Cycle the Full Le Puy Camino

Arrive in the lovely capital of Haute-Loire, Le Puy! Your pilgrimage begins in this picturesque town, located in the southeast of the central massif and completely enveloped in a lunar-like volcanic landscape.

Le Puy, the starting point of the Le Puy Camino, also known as the Via Podiensis, is an important pilgrimage site and home to the Romanesque cathedral, Notre Dame. Settle into your accommodations here, and prepare for your long-distance pilgrimage journey beginning tomorrow.

Your pilgrimage on two wheels begins at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Le Puy. Set out through the beautiful Monts du Velay, where you’ll take in the famous fields of green lentils before descending the plunging Haut-Allier gorges.

Continue the route, riding to the Plateau de la Margeride, then a final ascent to Saugues. Saugues is steeped in legends, most famously the mysterious Beast of Gévaudan. Enjoy an overnight stay in this charming town, which is also known for its delectable mushrooms.

Say farewell to mythical Saugues this morning as you set out to return to the Margeride plateau, which guides you into the Truyère Valley. Along the way, you’ll take in St. Roch Chapel and the delightful small hamlets of Le Rouget, St. Alban sur Limagnole, and Les Estrets. Arrive at your accommodations in Aumont-Aubrac, located in the heart of Lozère.

Rise ready to seize another exciting day on this classic pilgrim route! This morning, you’ll set out through fragrant groves of pine, entering the Aubrac Plateau. Riding at an altitude of around 1000 meters, you’ll enjoy sprawling pastures in all directions from this vantage point.

Cruise through the villages of Nasbinals and Aubrac, then enjoy a joy ride of 30 kilometres downhill to Saint Côme d’Olt, known as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Continue through the idyllic Lot Valley, pressing on to tonight’s stop in Estaing.

Today’s ride is short but challenging. Depart Estaing, leaving behind the Lot Valley, as you tackle a steep ascent to Campuac. Then, ride to the pretty village of Espyrac, where you’ll take in castle ruins from the Middle Ages. Press on to Sénergues, also home to an enchanting castle, before continuing downhill towards Conques.

Spellbinding Conques is bound to be a highlight of the tour. It’s considered a treasured jewel of Romanesque art and is a world-famous stop on the Le Puy Camino.

Set out this morning to trace the gorgeous River Dourdou de Conques, which connects with the Lot River. Trace the Lot to Livinhac-le-Haut and enter the Célé valley.

Navigate the lush green valley to the pretty town of Figeac situated on the Célé river. The town is known as a hub of art and history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore during your time here.

This morning, you’ll find yourself back in the marvellous Célé valley, where the breathtaking scenery never gets old. Pedalling the road that traces the river, you’ll ride through several typical Quercy villages, like Espagnac, Saint Sulpice, and Marcilhac, with its fascinating Benedictine abbey ruins.

Reach Conduché, where you’ll be greeted by the familiar Lot river again, as you continue the route across a bridge to lovely Bouziès.

Today, you’ll share your route with other pilgrims on foot, allowing plenty of opportunity for chatting and reminiscing on the journey thus far.

Follow the Lot to reach Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, where you can hop off your bike to explore the pretty village perched on a rock, also labelled one of the most beautiful villages in France! Depart the valley with a challenging climb that will reward you with superb views of the countryside as you ride to the village of Aujols. Continue towards Flaujac-Poujols, then sail downhill to the medieval town of Cahors, where you’ll rest your head tonight.

The Valentré bridge will lead you out of Cahors this morning as you ride towards the village of Labastide-Marnhac, where again you’ll join several determined pilgrims on foot. Navigate small tracks and narrow roads to Lascabannes. Leaving the Lot department, you’ll enter the Tarn et Garonne and continue up to Lauzerte.

Lauzerte is etched into the hillside and overlooks stunning vineyards and green valleys. Spend some time exploring here, checking out the village’s idyllic upper valley, full of medieval wonders and a lovely town square.

Dive into Day 10 with an exhilarating downhill ride to Moissac, revelling in the fresh country air. You’ll soon enter the gorgeous Lomagne (hunchback Gascogne) area, which straddles the Tarn et Garonne and the Gers.

Continue to Auvillar, constructed on a peninsula and another of the most beautiful villages in France. Check out the town’s famous circular market, which dates to 1824.

Departing the Tarn et Garonne area this morning, you’ll set out into the Gers department. Enjoy taking in several quaint villages along the way, including Flamarens, Miradoux, Marsolan, and more!

Riding through the expansive open countryside of the Gers, you’ll soon reach the Armagnac town of Condom, famous for its Gothic cathedral built in the Languedoc style.

This morning, you’ll ride through one of the most ancient walled towns of Gascogne, Montréal-du-Gers, as you ride to the capital of Gascogne, Eauze. Pause in beautiful Eauze to take in the impressive steeple of St. Luprece and the multitude of quaint half-timbered houses here.

Back on your bike, continue to sur l’Adour, where you’ll find your accommodations in Aire.

Enjoy a peaceful route through plots and cornfields as you ride towards Troussin, Latrille, and then Miramont-Sensacq.

Entering the Béarn area, you’ll enjoy a pleasant stretch through chestnut and fern forests as you enter the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, arriving in the tiny village of Maslacq.

Today’s ride is split between the Béarn and beautiful Basque country, in the heart of the Pyrenees. Cruise through the fortified village of Navarrenx, then cross the Gave d’Oloron, taking time to admire the castles of Montgaston and Joantho along the way.

Arrive in St. Palais, which marks your entry point into the Lower Navarre.

Your final day of cycling unfolds in the beautiful Basque country, where you’ll revel in the typical white houses and half-timbered architectural style. Cross the Col des Palombières, enjoying exceptional views, then descend to Jaxu before continuing your descent through Bustince-Iriberry, and Saint-Jean-le-Vieux.

In the distance, you’ll fix your gaze on “the gate of Saint-Jacques,” which marks the entrance to St. Jean Pied de Port. Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port, where your momentous pilgrim journey comes to an end. Be sure to explore the fortified citadel as you celebrate the completion of the full Le Puy Camino.

This morning following breakfast, your tour comes to an end. It’s recommended to book an extra night in St. Jean Pied de Port to allow enough time to explore the beautiful village before departure.