Stroll
Camino Le Puy: Stage 1 - Le Puy en Velay to Aumont Aubrac - 6 Days

Camino Le Puy: Stage 1 - Le Puy en Velay to Aumont Aubrac - 6 Days

6 Days
Moderate

Overview

Set off on the captivating first section of the Camino Le Puy, beginning in the enchanting French town of Le Puy-en-Velay. This initial stretch invites you to discover a region where history and nature intertwine beautifully. Picture yourself wandering through ancient streets, marvelling at the dramatic volcanic landscape topped by the Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, an inspiring start to your pilgrimage.

Your first steps on the trail lead you through a picturesque French countryside, a blend of rolling hills and historical intrigue. The path unfolds towards Saint-Privat d'Allier, offering breathtaking vistas and the chance to witness the grandeur of Polignac castle perched high above. Each day's walk is a gentle immersion into the rhythm of rural life, with charming villages like Saugues and Les Faux providing welcoming respites and a taste of authentic French hospitality.  After crossing the Truyère River the walk culminates in the serene mountain village of Aumont- Aubrac.

Highlights

  • Encounter historical points of interest along the way, adding cultural richness to your walking days near Saugues and in Saint-Privat d'Allier.
  • Visit the impressive Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece set in a unique volcanic landscape.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Polignac Castle, perched dramatically on a hilltop.
  • Witness a striking volcanic rock formation topped with a historic church as you begin your walk from Le Puy-en-Velay.
  • Walk through lush forests and farmland, immersed in the tranquility of nature.
  • Explore Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac’s medieval bridge and church, set in a scenic mountain village.
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route much less crowded route

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Le Puy en Velay

Your journey starts in Le Puy-en-Velay, a picturesque city nestled in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Renowned for its striking medieval architecture, the city is home to landmarks like the Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque design. Surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes, Le Puy-en-Velay offers a distinctive natural backdrop. Its charm lies in its winding cobblestone streets, scenic squares, and rich traditions, including the art of lace making and the cultivation of the prized Puy lentils.

Accommodation

Hotel in Le Puy En Velay

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers

Meals

5 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 0 dinners

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Level

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

Days on the trail

Average per walking day

Gain per day

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

True to the spirit of the Camino, the properties throughout this tour are family-run hotels and guesthouses that have been receiving walkers for many years. All rooms are en-suite, and with most guests sharing the same route, the atmosphere here is one that only a walk like this can produce. Given the logistics of booking five nights in sequence along a busy route, walking days may occasionally be slightly shortened or lengthened to ensure all the accommodation falls into place. Any alternative accommodation used in place of those listed will always be of equivalent quality.

Single Rooms

If you are travelling with others but would prefer a single room, we recommend booking as early as possible. Availability can be limited on this popular route and a single occupancy fee applies.

Hotel Ibis Styles Le Puy double room
Hotel Chez Camillou pool
Hotel Chez Camillou twin room
Hotel Ibis Styles Le Puy twin room

What You'll Eat

You will be provided with five breakfasts over the course of the trip, fuelling you from the first morning to the last day on the trail. Lunch is one of the quiet pleasures of this stage, with local cheeses, cured meats and freshly baked bread available to pick up at stops along the route. Many properties along the way have their own restaurants doing regional food justice, and dinner can be added as a supplement each evening for those who want the full picture.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

Hotel Ibis Styles Le Puy Meal

More About This Trip

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

June 2026

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Available
Limited
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

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The Camino Le Puy experience

Wonder
Walk all or part of the 730 kilometre Via Podiensis from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Pass through the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, one of the great Romanesque pilgrimage shrines of France
Walk through Estaing, Figeac, Cahors, and Moissac, among the most beautiful medieval towns in France
Wellness
A deeply contemplative route across rural France, away from the crowds of the Spanish Camino
Savour regional cuisine and wines at each stage, from Auvergne cheeses to Cahors reds
The quieter nature of this French Camino means authentic encounters with rural communities at every stage
Nature
Begin among the volcanic plateaus of Le Puy-en-Velay and cross the wild Aubrac plateau
Walk through rolling vineyards, lush river valleys, and the gentle hills of Gascony
Finish with the Pyrenees rising ahead as you approach the gateway to Spain at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

From

£710/person