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Le Puy Camino Walking Adventure: French Footpaths

Itinerary
Le Puy Camino Walking Adventure: French Footpaths
Guide(s)
Life’s an Adventure
Trip options

Add-ons

The price of the tour is based on double occupancy. If you’d like to have a room to yourself, you can add the single supplement to your booking now.
If you are a solo traveler willing to share a room, your guides will try to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If a suitable match cannot be found by around 12 weeks before your departure, you will be required to pay the single supplement.

All meals are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
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Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Le Puy Camino Walking Adventure: French Footpaths
Itinerary
Le Puy Camino Walking Adventure: French Footpaths
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
8 day
Guide(s)
Life’s an Adventure
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • Journey through the heart of France on this 8-day Le Puy Camino journey! We’ll walk sections of this ancient pilgrim route from Lyon to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, traversing volcanic landscapes, centuries-old villages, and the UNESCO-listed Aubrac Plateau with expert guidance. We’ll unwind in different hotels and inns each night, including three unforgettable chateau (castle) stays. With all meals, luggage transfers, flexible walking options, and a pilgrim shell and passport arranged as well, you can dive into the magic of the Le Puy Camino while enjoying every comfort.

    • Welcome to France! We meet at 8am in the foyer of the Hotel Carlton Lyon – MGallery by Sofitel. From here, we transfer (2-hour drive) to St-Christophe-sur-Dolaison. To maximize our time, we start our Camino journey with a scenic walk from St-Christophe-sur-Dolaison towards Le Puy. This offers a spectacular way to arrive, with dramatic volcanic outcrops adorned with chapels and statues.

      Upon arrival in Le Puy, we enjoy a relaxing lunch in the main square and soak up the atmosphere of this medieval town. After lunch, we walk directly to our hotel, where our bags will be waiting. In the afternoon, you can join a sightseeing tour of Le Puy, including the famous cathedral and the 10th-century Chapel of St. Michel d’Aiguilhe, or explore the town at your leisure. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties and French wine.

      Meals: Lunch and dinner
      Hiking: 8.5 km (5.3 miles), 2.5 hours
      Elevation: -282 m (-925 ft)
      Accommodation: Le Regina, Le Puy

      Three hikers in Le Puy en Velay, France

    • Before breakfast, we can attend the 7am pilgrim blessing at Le Puy’s 12th-century cathedral. After breakfast, we hop on a 20-minute transfer to St-Privat-d’Allier and begin today’s walk. This picturesque village sits at 875 m (2,871 ft) above sea level and overlooks the stunning Allier gorges. Our trail follows scenic mountain paths toward Rochegude, where we pass an ancient Hundred Years’ War watchtower before descending to Monistrol d’Allier, known for its old stone houses and volcanic cliffs, for a relaxing lunch.

      After lunch, we avoid a strenuous uphill climb by taking a short transfer to Le Vernet. From there, we continue walking downhill into Saugues, a town rich in history and famous for woodturning clogs. Enjoy some free time before a 40-minute transfer to our accommodation, a historic chateau offering unique, modern interiors. Tonight, we dine in the chateau’s restaurant, featured in the Michelin Guide, where we’ll enjoy modern French cuisine and fine wines.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 11.4 km (7.1 miles), 5 hours; flexible walking options available
      Elevation: -432 m (-1,417 ft)
      Accommodation: Le Château D’Orfeuillette

      Wooden sculpture on the Le Puy Camino between Saint Privat d'Allier and Saugues

    • After a wonderful breakfast in the chateau, we transfer for 40 minutes to Nasbinals, a charming village at 1,200 m (3,937 ft) with a 12th-century church. Today’s route crosses the UNESCO-listed Aubrac Plateau, a breathtaking landscape of volcanic granite, beech forests, and rolling green hills. We reach the village of Pascalet and continue to the highest point of the Le Puy Camino at 1,324 m (4,344 ft).
      After a gradual descent, we arrive in the medieval village of Aubrac, where we enjoy lunch. The town’s gothic bell tower once helped pilgrims find their way in stormy weather. After lunch, we continue our walk through Belvezet and Del Sail before descending into the picturesque village of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac. Here, you’ll have some free time before a 1-hour transfer to our stunning accommodation, a historic chateau with grand interiors, vineyards, and a gourmet restaurant.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 16.5 km (10.3 miles), flexible walking options available
      Accommodation: Château de Labro

      Hikers crossing a field on the Le Puy Camino

    • After breakfast, we take a 30-minute transfer back to the trail to walk from Espalion to Estaing. We pass through beautiful villages in the Lot Valley, crossing the Astruges River via an old stone bridge. After a picnic lunch at St-Pierre church, we tackle a 250 m (820 ft) climb, followed by a descent through Le Briffoul, Tredou, and Verrières. Finally, we arrive in Estaing, a stunning medieval town on the riverbanks, with its turrets, castle, and lantern-roofed buildings. After exploring Estaing, we transfer to the beautiful town of Conques, where we stay at the Hotel Sainte-Foy, perfectly situated in the heart of the village.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles), flexible walking options available
      Accommodation: Hotel Sainte-Foy, Conques

      Panoramic view of the castle and bridge in Espalion, France

    • This morning, we transfer to the famous Grotte de Pech Merle, stopping en route in Figeac, a charming medieval town. At Pech Merle, we explore the prehistoric cave paintings, including the 29,000-year-old Spotted Horses. This vast cave features nearly 700 ancient engravings and artworks.
      After the visit, we embark on a moderately challenging walk to the stunning hilltop village of St-Cirq-Lapopie. Those who prefer can skip the walk and enjoy free time in the village. Later, we transfer for 45 minutes to Château de Mercuès, a spectacular 13th-century castle-turned-luxury hotel overlooking the famous Cahors vineyards. We enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the rooftop terrace before a gourmet dinner featuring exquisite regional cuisine and wines.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 11 km (6.8 miles), flexible walking options available
      Accommodation: Château de Mercuès

      Hikers walking down a street in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie on the Le Puy Camino

    • After breakfast, we visit the Pont Valentré before transferring to Larresingle, stopping en route at Auvillar, one of France’s most beautiful villages. From Larresingle, we walk through scenic countryside, crossing the Pont d’Artigues and passing the Chapel de Routges and a charming chateau before arriving in Montréal-du-Gers. After some time exploring, we transfer for 50 minutes to our accommodation, a beautifully restored 11th-century monastery. This elegant hotel combines history with modern luxury, offering a delightful setting for dinner featuring local specialities and wine.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles), 3.5 hours; flexible walking options available
      Accommodation: La Monastère De Saint Mont

      Hikers talking on the Le Puy Camino path with a building in the background

    • Today’s final walk takes us from Gamarthe to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the gateway to the Pyrenees. We cross the Bassaguibele River via an ancient stone bridge and ascend to Col d’Oyhanzarre. Along the way, we pass charming Basque villages, beautiful rivers, and scenic chateaus, with breathtaking mountain views. We arrive at the old town gate of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, buzzing with pilgrims preparing to start their Camino journey into Spain. Tonight, we stay in a historic inn and enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner featuring authentic Basque cuisine and wine.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 13 km (8 miles), flexible walking options available
      Accommodation: Les Chemins D’Elika

      Hikers at the entrance to Saint Jean Pied de Port on the Le Puy Camino

    • After breakfast, we take a 1-hour transfer to Bayonne. Airport drop-offs at Biarritz Airport, 4 km (2.5 miles) from Bayonne, are available. Direct flights to Paris operate throughout the day.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Sunset over a field on the Le Puy Camino route

    • Included:

        • An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 8-day Le Puy Camino adventure
        • Accommodation: 7 nights in hand-picked hotels and castles
        • All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners
        • A complimentary wine allocation offered each night alongside dinner
        • Pilgrim passport and shell
        • Camino guidebook with maps (1 book per 2 people)
        • Flexible walking options or sightseeing each day
        • Transfer from St Jean Pied De Port to Bayonne
        • Pack-free walk—luggage transported to your accommodation each day

      Add-ons:

        • Single supplement — $1,330

      Not included:

        • International or domestic flights
        • Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges
        • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
        • Visa and passport fees
        • Guide gratuities — optional
        • Travel and medical insurance — mandatory

    • This Le Puy Camino adventure is rated moderate. You’ll walk from 8.5 to 16.5 km (5.3 to 10.3 miles) daily for seven consecutive days. Some sections will include uneven terrain, steep climbs, and up to 432 m (1,417 ft) descent. You’ll need to be in good health, decently fit, and able to walk in all weather conditions to enjoy this adventure.

      Flexible walking options are possible every day, allowing you to shorten your route or use a vehicle transfer to skip strenuous sections.

      You can find more detailed information about the hiking distances and some elevation changes in the itinerary.

      Discover more Camino de Santiago journeys or explore other incredible hiking adventures in France!

    • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

        • Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
        • Hiking poles — optional
        • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
        • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
        • Comfortable hiking clothes
        • Spare clothes for layering
        • Waterproof rain jacket
        • Sunhat
        • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
        • Headlamp or flashlight
        • Sunglasses
        • Passport, visa, travel insurance, and indemnity form
        • Camera — optional (but recommended)

      Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Your luggage will be transferred from one point to another, so you don’t need to worry about hauling your luggage with you.

      You’ll receive a detailed packing list before your departure.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Le Puy Camino adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
        • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
        • Solo travelers can join this adventure and either pay the single supplement at checkout or share a room. If you choose to share a room, your guides will try to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If no match is found by around 12 weeks before departure, you will be required to pay the single supplement.

      A Le Puy Camino adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Le Puy Camino adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. All minors also receive a $100 discount. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • The starting point of your Le Puy Camino adventure is Lyon, France. To get there, most people fly into Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Lyon. Please plan to arrive in the area a day before your adventure starts.

      Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 8am on Day 1 in the foyer of the Hotel Carlton Lyon–MGallery by Sofitel.

    • Medical and travel protection is mandatory for this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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