In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationHaute-Loire / Le Puy-en-Velay
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions60.32 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
From Le Puy-en-Velay, the iconic starting point of many long-distance hiking trails (Compostela, Stevenson, Regordane), you will follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have passed this way before you. In the upper town of Le Puy-en-Velay, you will discover historical and architectural treasures that will delight your curiosity! You will arrive in Aumont-Aubrac, a small village straddling the Margeride and Aubrac plateaus , once the crossroads of two Roman trade and communication routes. A stop on the pilgrimage route, it still retains its authenticity and tradition of hospitality!
The highlights
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Starting point of via Podiensis
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6 days of hiking with stages of approximately 16 km
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Hostels, guesthouses and hotels on the Way of St. James
Photos
Gilles - verified review - july 2025
Gilles - verified review - july 2025
Gilles - verified review - july 2025
Gilles - verified review - july 2025
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
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: 5h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 402 m
- Average daily descent: 342 m
Management
In your travel guide, you'll find an interactive map with your itinerary , a list of booked accommodations, information about the region and the areas you'll be traveling through, as well as practical information to ensure a smooth trip. If you prefer, you can request a printed copy as an option.
Program
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Le Puy-en-Velay
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Enjoy your first day strolling through the narrow streets of the upper town: it offers hikers a complete view of the architecture of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and allows you to take your time before setting off on the trails.
Arrival and check-in at your accommodation. Overnight stay in a B&B.
Day 1 -
From Le Puy-en-Velay to Montbonnet
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 520 m
- Negative elevation 90 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.
You will be accommodated in a charming bed and breakfast in Montbonnet.
Depending on the availability of the guest house, we will offer you a hotel by continuing to St Privat d'Allier (+6.8km), or a night in a gîte with a private room or small dormitory in the vicinity of Montbonnet.
Day 2 -
From Montbonnet to Monistrol d'Allier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 230 m
- Negative elevation 730 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You continue along the path until you reach the Allier gorges, the natural border between Velay and Gévaudan. The village of Monistrol awaits you near the river.
Day 3 -
From Monistrol d'Allier to Saugues
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h15
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 530 m
- Negative elevation 190 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....
Day 4 -
From Saugues to Chanaleilles
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 220 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are crossing the Margeride: observe its eroded relief, covered with heaths, pines and pastures, sometimes still with beech and birch forests where the granite bedrock is frequently exposed.
We have reserved an unusual accommodation for you tonight, a cabin!
Depending on availability, we will offer you a night in a hostel or guesthouse in a small dormitory.
Day 5 -
From Chanaleilles to Saint-Alban
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 330 m
- Negative elevation 500 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.
Day 6 -
From Saint-Alban to Aumont-Aubrac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h45
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 320 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This stage takes you to the Terre de Peyre, between the granite mountains of the Margeride and the vast basalt plateaus of the Aubrac. In Aumont-Aubrac, discover the vaulted cellar of the Priory house, located at the crossroads of the old Auvergne and Lyon-Toulouse roads.
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 7
Note
Factors beyond our control may lead us to modify the 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 strive to 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
Accommodations along the way
Throughout your journey, you will be accommodated in small-scale lodgings: hostels, guesthouses, or hotels, and occasionally, one night in a cabin. Most are located right next to the trail, with a few establishments set back slightly.
Arrival time: between 5pm and 7pm. If you arrive outside of these times, please inform your accommodation directly.
Access to accommodations
In some cases, depending on availability, it may be necessary to book accommodation located outside the route. A transfer by vehicle can then be arranged to ensure transportation to and from the starting point and the overnight accommodation.
Types of accommodation offered
The route passes through a wide variety of facilities, with varying functions and capacities. Depending on availability and your choices during registration, you may be accommodated in different configurations:
- Single room : a single person in a room, regardless of its configuration (single or double bed).
- Double or twin room : a private room for two people, with a double bed or two separate beds depending on availability.
- Small dormitory : a shared room with several beds, private or not depending on the case.
For any special requests (room type, specific organization), it is important to specify them at the time of registration.
Access
Optional extra: return to Puy en Velay with a shuttle around 3pm on the last day.
Go to the starting point
Le Puy-en-Velay is located in Haute Loire and is easily accessible by car.
Parking for your vehicle in Puy en Velay: "hiker" package at approximately €60 for 2 weeks of parking.
Price details
The price includes
- 5 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
- Luggage transfer (13kg/luggage) : CHF52.14 / unit
- "All paper" travel file : CHF29.27 / reservation
- Half-board on Day 1 : CHF29.27 / person
- 1 seat on the return shuttle : CHF35.68 / person
- 🌙 Extra night before your stay - Single room : CHF107.95 / unit
- 🌙 Extra night before your stay - Double room : CHF80.50 / unit
- 🌙 Extra night before your stay - Twin room : CHF80.50 / unit
- 🌙 Extra night after your stay - Single room : CHF107.95 / unit
- 🌙 Extra night after your stay - Double room : CHF80.50 / unit
- 🌙 Extra night after your stay - Twin room : CHF80.50 / unit
- Traveling with a pet : CHF73.18 / unit
- Return shuttle with a pet : CHF22.87 / unit
- Transport of an additional piece of luggage. Price/baggage/stage : 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 small personal pharmacy (disinfectant, pain reliever, elastic bandages, adhesive dressings, blister plasters, plus your personal medications...
- For picnics: a Tupperware-type plastic bowl; cutlery; a cup; a folding knife (Opinel type); a water bottle and/or a thermos (one liter minimum);
- A lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
- A waterproof plastic sleeve containing your documents
- A camera and a pair of binoculars (optional)
- A survival blanket (optional)
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.
To make sure you don't forget anything:
- 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
