In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHaute-Loire / Le Puy-en-Velay
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions44.22 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Begin your Camino de Santiago in 5 days. Do you want to start the Camino de Santiago and immediately experience its most beautiful stages? This 88 km (50 mi) trip, between Le Puy-en-Velay and Aumont-Aubrac , promises magnificent landscapes and authentic experiences. An iconic start: Begin in Le Puy-en-Velay , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by visiting its majestic cathedral and historic streets before starting your walk. Over 4 days of hiking, cross volcanic plateaus , wild valleys, and the Margeride mountains, with spectacular views in Saugues and on the Aubrac plateau. Authentic encounters: Each evening, you will be welcomed in comfortable hostels , hotels, or guesthouses, where sharing with other walkers will enrich your experience. Ideal for those who wish to discover Santiago de Compostela through memorable stages, this trip offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities to connect with pilgrims from all over the world. Ready for the adventure?
The highlights
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Iconic starting point: Le Puy-en-Velay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Assistance available: a telephone service at your disposal throughout your stay
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Accommodation: comfortable hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The idea is that a casual hiker can easily estimate the difficulty of the hike before committing to it:
- Route requiring a minimum of experience on generally well-marked mid-mountain trails.
- A little training in mountain walking may be necessary, especially to cope with the elevation gain and the length of the walk.
- The path is not always in good condition and there may be sections with stones, making the walk a little more difficult and strenuous.
- 4 to 6 hours of walking per day (excluding breaks)
- High-top hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing are necessary.
- Positive elevation gain between 500 and 700m: It is better to be in good shape, or at least somewhat athletic, but it is still quite doable if you are used to a little physical activity, even light.
- If you are self-supported, there may be some off-trail sections, but the route generally remains obvious.
- Some sections may be exposed at times, and slips or missteps should be avoided by walking carefully.
- It may be necessary to pay attention to the practicability of the route depending on the weather conditions.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 23 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 600 m
- Average daily descent: 505 m
Management
Program
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Day 01: Le Puy en Velay
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the beginning, the volcanoes of Auvergne spewed their incandescent magma onto the Velay. Once cooled, the basalt became a peak on which men built a religious monument.
To fully enjoy the old town, plan a day on foot. Strolling through its narrow streets in the moonlight will leave unforgettable impressions.
You will spend a comfortable night in a B&B in Le Puy en Velay, discovering the charm of the accommodation and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the city.
Day 1 -
Day 02: From Le Puy-en-Velay to St Privat d'Allier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h15
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 440 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The route climbs rapidly to escape the Puy valley. You will cross the Devès, which is the largest basalt plateau in the Massif Central, formed by the eruption of numerous volcanoes.
After this first stage, you will spend a pleasant night with half-board, enjoying a well-deserved rest!
Stage of 23.5km - Walking time: approximately 6h15
Day 2 -
Day 03: From St Privat d'Allier to Saugues
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 570 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
On its granite plateau on the slopes of the Margeride mountains, you continue your journey into the mysterious territories of Gévaudan...
You will cover a stage of approximately 19 km and spend the night with half-board accommodation, enjoying an enriching and relaxing experience.
Stage of 19.5km - Walking time: approximately 5h45
Day 3 -
Day 04: From Saugues to St Alban sur Limagnole
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 32 km
- Positive elevation gain 690 m
- Negative elevation 690 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The path is dotted with heather, beech trees, raspberries, and blueberries. Your route takes you through the Lozère region.
Near Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, at the top of the rock overlooking the Franquet waterfall, you will find the remains of the old watchtower which was used to monitor the mills installed along the river below.
You will travel a fairly long stage but with a relatively moderate profile and then spend the night on a half-board basis, enjoying a well-deserved rest after this enriching day.
Stage of 32.5km - Walking time: approximately 7h30
Day 4 -
Day 05: from St Alban sur Limagnole to Aumont-Aubrac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 320 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's stage will take you to the Terre de Peyre, between the picturesque granite mountains of the Margeride and the immense basalt plateaus of the Aubrac. Aumont-Aubrac and its vaulted cellar in the Priory house are located at the crossroads of the ancient Auvergne and Lyon-Toulouse routes.
You will cover a 15 km stage, reaching the end of the stay in Aumont-Aubrac at the end of the day, thus appreciating the beauty of the route and the tranquility of the place.
Stage of 15km - Walking time: approximately 4 hours
End of stay in Aumont-Aubrac
The trip ends in Aumont-Aubrac.
As an option, with an additional charge, a return to Puy-en-Velay is possible by shuttle around 3pm.
You can also choose to take a train directly from Aumont for your return journey and/or spend an extra night there. Please indicate your choice when you register.
Day 5
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 primarily located on the GR65, and sometimes a little further off the beaten track. You'll be welcomed by local hosts who will take the time to organize your stay . To ensure they can provide you with the best possible welcome, please do not arrive at the accommodations before 5:00 PM each day. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, alternative accommodations further from the route may be offered, which could alter your itinerary. In this case, 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 primarily located on the GR65, and sometimes a little further off the beaten track. You'll be welcomed by local hosts who will take the time to organize your stay . To ensure they can provide you with the best possible welcome, please do not arrive at the accommodations before 5:00 PM each day. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, alternative accommodations further from the route may be offered, which could alter your itinerary. In this case, the itinerary will be recalculated, and a transfer can be arranged if necessary.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 3 nights with half board
- 1 night in a B&B in Le Puy en Velay
- 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
- Extra night before your stay in Le Puy-en-Velay - Double room : CHF80.50 / person
- Extra night before your stay in Le Puy-en-Velay - Single room : CHF107.95 / person
- Extra night after your stay in Aumont-Aubrac - Double room : CHF80.50 / person
- Additional night after your stay in Aumont-Aubrac - Single room : CHF107.95 / person
- Luggage transfer : CHF34.76 / person
- "All paper" travel file : CHF29.27 / reservation
- Return shuttle : CHF34.76 / person
- Meals included in half-board : CHF29.27 / person
- Traveling with a pet : CHF54.89 / unit
- Return shuttle with a pet : CHF22.87 / unit
- 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
- Waterproof shoes that fit well on the feet
- 1 comfortable change of clothes and a pair of lightweight shoes for the stage
- 1 Tupperware-type plastic bowl
- Cutlery
- 1 cup
- 1 folding knife (Opinel type)
- 1 water bottle and/or a thermos (minimum one liter)
- 1 lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
- 1 waterproof plastic sleeve for your documents
- Money: personal expenses (drinks during hikes, visits, etc.)
Optional :
- 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
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may suffice. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is essential. Choose quick-drying clothing and therefore avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Avoid overly warm and bulky parkas.
- 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
