Hike the Camino Le Puy Way or Camino the French Way. Completing this epic journey with a group of like-minded and supportive women offers an opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships while seeing a truly beautiful part of France.
This walk covers stage 1 & 2 out of the total 6 stages of the Camino Le Puy. The trails start in the Southwest of France in Le Puy-en-Velay and conclude in Conques, a small town clinging to a ravine wall. The route passes through the contrasting, volcanic landscapes of the Velay Mountains, the Margeride and Aubac Plateau and concludes in the Valley of the Lot. All of these areas are rich in history, culture and pilgrimage sites.
2025 is our first year offering this Camino route and in subsequent years we will cover the additional stages. Start now and take the opportunity to savour this experience in great company.Immerse Yourself in History and Culture
The Camino Le Puy Way, also known as the Way of St. James, is a historic pilgrimage that begins in the picturesque town of Le Puy-en-Velay in France. As you traverse its ancient paths, you'll walk through charming villages, lush valleys, and rolling vineyards, all while soaking in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Each step on this path is a journey through time, offering a connection to centuries-old traditions and stories.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Camaraderie
This pilgrimage walk is more than a physical challenge; it's a transformative experience that fosters personal growth and provides the opportunity to build lasting friendships. You'll share this journey with a diverse group of women, each bringing their unique stories and perspectives. Together, you'll enjoy the daily trails, share meals, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The supportive environment ensures that regardless of your pace, you can enjoy a satisfying walk and sense of achievement.
Vivid Experiences and Sensory Delights
On any given day of this walk, you will find yourself walking through sun-dappled forests, hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot, and feeling the cool breeze on your face. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from village bakeries and the sounds of daily life in this beautiful part of the world will be the sensory experience. Evenings at cosy, rustic inns, dining on local fare and each morning starting with vistas that are straight out of a postcard. Encountering local people on foot enables you to connect in a more personal way and the joy of walking chatter is always present. This journey engages all your senses, making every moment an opportunity to connect with the world around you in a deeply meaningful way.**Note, this tour will be guaranteed to depart once we hit a minimum of 8 participants. Please do not book your flights until you receive advice from us that the tour is Guaranteed to Depart.
● Walk Stages 1 and 2 of the Camino Le Puy Way from Le Puy to Conques
● Visit the charming towns of Estaing and St Côme d’Olt
● Walk through the stark, high plateau of Aubrec
● Climb the 267 steps up to the Chapel of St Michael d’Aiguilhe
● Enjoy dinner on a café terrace looking out over the River Lot
● Take in the stunning and diverse geography of Southwest France
● Experience authentic, rural hospitality in rustic Auberges (Inns)
Arrive in the historic city of Le Puy-en-Velay, a pilgrimage centre since the Middle Ages. Explore this enchanting city set on a volcanic plateau, renowned for its striking rocky peaks rising majestically from the valley.
The group convenes at 17:00hrs for a briefing followed by dinner. If you arrive early, you might like to take a walk up the 267 steps to the Chapel of St Michael d’Aiguilhe, built by Godescalc who made the pilgrimage to Santiago in AD951.
Note, the nearest airport to Le Puy-en-Valay is Lyon (LYS) from which there is a train connection.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Begin your journey at the cathedral in Le Puy-en-Velay. As you follow the trail, enjoy panoramic views of the area. Traverse the Velay region, famous for its lentils and black sheep, before arriving in the quaint village of St Privat d'Allier for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today's walk takes you through diverse landscapes, including the dramatic Allier gorges and a volcanic plateau. Visit a tiny chapel dedicated to St James perched atop a rocky lookout and the Madeleine Chapel, carved out of rock in the 17th century.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you discover the Margeride Plateau with its characteristic villages, secluded hamlets, ancient stone crosses and pastures hemmed in by stone walls. Each village has charming features such as granite houses with carved doorways and cottage gardens. 1 km off the main track, you will come to the village of Les Faux and your accommodation for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Continue across the scenic plateau of Margeride to Aumont, the gateway to the Aubrac region. Pass by picturesque hamlets and churches with unique comb-style belfries before reaching the charming town of Aumont Aubrac, home to the historic Benedictine priory and Romanesque church of Saint Etienne.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Embark on a long but rewarding walk across the Aubrac Plateau, a landscape of wide pastures, old barns, drystone walls, and seasonal wildflowers. Arrive in Nasbinals, where you can admire the impressive 14th-century Romanesque church built of brown basalt.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Descend into the Boraldes Valley, passing through the village of Aubrac, founded in 1120 by Flemish knight Adelard de Flandres. Continue your descent into St Chely d’Aubrec, your final destination for the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
In St Chely d’Aubrec, visit the church housing two remarkable altar pieces: a copy of Rubens' "The Descent from the Cross" and a 14th-century bas-relief of Christ and his Apostles. Cross the old bridge over the Boraldes River and journey into the heart of the Lot Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy an incredible walk through the upper valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the harmony of lauzes-tiled roofs and Romanesque churches. In Estaing, cross the iconic Pont Gothique and see the statue of Francois d’Estaing.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Ascend 350 meters to Golinhac, home to the Church of St Martin, located on the site of a 9th-century Benedictine abbey.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Pass through charming hamlets, spotting wooden balconies and colourful geraniums. Walk through woods and fields, passing Fontromieu and the Church of Saint-Marcel, before arriving in Conques, a village rising steeply from a conch-shaped valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Bid farewell to the Camino Le Puy Way. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and embark on your onward journey, carrying with you memories of this transformative adventure.
Note that to reach the nearest airport, Rodez (IATA RDZ), taxis are available. It is assumed that participants will pool for taxis which cost approximately $150 per taxi for the 45 minute journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Experienced, Adventurous Women® Tour Host
11 Nights in either 1 or 2* Hotels/Inns
11 Breakfasts
11 Dinners
Baggage transfers (weight limit of 13kg)
Detailed maps, a guide book and information pack.
11 Dinners
11 Breakfasts
Travel to the starting point and from the finish
Lunches, drinks and snacks - All easily bought during the tour
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
- - Detailed Trip Notes will be provided well in advance of your departure, to help you plan & prepare.
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
