Between Conques and Cahors on the pilgrimage routes to Compostela
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationOccitanie / Massif Central
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions60.92 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
A route starting in Conques, north of Rodez, at the confluence of the Dourdou and Ouche rivers , which form a shell-like shape, called "concha" in Latin and "concas" in Occitan, from which the name Conques is said to derive. Conques is one of the most emblematic towns on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) , with its famous 12th-century abbey church. You will hike to Cahors, the former capital of the County of Quercy , nestled in a wide bend of the Lot River. This natural fortress is protected by the river, which encircles it almost entirely. You will reach it via its famous Valentré Bridge, a symbol of the city, linked to the Via Podiensis since the 15th century. The legend of its construction, still very much alive, tells how the architect and the devil made a pact to complete its construction...
The highlights
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Departure and 1 night in Conques in the Aveyron
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6 days of hiking with stages of approximately 24km
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A free GPS hiking app to help you navigate the trail
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The concept of "difficulty" of hikes is often mentioned, either through the comments you send us or through the guides during your trips.
It therefore seems important to us to take stock of the situation.
The idea is that a casual hiker can easily estimate the difficulty of the hike before committing to it.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 23 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 447 m
- Average daily descent: 477 m
Management
Program
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Conques
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This medieval village is centered around the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, whose architecture is a true treasure not to be missed. You will also have time to stroll through the village's narrow streets. The houses have slate roofs, are arranged in tiers, and all face south. Arrival at the accommodation is in the late afternoon.
Day 1 -
Conques - Decazeville
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 560 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will first pass by the Chapel of St. Foy (a place of pilgrimage), then by the Chapel of St. Roch and Decazeville. There you will discover varied landscapes, diverse architecture, and its cultural treasures.
18 km, approximately 6h30 of walking, +560m elevation gain, -640m elevation loss
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 2 -
Decazeville - Figeac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 27 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We begin here a series of 2 long stages, we will first pass through Montredon, a very picturesque village, then Les Cordiers, St Felix, before following the Célé river which will guide us to the old town of Figeac.
27 km, approximately 7 hours of walking, +640 m elevation gain, -650 m elevation loss
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 3 -
Figeac - Cajarc
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 29 km
- Positive elevation gain 540 m
- Negative elevation 590 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The path leads you to the local mountain of Figeac, where its gigantic cross stands. You will pass through the village of Faycelles, where you can enjoy the impressive view over the Lot valley, before arriving in Cajarc.
29.5 km, approximately 7h30 of walking, +540m elevation gain, -590m elevation loss
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 4 -
Cajarc - Varaire
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 340 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You cross the Lot river towards Gaillac, and will pass through several farmhouses: Mas Del Pech, Mas de Bories and Mas de Palat. The path will lead through fields and woods.
25 km, approximately 6.5 hours of walking
Overnight stay with half-board, elevation gain 500m, elevation loss 340m
Day 5 -
Varaire - Lalbenque
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 140 m
- Negative elevation 190 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Crossing the limestone plateau on the old Roman road of the Cami Ferrat, in the oak forest of Bois de Grézal.
17.4km km 4h walk approximately D+143 D-193
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 6 -
Lalbenque - Cahors
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The path stretches along the edge of a stream and leads us near the Moulin Bas. Between forests and stony tracks, we descend via a winding trail towards Cahors through the Lot valley. Here we arrive in the renowned Cahors wine region, to be enjoyed in moderation.
20 km, approximately 5 hours of walking, +300m elevation gain, -450m elevation loss
End of stay in Cahors at the end of the day
Day 7
Note
We strive to adhere as closely as possible to the program as detailed. However, circumstances beyond our control may lead us to modify its content or itinerary (weather conditions, accommodation closures, etc.). In practice, depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may simply offer you alternative routes or accommodations that do not correspond to the daily program described. These adjustments, which may include occasional changes to the itinerary without altering its direction, will not constitute a valid reason for cancellation and will not entitle you to any compensation from us. We simply ensure that your trip can be carried out under the best possible conditions, taking into account the constraints of the terrain and accommodations, and respecting the specifications you provided at the time of your booking.
Accommodation
Along the Camino de Santiago, you'll stay in accommodations that feel just like home . They are mainly located on the GR65, and sometimes a little further off the beaten track. You'll be welcomed by locals who will take the time to organize your stay . To ensure they can give you the best possible welcome, please do not arrive at your accommodation before 5 pm each day. You will stay in hostels, guesthouses, or hotels along this route.
Depending on accommodation availability at the time of your booking, alternative accommodations further from the route may be offered, potentially altering your itinerary. The itinerary will be recalculated, and a transfer can be arranged if necessary.
Along the Camino de Santiago, you'll stay in accommodations that feel just like home . They are mainly located on the GR65, and sometimes a little further off the beaten track. You'll be welcomed by locals who will take the time to organize your stay . To ensure they can give you the best possible welcome, please do not arrive at your accommodation before 5 pm each day. You will stay in hostels, guesthouses, or hotels along this route.
Depending on accommodation availability at the time of your booking, alternative accommodations further from the route may be offered, potentially altering your itinerary. The itinerary will be recalculated, and a transfer can be arranged if necessary.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 5 nights with half board
- 1 night in a B&B in Conques
- Digital hiking guide
- The dedicated step-by-step guidance app
- The organization and preparation of the stay
- Our assistance throughout your stay
The price does not include
- Dinner on the first day
- Luggage transport
- The return shuttle
- Insurance
- The "all-paper" travel file
Options
- Luggage transfer : CHF52.14 / unit
- 1 seat on the return shuttle : CHF38.42 / person
- Paper travel file : CHF29.27 / unit
- Extra night before your stay – single room – B&B : CHF107.95 / person
- Extra night before stay – double room – B&B : CHF80.50 / person
- Extra night before stay – Twin room – B&B : CHF80.50 / person
- Extra night after your stay – single room – B&B : CHF107.95 / person
- Extra night after your stay – double room – B&B : CHF80.50 / person
- Extra night after your stay – twin room – B&B : CHF80.50 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A Tupperware-type plastic bowl, cutlery, a cup, a folding knife (Opinel type)
- A water bottle and/or a thermos
- A lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
- A waterproof plastic sleeve for your documents
- Photo equipment
- A pair of binoculars
- A survival blanket
Clothing to bring
The 3-layer system allows you to manage all situations during a hike:
- A short- or long-sleeved undershirt (t-shirt) made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof, and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- Waterproof shoes that fit well (mountain boots or "trekking" type walking shoes in leather or leather and Gore-Tex)
- A comfortable change of clothes and a pair of lightweight shoes for the stage
