The Camino Le Puy-en-Velay, officially known as the Via Podiensis, is one of the most historic and scenic pilgrimage routes in Europe. Beginning in the picturesque town of Le Puy-en-Velay in France’s Auvergne region, this ancient path stretches approximately 730 kilometres across the French countryside before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the French-Spanish border, where many pilgrims continue onto the Camino Francés route to Santiago de Compostela.
The Le Puy Way is one of the four main historical pilgrimage routes through France. Pilgrims have traveled the Via Podiensis or Le Puy Way since medieval times. The route is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.”
What sets the Via Podiensis apart is its peaceful ambience and diverse landscapes. This walk offers a more tranquil and varied experience than the busier Spanish routes. With rolling hills, ancient villages, and remote stretches, it’s both physically challenging and spiritually enriching.
SELF GUIDED 
37 DAYS 
Challenging 
per person twin/double share
Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.
per person
Camino Way
Eco travel
Self Guided
Pack Free
Camino Passport
Authentic stays
Ensuites
Luggage Transfers
During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are ensuite and, typically, in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations can be used other than that listed. Please note that booking 36 accommodations in sequence might result in the walking days being shortened or lengthened on the odd occasion to make all the accommodations line up. The accommodation shown is only an indication of the class of what will be booked and we will do our best to match the standard if we cannot get what is displayed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 36 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
Many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.
The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, the average daily distance is 20.9km, the average daily elevation is 571m, and the average terrain difficulty is 5/10. Our fitness grading is calculated based on the elevation, terrain, and average distance covered each day. We believe this trip has a challenging grading because of the number of days.
Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.
Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.
Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.
If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.
If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.
MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN
As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.
Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.
An $800 deposit is needed to book this trip. This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From the jousting festival of Fête de Saint-Jacques in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Conques, and Le Puy-en-Velay to a Renaissance-themed festival Fêtes du Roi de l’Oiseau in Le Puy-en-Velay and the colourful Festival des Chemins in Aubrac Plateau.
On some occasions, but not often, the walk days may vary slightly regarding their length to what we have advertised. This will be to allow us to book the 36 accommodations in sequence to facilitate this walk.
Solo walking is allowed, but as many transfers are costed as being shared across 2 walkers, this will come at an extra cost. Please speak to the office about the price of this.
The route runs across France and through a variety of terrain. Weather is generally mild and good for walking in both the early season (late April to early May) and the latter part of the season (late August to mid-October). You can expect comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flowers in spring and autumn colors later on. Just be ready for some rain during both periods, and late September is often a sweet spot with nice weather and fewer people.
We grade this walk as challenging only because of the back-to-back walking days. We may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail; whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and along roads as you follow the most accurate route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 28km with up to 600m of ascent and descent. On any typical day, you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will sustain climbs to hilltop towns, villages, and the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with the many other walkers on the trail, it’s straightforward to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.
The tour starts in Le Puy en Velay and finishes in Saint Jean Pied de Port. The best way to reach Le Puy en Velay is by arriving at one of the following airports: Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon.
From Clermont-Ferrand, a 2 hour train journey connects (from the airport as well) to Saint-Étienne. From Saint-Étienne it is an hour or so by train.
Getting away from Saint Jean Pied de Port by train or air is very easy. Flights go from Santiago to all over Europe.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
$9070
Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?
Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.
Q: Can my children walk with me?
We don't allow children under the age of 12 to do this walk.
Q: Is this tour OK for solo walkers?
Absolutely. Many people choose to complete stages of the Camino as a solo walker. There are many people walking the route and many of the overnight stays welcome hordes of walkers which means you can choose to walk your own journey or join in the camaraderie of walking with others. There is an added cost, as the transfers are priced to be shared between two walkers. Plesase speak to the office if you wish to clarify and for pricing.
Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Q: Can we reduce the days walked?
We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 38 days but 39 days with an extra night along the way is always a good idea. Speak to the office to insert another rest day if you want to when booking.
Q: Can we extend the days walked?
Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs.
Experience medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and authentic French charm on this 8-day walking tour from Cahors to Lectoure.
Complete the epic, historic Camino Norte for 39 days, walking from the stunning seaside town of San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela.
Complete the epic, historic Camino Frances in 40 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela.
Experience the peaceful beauty of southwestern France, from the medieval charm of Aire-sur-l’Adour to the historic pilgrimage town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on this 9-day walking tour.
A scenic 8-day journey on the Camino de Santiago from Conques to Cahors, blending medieval villages, serene landscapes, and rich cultural heritage through the heart of southern France.
Discover the enchanting French countryside on this initial Camino adventure from the historic Le Puy-en-Velay to charming Aumont-Aubrac, a picturesque and culturally immersive start to your pilgrimage.
Experience the authentic beauty and tranquility of Gascony’s countryside and historic towns on this 8-day walk from Lectoure to Aire-sur-l’Adour.
Complete the epic, historic Camino Frances in 36 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela.
The Camino Le Puy-en-Velay, officially known as the Via Podiensis, is one of the most historic and scenic pilgrimage routes in Europe. Beginning in the picturesque town of Le Puy-en-Velay in France’s Auvergne region, this ancient path stretches approximately 730 kilometres across the French countryside before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the French-Spanish border, where many pilgrims continue onto the Camino Francés route to Santiago de Compostela.
The Le Puy Way is one of the four main historical pilgrimage routes through France. Pilgrims have traveled the Via Podiensis or Le Puy Way since medieval times. The route is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.”
What sets the Via Podiensis apart is its peaceful ambience and diverse landscapes. This walk offers a more tranquil and varied experience than the busier Spanish routes. With rolling hills, ancient villages, and remote stretches, it’s both physically challenging and spiritually enriching.
SELF GUIDED 
37 DAYS 
Challenging 
per person twin/double share
Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.
per person
Camino Way
Eco travel
Self Guided
Pack Free
Camino Passport
Authentic stays
Ensuites
Luggage Transfers
During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are ensuite and, typically, in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations can be used other than that listed. Please note that booking 36 accommodations in sequence might result in the walking days being shortened or lengthened on the odd occasion to make all the accommodations line up. The accommodation shown is only an indication of the class of what will be booked and we will do our best to match the standard if we cannot get what is displayed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 36 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
Many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.
The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, the average daily distance is 20.9km, the average daily elevation is 571m, and the average terrain difficulty is 5/10. Our fitness grading is calculated based on the elevation, terrain, and average distance covered each day. We believe this trip has a challenging grading because of the number of days.
Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.
Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.
Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.
If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.
If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.
MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN
As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.
Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.
An $800 deposit is needed to book this trip. This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From the jousting festival of Fête de Saint-Jacques in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Conques, and Le Puy-en-Velay to a Renaissance-themed festival Fêtes du Roi de l’Oiseau in Le Puy-en-Velay and the colourful Festival des Chemins in Aubrac Plateau.
On some occasions, but not often, the walk days may vary slightly regarding their length to what we have advertised. This will be to allow us to book the 36 accommodations in sequence to facilitate this walk.
Solo walking is allowed, but as many transfers are costed as being shared across 2 walkers, this will come at an extra cost. Please speak to the office about the price of this.
The route runs across France and through a variety of terrain. Weather is generally mild and good for walking in both the early season (late April to early May) and the latter part of the season (late August to mid-October). You can expect comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flowers in spring and autumn colors later on. Just be ready for some rain during both periods, and late September is often a sweet spot with nice weather and fewer people.
We grade this walk as challenging only because of the back-to-back walking days. We may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail; whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and along roads as you follow the most accurate route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 28km with up to 600m of ascent and descent. On any typical day, you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will sustain climbs to hilltop towns, villages, and the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with the many other walkers on the trail, it’s straightforward to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.
The tour starts in Le Puy en Velay and finishes in Saint Jean Pied de Port. The best way to reach Le Puy en Velay is by arriving at one of the following airports: Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon.
From Clermont-Ferrand, a 2 hour train journey connects (from the airport as well) to Saint-Étienne. From Saint-Étienne it is an hour or so by train.
Getting away from Saint Jean Pied de Port by train or air is very easy. Flights go from Santiago to all over Europe.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
$9070
Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?
Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.
Q: Can my children walk with me?
We don't allow children under the age of 12 to do this walk.
Q: Is this tour OK for solo walkers?
Absolutely. Many people choose to complete stages of the Camino as a solo walker. There are many people walking the route and many of the overnight stays welcome hordes of walkers which means you can choose to walk your own journey or join in the camaraderie of walking with others. There is an added cost, as the transfers are priced to be shared between two walkers. Plesase speak to the office if you wish to clarify and for pricing.
Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Q: Can we reduce the days walked?
We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 38 days but 39 days with an extra night along the way is always a good idea. Speak to the office to insert another rest day if you want to when booking.
Q: Can we extend the days walked?
Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs.
Experience medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and authentic French charm on this 8-day walking tour from Cahors to Lectoure.
Complete the epic, historic Camino Norte for 39 days, walking from the stunning seaside town of San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela.
Complete the epic, historic Camino Frances in 40 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela.
Experience the peaceful beauty of southwestern France, from the medieval charm of Aire-sur-l’Adour to the historic pilgrimage town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on this 9-day walking tour.
A scenic 8-day journey on the Camino de Santiago from Conques to Cahors, blending medieval villages, serene landscapes, and rich cultural heritage through the heart of southern France.
Discover the enchanting French countryside on this initial Camino adventure from the historic Le Puy-en-Velay to charming Aumont-Aubrac, a picturesque and culturally immersive start to your pilgrimage.
Experience the authentic beauty and tranquility of Gascony’s countryside and historic towns on this 8-day walk from Lectoure to Aire-sur-l’Adour.
Complete the epic, historic Camino Frances in 36 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela.
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.
