Walk the Le Puy Camino: Cahors to Lectoure

Your walking pilgrimage on the Le Puy Camino begins in the medieval walled town of Cahors, a lovely town encased in the staggering slopes of the Cévennes’ cirque. Set in the dazzling Lot Valley, Cahors is a town synonymous with art and history, making it an optimal place to begin your walking tour!

Spend some time exploring this well-preserved medieval town, making sure to take in its plethora of enchanting historical sites, like the 14th-century Valentré Bridge and the impressive Saint-Etienne Cathedral. Then, settle into your accommodations for a good night’s rest, as your first day of walking is on the horizon.

5 exciting days of walking lie ahead on the Le Puy Camino! This morning following a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out on the first section, walking from Cahors to Lascabanes. You’ll dive head-first into the adventure with a challenging climb, which will grant you mesmerizing views over the valley from where you’ll take in Cahors from above. Continue the route to the Causses limestone plateau, taking in the charming small villages of Labastide-Marnhac as you walk to Lascabanes.

Lascabanes was a vital stop on the ancient route of Le Puy during medieval times, as it was the site of a pilgrim’s hospital in the 15th century. The former hospital is now a small church, which offers a pilgrim blessing each day at 6 PM. Settle into this lovely little town and soak in the historical ambience.

Rise and shine ready to seize your second day of walking on the Le Puy Camino. Set out this morning following breakfast, enjoying a series of gentle hills through pastoral farmland and crop fields, which pave the way to Lauzerte.

Beautiful Lauzerte, known for its production of the Melons du Quercy (a delightful orange-flesh melon), is set between breathtaking limestone cliffs and lush valleys. The soil of Lauzerte abounds with life, and you’ll likely spot everything from lavender to grapes in the picturesque countryside here.

Today you’ll likely find to be the easiest day of walking on the route. Enjoy quiet country roads through charming woodlands, farmland, and vineyards all the way to Moissac.

Set out this morning ready to take in a scenic stretch of the journey as you trace the peaceful Garonne River, walking towards the Malause Canal. You’ll enjoy superb views of the valley on the route, particularly from the hamlet of Boudou. A final ascent will lead you to Auvillar, named one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (France’s Most Beautiful Villages).  Here you’ll find a magical walled village with an impressive old town center, complete with an ancient gateway and several other historical sites.

After settling into your accommodations here, set out on a stroll to admire the town’s 17th-century clocktower or the main square, where you can take in the beautiful ancient timber-framed arcade houses.

Today marks your departure from the Lot Department as you enter into Le Gers. Enjoy a pleasant walk today through several lovely villages, like Flamarens, where you'll be swept up in a fairy tale by its 13th-century castle.

Continue the route to Miradoux, another former bastide that dates to 1253, making it the oldest village in Le Gers.

Your final day of walking will have you enveloped in the green oasis of the French countryside as you complete the final section of your pilgrimage to Lectoure. Once you reach Lectoure, your pilgrim journey on the Le Puy Camino comes to an end. However, the adventure doesn't end here! Set out to explore mesmerizing Lectoure if your departure time allows.

Lectoure is another town with deep roots in art and history and is also one of the Gers' oldest cities. Its origins date back to the Gallo-Roman period, making it a fascinating place of discovery. Set out to explore the town and be sure to take in its ancient ramparts, towers, churches, and the Castle of the Comtes d'Armagnac built in the mid 14th-century. This marks the end of your journey!