From Aumont-Aubrac to Conques on the roads to Compostela
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPeyre en Aubrac / Massif Central
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions61.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Starting from Aumont-Aubrac, a small village between the Margeride and Aubrac regions, which was once at the crossroads of two Roman roads, this hike has retained its authenticity and welcoming tradition. Between Gévaudan and Rouergue, the route winds through landscapes of striking contrasts . On the Aubrac plateau, reaching an altitude of 1400m, the pastures offer meadows interspersed with beech forests. In the Lot valley, the wooded landscape alternates between beech, oak, and chestnut trees . At the end of the circuit, you'll discover bocage landscapes and the "Causse," a vast limestone plateau. You'll arrive in Conques at the confluence of the Dourdou and Ouche rivers!
The highlights
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Crossing the Aubrac
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5 days of hiking with stages of approximately 22km
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Hostels, guesthouses and hotels on the Way of St. James
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
LEVEL 2-3 Moderate to occasionally difficult hike.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 23 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 450 m
- Average daily descent: 600 m
Management
Program
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Aumont-Aubrac
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to the Land of Peyre, between the picturesque Granite Mountains of the Margeride and the immense basalt plateaus of the Aubrac. Aumont-Aubrac is located at the crossroads of the ancient Auvergne and Lyon-Toulouse routes.
You can visit the old priory dating from 1106; its architecture is remarkable, inspired by the different eras it has passed through.
Arrival and check-in at your accommodation.
Night in a B&B in Aumont-AubracDay 1 -
Aumont-Aubrac in Nasbinals
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 490 m
- Negative elevation 370 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The Aubrac mountain range stretches between the Lot and Truyère river valleys... The massif is dotted with old alpine huts, remnants of the years when shepherds and pilgrims came to shelter from the winds. Continue along the path, following the stone walls and cattle pastures...
Stage of approximately 5h30, 26km, +490m, -700m
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 2 -
From Nasbinals to Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 230 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the past, the solitary, wooded expanses of the Aubrac plateau were an ideal hideout for brigands who preyed on pilgrims. In 1120, the Hospitaller Order built a church and a hospice to protect them. The "Bell of the Lost" guided travelers in foggy weather; its shrill ring echoed across the plateau, helping everyone find their way.
Stage of approximately 4h30, 17km, +230m, -600m
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 3 -
From Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac to Espalion
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 910 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upper Lot Valley, Espalion retains its old-world charm, dominated by the ruins of the old castle of the Counts of Calmont-d'Olt who built their property here in the 10th century.
Stage of approximately 6 hours, 24km, +450m elevation gain, -910m elevation loss
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 4 -
From Espalion to Golinhac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 720 m
- Negative elevation 410 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are now following the Lot, called Olt in Occitan, a river that rises in the slopes of the Mont Lozère and meanders through the Massif Central. The Aubrac massif now gives way to the Lot valley.
The path climbs to reach the village of Golinhac. At the foot of the Lot valley, it overlooks the deep gorges of the river.
Stage of approximately 6h30, 26km, D+720, D-410
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 5 -
From Golinhac to Conques
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Negative elevation 710 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The medieval village of Conques is centered around the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, whose architecture is a true treasure not to be missed. You will also want to take the time to stroll through the village's narrow streets. The houses have slate roofs, are arranged in tiers, and all face south.
Stage of approximately 5h30, 21km, +4360m, -710m
End of stay in Conques at the end of the day
Day 6 -
Conques
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast
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 . These 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
The first day directly to your accommodation.
Go to the starting point
If you arrived by train: BUS (line 223) - Conques-Marcillac-Rodez line. Line serving Conques-Rodez, from April 1st to October 31st (€2 one way - €4 return). Shuttle from/to St-Christophe station (€2 one way - €4 return, depending on certain Brive-Paris trains).
Price details
The price includes
- 5 nights with half board
- 1 night in a B&B
- The dedicated step-by-step guidance app
- Digital hiking guide
- 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
Options
- Luggage transfer : CHF52.14 / unit
- 1 seat on the return shuttle : CHF32.93 / person
- Paper travel file : CHF29.27 / reservation
- Additional dinners : 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
- Transport of an additional piece of luggage : CHF52.14 / 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
- 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
