site). You reach Valprivas and its castle.
You then leave the gentle reliefs of the Monts du Forez to descend to cross the Andrable. This watercourse marks the limit of the Forez and today you enter Haute-Loire. The landscapes change, the relief becomes steeper: a good climb on the other bank allows you to reach Châles before plunging back into the Ance valley.
The final ascent leads to Sarlanges before arriving at Retournac, in the heart of the Loire Gorges.
A visit to the Lace Manufactures Museum is a must.
Elevation gain: + 640 m, – 1090 m Length: 28 km Time: 7 hrs
Day 09: Retournac – Vorey sur Arzon (534 m)
Your path winds like the course of the Loire which has carved its way through this volcanic terrain.
In the heart of this natural landscape, your route will take you to discover picturesque villages such as Chamalières (magnificent 6th century church) or the remains of fortresses overlooking the Loire. The most remarkable are those of Artias (1th century) and Roche en Régnier. You will stop at Vorey sur Arzon, on the banks of the Loire or at St Vincent (+ 30 km, + XNUMX h XNUMX min).
If you are staying in St Vincent, you can reduce your stopover by taking the train from Retournac to Chamalières or from Vorey sur Arzon to St Vincent.
Elevation gain: + 630 m, – 600 m Length: 21 km Time: 5 h 30 min
Day 10: Vorey sur Arzon – Le Puy en Velay (640 m)
You end with a new long stage. You can shorten it by taking the train from Vorey sur Arzon to Lavoûte sur Loire (- 11 km, – 2h30). At Lavôte sur Loire, the path joins the river which forms a magnificent loop.
Inside it, the castle of Lavoûte Polignac stands on its rocky promontory. The route then crosses the basin of the Emblavez, covered with crops, meadows and hamlets and reaches the spectacular castle of Polignac (again this family), perched on its rock. The last part of the path leads to Puy en Velay, the "City of the Virgin" and departure of the Via Podiensis.
The visit is unmissable with in its center, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
End of stay at the end of the afternoon.
Elevation gain: + 760 m, – 660 m Length: 27 km Time: 7 hrs
The times have been calculated for a pace of 300 meters of elevation gain per hour uphill, 500 meters per hour downhill and 4 km per hour on the flat, in order to be able to compare the different hikes with the same base. They only concern the actual walking, all meal, break or contemplation times are to be added.
We may have to change your stages if the planned accommodations are unavailable at the time of your trip. The accommodations offered as replacements will be of a similar category and their location will have little impact on your itinerary.
Trust us, these modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and better comfort!
Note: On this part of the Santiago de Compostela route, there are few accommodations and they are of small capacity. Also depending on the closing days, at certain stages, the different possible accommodations are often several kilometers apart. The length of the stages mentioned in this technical sheet is determined according to characteristic places on the path and is therefore only indicative. Once you have the file, you will have all the elements to recalculate the actual length.
VARIANT BY THE GR765 WEST
From Montarcher the GR 765 divides into 2:
The GR765 East which joins the Gorges de la Loire and goes up them to Le Puy. Official route for the Way between Lyon and Le Puy.
The GR765 West which remains on the plateau and offers slightly easier stages. Official route for the Way between Cluny and Le Puy.
If you wish, you can take this easier variant from Day 07 to Day 10.
Since the accommodations are not the same, it is absolutely necessary to make this choice at the time of booking.
Here is the description:
Day 07: Marols – Usson en Forez (910 m)
You follow a beautiful route through the forest and pass the highest point of your route at 1165 meters. In Montarcher, a former stronghold dependent on the Counts of Forez, you admire the view of all the surroundings. Just after, the route continues on the Bolène route which since Antiquity linked the Celts and the Romans, Lyon to Aquitaine. In the villages, it is not uncommon to find a "job" which was used to shoe oxen. The profile softens and you reach Usson en Forez and its Ecomuseum of the Mont du Forez. You will find all the information there concerning the pitch ovens encountered on the way.
Elevation gain: + 560 m, – 480 m Length: 18 km Time: 5 hrs
Day 08: Usson en Forez – Chomelix (897 m)
In Jouanzecq, after a few kilometers, you can admire a magnificent Jacquart loom in working order. The crossing of the Ance valley marks the boundary between the Loire and the Haute-Loire. The profile becomes decidedly gentle when taking the path of Caesar. This is an ancient Roman road that linked Lyon to Agen. Beautiful forests alternate with more open spaces. The Arzon is crossed by a footbridge in a bucolic place and you arrive at Chomelix. Accommodation possible in Beaune sur Arzon (+ 2 km, + 30 mins).
Elevation gain: + 390 m, – 400 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 09: Chomelix – St Paulien (810 m)
The route is a little uneven at the beginning of the stage up to Bellevue la Montagne (1000 m). The path is rich in vernacular heritage: assembly houses, crosses, wash houses, bread ovens, etc. and offers vast panoramas of the Velay mountains with the Meygal and Mézenc massifs in the background. The rest of the path is then very easy-going, in the heart of the Pays de l'Emblavez (emblavé = planted with wheat). Indeed, despite the altitude, wheat fields alternate with pine forests. This takes you to St Paulien, nestled at the foot of its magnificent polychrome Romanesque abbey church of St Georges from the XNUMXth century.
Elevation gain: + 350 m, – 430 m Length: 20 km Time: 5 h 15 min
Day 10: St Paulien – Le Puy en Velay (640 m)
A short stop awaits you for this last day and will allow you to stroll around Le Puy. After finding the variant passing through the Gorges de la Loire, the path joins the spectacular fortress of Polignac, perched on its rock. There is only one last small climb in the middle of nature and the arrival at the heart of Le Puy-en-Velay, the "City of the Virgin", departure of the Via Podiensis will undoubtedly remain one of the highlights of the route. The visit is unmissable with in its center, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. End of the stay at the end of the afternoon.
Elevation gain: + 310 m, – 480 m Length: 16 km Time: 4 h 15 min
Rates
Adult: from €870 (2 or 3 people: €1
4 people and more: €1035
Without transport of luggage by vehicle: €870).
Leave from home for St Jacques de Compostelle: Reduction of €35 per person compared to the prices above (Supplement for a departure on Saturday and Sunday).
Single room: + €295
Supplement for a single participant (in addition to the single room): + €240
Does not apply if formula without luggage transport
Additional night in Le Puy with half-board in a double room on the last day: + €75.
Additional night in Le Puy with half-board in a single room on the last day: + €100.
Return transfer Le Puy – Lyon by taxi: €360 (for 1 to 8 people – €520 on Sundays and public holidays)
Reservations for additional services must be made upon registration and specified on the reservation form.
4 people and more: €1035
Without transport of luggage by vehicle: €870).
Leave from home for St Jacques de Compostelle: Reduction of €35 per person compared to the prices above (Supplement for a departure on Saturday and Sunday).
Single room: + €295
Supplement for a single participant (in addition to the single room): + €240
Does not apply if formula without luggage transport
Additional night in Le Puy with half-board in a double room on the last day: + €75.
Additional night in Le Puy with half-board in a single room on the last day: + €100.
Return transfer Le Puy – Lyon by taxi: €360 (for 1 to 8 people – €520 on Sundays and public holidays)
Reservations for additional services must be made upon registration and specified on the reservation form.
What is included
The price includes
– Organization costs.
– Half-board food and accommodation (except days 1 and 5 in B&B)
– Provision of a complete hiking file.
– Provision of the topo guide.
– Transport of luggage at each stage.
– Tourist taxes.
– Half-board food and accommodation (except days 1 and 5 in B&B)
– Provision of a complete hiking file.
– Provision of the topo guide.
– Transport of luggage at each stage.
– Tourist taxes.
The price does not include
– Dinners on days 1 and 5
– Midday meals.
– Wine with meals.
– Drinks and personal expenses.
– Possible visits.
– Personal equipment.
– Travel to and from the reception area.
– Cancellation insurance – Search and rescue costs – Repatriation assistance – Interruption of stay.
– Anything not in “Price includes”.
Reservation modification :
ATTENTION ! A handling fee (€50) may be charged for any change to the reservation already made (room type, departure date, number of people, etc.).
Once you have started your hike, for obvious organizational reasons, you must follow the program as confirmed to you. It will then no longer be possible to modify your dates and places of accommodation.
You are a member of an association, a works council, a community, you are a family or a group of friends wishing to hike together: we organize this hike on the dates you choose, with a reasonable price.
You have a dream, a project…, consult us.
– Midday meals.
– Wine with meals.
– Drinks and personal expenses.
– Possible visits.
– Personal equipment.
– Travel to and from the reception area.
– Cancellation insurance – Search and rescue costs – Repatriation assistance – Interruption of stay.
– Anything not in “Price includes”.
Reservation modification :
ATTENTION ! A handling fee (€50) may be charged for any change to the reservation already made (room type, departure date, number of people, etc.).
Once you have started your hike, for obvious organizational reasons, you must follow the program as confirmed to you. It will then no longer be possible to modify your dates and places of accommodation.
You are a member of an association, a works council, a community, you are a family or a group of friends wishing to hike together: we organize this hike on the dates you choose, with a reasonable price.
You have a dream, a project…, consult us.
Pratical information
Accommodation in ** hotels, hotels and guest houses.
Double rooms, with bathroom in the room.
Out of respect for the daily rest period of the hosts (available early in the morning and late
(evening), rooms are not available before 16 p.m.
The contact details of the accommodation will be provided to you with your hiking file.
Dogs are not allowed.
The basic formula for this independent hike is in a double room (occupied by 2 people) with half-board (evening meal + night + breakfast).
In Lyon and Montbrison, you will be accommodated for one night + breakfast. The evening meal is at your expense, to be chosen in one of the many restaurants.
Supplement for single room.
If you want a room with 3 beds, you should know that few accommodations are equipped with them. The third bed can be an extra bed, a child's bed or a sofa bed. For the stages where this is not possible, a supplement per night for a single room will be charged.
When accommodation is unavailable, we may have to make you spend 2 nights in the same accommodation and organize a transfer or change accommodation category (which does not change the content of your hike but may result in a supplement for which we ask your agreement). Program changes are indicated on your booking confirmation.
Meals: Dinners are an opportunity to taste local specialties. They are generally served from 19:30 p.m. and are most often composed of the menu of the day (no choice of menu).
Breakfasts are traditional (sometimes buffet style) and are served from 8am – 8:30am. If you would like to have breakfast earlier, check with your host the day before to see if this is possible.
Picnic: The basic formula for this stay is half-board. You take care of your own picnics. There are many villages on the way, but be careful to think about closing days.
LEVEL :
Hiking :
Level 3 on a scale of 5.
Average elevation: 460 m. Maximum: 760 m.
Average length: 21 km. Maximum: 27 km.
Average time: 5 hours 45 minutes. Maximum: 7 hours.
By the GR765 West variant (Bolene route):
Level 2 on a scale of 5.
Average elevation: 440 m Maximum: 690 m
Average length: 18 km Maximum: 22 km
Average time: 5 h Maximum: 5 h 15 min
Orientation:
Level 1: A little attention and some knowledge of map reading are necessary.
You must be able to follow a route using a topoguide and clues on the ground. You only use marked routes.
This itinerary is done without a guide and under your own responsibility. We provide you with all the instructions and logistics necessary for the smooth running of your hike. You must be able to be independent by judging your strengths and appreciating unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, change in terrain, etc.).
It is your responsibility to inquire at the Tourist Offices about weather forecasts (bulletins displayed) or to call the weather answering machine on 08 99 71 02 + department number: Example 08 99 71 02 42 for the Loire.
We would like to warn you about the effectiveness of mobile phones in mountainous areas. Indeed, if the villages are generally covered by mobile phone networks (depending on the operator), be aware that many gray areas remain and that your device will often prove useless for long hours during the day. However, if a network is present, in case of need for help, you can dial 112 which is the priority emergency call number.
We decline all responsibility in the event of an error on your part concerning the orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long, etc.).
Double rooms, with bathroom in the room.
Out of respect for the daily rest period of the hosts (available early in the morning and late
(evening), rooms are not available before 16 p.m.
The contact details of the accommodation will be provided to you with your hiking file.
Dogs are not allowed.
The basic formula for this independent hike is in a double room (occupied by 2 people) with half-board (evening meal + night + breakfast).
In Lyon and Montbrison, you will be accommodated for one night + breakfast. The evening meal is at your expense, to be chosen in one of the many restaurants.
Supplement for single room.
If you want a room with 3 beds, you should know that few accommodations are equipped with them. The third bed can be an extra bed, a child's bed or a sofa bed. For the stages where this is not possible, a supplement per night for a single room will be charged.
When accommodation is unavailable, we may have to make you spend 2 nights in the same accommodation and organize a transfer or change accommodation category (which does not change the content of your hike but may result in a supplement for which we ask your agreement). Program changes are indicated on your booking confirmation.
Meals: Dinners are an opportunity to taste local specialties. They are generally served from 19:30 p.m. and are most often composed of the menu of the day (no choice of menu).
Breakfasts are traditional (sometimes buffet style) and are served from 8am – 8:30am. If you would like to have breakfast earlier, check with your host the day before to see if this is possible.
Picnic: The basic formula for this stay is half-board. You take care of your own picnics. There are many villages on the way, but be careful to think about closing days.
LEVEL :
Hiking :
Level 3 on a scale of 5.
Average elevation: 460 m. Maximum: 760 m.
Average length: 21 km. Maximum: 27 km.
Average time: 5 hours 45 minutes. Maximum: 7 hours.
By the GR765 West variant (Bolene route):
Level 2 on a scale of 5.
Average elevation: 440 m Maximum: 690 m
Average length: 18 km Maximum: 22 km
Average time: 5 h Maximum: 5 h 15 min
Orientation:
Level 1: A little attention and some knowledge of map reading are necessary.
You must be able to follow a route using a topoguide and clues on the ground. You only use marked routes.
This itinerary is done without a guide and under your own responsibility. We provide you with all the instructions and logistics necessary for the smooth running of your hike. You must be able to be independent by judging your strengths and appreciating unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, change in terrain, etc.).
It is your responsibility to inquire at the Tourist Offices about weather forecasts (bulletins displayed) or to call the weather answering machine on 08 99 71 02 + department number: Example 08 99 71 02 42 for the Loire.
We would like to warn you about the effectiveness of mobile phones in mountainous areas. Indeed, if the villages are generally covered by mobile phone networks (depending on the operator), be aware that many gray areas remain and that your device will often prove useless for long hours during the day. However, if a network is present, in case of need for help, you can dial 112 which is the priority emergency call number.
We decline all responsibility in the event of an error on your part concerning the orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long, etc.).
- Pilgrims
- hikers
- Groups welcome
Book
The agency is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 17 p.m.
You can contact us by telephone 04 50 31 03 65 or by email famac@famac.ind.br.
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
You can contact us by telephone 04 50 31 03 65 or by email famac@famac.ind.br.
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Opening period
From 01/05 to 31/10/2025.
Dates: from May 1 to October 31, 2025 depending on accommodation availability.
Avoid departing on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday
It is best to book as early as possible. We do not have reserved places in the accommodations and some of them are full sometimes several months in advance. This will allow you to follow the planned program, without transfer or supplement.
Please indicate on the booking form any other dates that would also suit you (for example, the possibility of postponing the hike by 1 or 2 days before or after...), in case one or more accommodations are not available on the chosen dates.
The ideal season to travel the route is from May to September. Before and after, the weather conditions can be difficult (fog, possible low snowfall, etc.) on the Monts du Forez.
Dates: from May 1 to October 31, 2025 depending on accommodation availability.
Avoid departing on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday
It is best to book as early as possible. We do not have reserved places in the accommodations and some of them are full sometimes several months in advance. This will allow you to follow the planned program, without transfer or supplement.
Please indicate on the booking form any other dates that would also suit you (for example, the possibility of postponing the hike by 1 or 2 days before or after...), in case one or more accommodations are not available on the chosen dates.
The ideal season to travel the route is from May to September. Before and after, the weather conditions can be difficult (fog, possible low snowfall, etc.) on the Monts du Forez.
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