Camino Le Puy: Stage 1 - Le Puy en Velay to Aumont Aubrac - 6 Days
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
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Hotel (5 nights)
5 breakfasts
Stroll Walking Grade
Moderate to Challenging
Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.
Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.
View Fitness Guide4
Days on the trail
20-26 km
Daily distance range
462-640 m
Daily ascent range
4/10
Trail difficulty
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.
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.
The walk starts in Le Puy-en-Velay and finishes in Aumont-Aubrac. The most convenient airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS), with good international connections. A direct bus from the airport to Le Puy-en-Velay takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, trains from Lyon city centre reach Le Puy-en-Velay in around 2 hours 15 minutes, with one change at Saint-Étienne. Clermont-Ferrand (CFE) is a smaller regional airport with more limited connections, from where trains reach Le Puy-en-Velay via Saint-Étienne in around 2 hours.
The walk ends in Aumont-Aubrac. Aumont-Aubrac has its own railway station on the Béziers–Neussargues line, with services including Clermont-Ferrand. Book French rail tickets in advance through SNCF.
This walk is available from April to October, with no fixed start days.
The most reliable windows are late April to early May, or late August to early October, when temperatures are comfortable, daylight hours are long, and the trail is lively without being crowded.
Spring brings wildflowers and fresh green landscapes through the Velay and Margeride. A practical note: the Aubrac plateau sits above 1,000 metres and has its own weather. Even in June, mornings can be cold and fog can roll in without warning; in April or October, conditions on the plateau can feel like a different season entirely from the valleys below.
Summer is warm and generally drier, though exposed sections can feel hot on longer days. Late August and September offer steadier weather, harvest scenery and quieter paths after the summer rush. Pack a warm layer and waterproofs whatever the month.
Note: Solo travellers are warmly welcome on this walk. Some transfers are costed on the basis of two people sharing, so a supplement applies for solo bookings. Contact our team for details.
Moderate to challenging. Trails are well-defined throughout, following an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain. Sections of open countryside alternate with urban stretches and road walking, as the route follows the most accurate pilgrim path possible. Good walking boots are essential.
Some stages may be slightly shorter or longer than planned to suit accommodation bookings, and you will be notified in advance if this is the case.
The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.
You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.
A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.
Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.
It will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am when required. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 13kg.
While dinners are not included in the standard package, we strongly recommend adding a dinner supplement for your walk. In many locations along this route, restaurant options are limited or require advance booking, and in some villages, dinner at your accommodation is the only option available.
If you'd like to include a dinner supplement in your booking, please let your consultant know when booking.
Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule
Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
The whole walk was wonderful with great route to follow on Komoot and accommodation that was friendly and comfortable. Accommodation was excellent, our farmhouse stays were beyond expectations with wonderful helpful hosts. Some days were challenging but enjoyable and I got to push myself thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The assistance with any issue along the way and quick response even on weekends, polite and helpful staff was awesome.
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