€860 / pers

The art of taking your time on the Way of Saint James from Puy en Velay to Aumont Aubrac
Distance
92km
Duration
8 days
Steps
Stages from 14km to 19km
La rue des tables du Puy-en-Velay

Saint-Jacques from Le Puy to Aumont-Aubrac with short stages

6 days of walking to fully experience the spirit of the Way

Because we don’t all walk at the same pace, we have designed this trip to allow you to discover the Way of Saint James at your own pace and enjoy complete freedom, without having to worry about the logistics.

Starting from Le Puy-en-Velay, set off on a wonderful 6-day walking adventure to Aumont-Aubrac, following the legendary GR65. This is your first immersion into the world of the Camino de Santiago, through volcanic landscapes, authentic villages, wide-open spaces and encounters with fellow pilgrims.

You simply walk — we take care of the rest.

Your journey, light and carefree

To help you make the most of this special time on the Way, we have arranged:

  • Half-board accommodation: guesthouses, hotels and comfortable pilgrim hostels, carefully selected, with bed linen and towels included.
  • Luggage transfer: your soft-sided bag (maximum 13 kg per bag / maximum dimensions: L + W + H = 120 cm) will be transported each day to your next accommodation. You only need to carry your daypack while walking.
  • Return by minibus: from Aumont-Aubrac to Le Puy-en-Velay, allowing you to finish your journey simply and comfortably.

An adventure to share

Whether travelling with family, friends, or simply taking the time to walk together, this journey is an invitation to slow down, breathe and reconnect with what really matters.

Day after day, the Way reveals its landscapes and history. The miles pass, encounters happen, the scenery changes… and little by little, you discover that very special atmosphere that makes the Camino such a unique experience.

Six days to disconnect from everyday life, reconnect with nature and experience the magic of the Way.

A journey out of time, following in the footsteps of pilgrims who have travelled this route for centuries.

Ultreïa… and buen camino!

A little extra from L’Autre Chemin

Our agency is located in Le Puy-en-Velay, at 5 rue Grangevieille, just a few steps from the start of the Way. This means we can meet you easily before your departure (excluding weekends and public holidays), answer any last-minute questions and share our in-depth knowledge of the GR65 and its stages with you.

 

[WEBRESA]

The benefits of your stay:

  • You travel independently and follow the provided travel diary.
  • Take advantage of our guide app to download to your smartphone (guidance, tourist information).
  • Your accommodations are offered on a half-board basis 
  • Your luggage is delivered at each stop (one bag, max. 13kg/person – dimensions max : W + L + H : 120cm).
  • Your journey back in minibus to the starting point is included in our packages.
Your journey
Etapes du Chemin de Compostelle du Puy à Aumont-Aubrac en douceur

Your itinerary:

  • Elevation gain +2,350 m Self-guided hike Trail accessible to most people
  • Family: Shorter stages ideal for family walking (depending on the children’s motivation)
  • Accommodation in cottages, guesthouses, or hotels (private rooms, no dormitories)
  • Important to know: You are travelling from place to place, and the itinerary includes stages with varying levels of comfort.
  • What’s the climate like? See our Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The steps are given for information purposes only and may be modified depending on host availability.

la Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy
Day 1: Your arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay

An opportunity to discover the Velay city! Stroll and discover the upper town of Le Puy-en-Velay. Take the secret streets and discover the Cathedral, the starting point of the Way of Saint James.

Discover:
> The Cathedral and its Cloister
> Statue of Notre-Dame de France
> The Saint-Michel Chapel
> The narrow streets of the upper town
> The Hôtel-Dieu and its exhibitions
> The Polignac Fortress
> Monument passes on sale at the Tourist Office or at the monument ticket offices.
> Bobbin Lacemaking Training Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)

La magnifique ville du Puy-en-Velay au crépuscule
Day 2: Le Puy-en-Velay - Montbonnet - 16km - 4h - D+530M

It's the day of the great departure on the trail... You'll rise above the capital of the Haute-Loire region to reach the Dolaizon Valley, the Devès Mountains, and Montbonnet.

Discover:
• Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaizon
> 12th-century church
> La Croix

• Montbonnet
> La Chapelle Saint-Roch

La Chapelle de Rochegude sur le GR65
Day 3: Montbonnet - Monsitrol d'Allier - 14km - 4h - D+230m

Head towards the Haut-Allier Valley (salmon river). An incredible panorama awaits you from the hamlet of Rochegude before plunging into the tumultuous waters of the Allier.

Discover:
• Saint-Privat d'Allier
> The Château de Saint-Privat-d'Allier
> The Priory and the esplanade overlooking the Allier Valley

• Rochegude
> The Saint-Jacques Chapel

• Monistrol d'Allier
> The Eiffel Bridge
> Le Vivier Beach
> The Saint-Pierre Church

Panorama depuis le GR65 sur Saugues
Day 4: Monistrol d'Allier - Saugues - 13km - 3h30 - D+530m

You'll need to escape the magnificent Allier Valley to reach Saugues, home of the Beast of Gévaudan!

Discover:
• Saugues
> The English Tower
> Fantastic Museum of the Beast of Gévaudan - Reservations available
> Biological pool

le Domaine du Sauvage
Day 5: Saugues - Chanaleilles - 19km - 5h - D+595m

La Margeride, grandeur nature
Le Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (GR65) vous ouvre les portes de la Margeride, un territoire sauvage et préservé où la nature s’exprime en grand.
Ici, les paysages s’étendent à perte de vue. Vastes plateaux, landes, prairies et horizons infinis accompagnent vos pas dans une atmosphère propice à la contemplation. Loin de l’agitation, on ralentit naturellement, on respire, on profite simplement du plaisir de marcher.
À chaque détour, la Margeride dévoile une nouvelle perspective et offre au marcheur ce sentiment précieux de liberté et d’espace.
Une étape spectaculaire, où le Chemin révèle toute la beauté brute et authentique de la Margeride.

Discover:
> The Polygonal Tower of La Clauze
> The Domaine du Sauvage

• Le Villeret d'Apcher
> The Saint-Pierre spring

• Chanaleilles
> The Domaine du Sauvage
• Le Villeret d'Apcher
> The Saint-Pierre spring

• Chanaleilles
> The Domaine du Sauvage

Sur les pistes du Chemin de Compostelle
Day 6: Chanaleilles - Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole - 14km - 3h30 - D+120M

De la Haute-Loire à la Lozère
Après le Domaine du Sauvage, une nouvelle page de votre aventure s’écrit : vous quittez la Haute-Loire pour entrer en Lozère, au cœur des paysages sauvages de la Margeride.
Le Chemin se poursuit à travers une nature préservée jusqu’au Rouget, reconnaissable à ses étonnants murs de pierre rouge. Puis, de sentier en petit chemin, vous gagnez Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, charmant village blotti au cœur de la Margeride.
Peu à peu, les paysages évoluent, les couleurs changent et l’horizon s’ouvre sur de nouveaux espaces.
Une étape pleine de caractère, où le Chemin vous fait franchir bien plus qu’une frontière : un nouveau territoire, une nouvelle ambiance, une nouvelle aventure.

To discover:
• Saint-Roch
> The chapel

• Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole
> The European Bison Reserve
> Saint-Alban Castle
> The Romanesque Church

Randonnée sur le chemin de Compostelle
Day 7: Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole - Aumont-Aubrac - 16km - 4h - D+420m

À travers la Margeride, aux portes de l’Aubrac
Le Chemin poursuit son cheminement à travers les hauts plateaux de la Margeride, dans un décor sauvage où se mêlent landes, prairies et grands espaces. Ici, l’horizon semble ne jamais finir et chaque pas invite à prendre le temps de contempler.
Au fil de votre marche, vous traversez de petits villages authentiques, blottis dans ces paysages préservés, et découvrez leurs jolies églises, témoins discrets de l’histoire et de la vie de ces terres d’altitude.
Puis, peu à peu, le paysage se transforme. L’Aubrac se profile à l’horizon, avec ses vastes étendues et son caractère si singulier.
Une étape pleine de douceur et d’authenticité, entre patrimoine, grands espaces et horizons infinis… jusqu’aux portes de l’Aubrac.

Discover:
• Les Estrets
> The Church

• Aumont-Aubrac
> Saint-Etienne Church
> The Priory House (Tourist Office)

Les rues colorées du Puy-en-Velay
Day 8: Journey back to Le Puy-en-Velay

Meet at 10:30 a.m. with a shuttle that will ensure your return to Puy-en-Velay (Arrival 12:15 p.m. depending on road conditions)

This price includes:

  • Accommodation in a private room (with sheets and towels) according to the configuration selected at booking: twin, double, triple, multiple, or single (with supplement)
  • Half-board accommodation 
  • Tourist taxes
  • Luggage transport (maximum 13 kg/person – Max dimensions : H + L +W : 120cm)
  • Your digital travel and guidebook
  • The guidebook (1 copy per 3 travelers)
  • Journey back to Puy-en-Velay by regular shuttle
  • Telephone assistance

Available options:

  • Multi-risk cancellation insurance
  • Single room
  • Credencial
  • No return from Aumont-Aubrac

This price does not include:

  • Transportation and transfers to the starting point,
  • Parking
  • Meals other than those specified in the chosen package,
  • Drinks,
  • Pocket money,
  • Possible visits or activities,
  • GPX tracks (we do not provide GPX tracks – app guidance)
  • Multi-risk cancellation insurance
  • More generally, anything not listed in the “This price includes” section

Administration fees

  • €12/person if ordered online
  • €15/person via quote

As an option, L’autre Chemin offers:

  • No return transfer from Aumont-Aubrac: you can select this option when making your booking and benefit from a discount on your trip.
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial: the pilgrim’s passport to be stamped at each stage along the way. As an optional extra, we offer the Credencial from the Friends of the Way of Saint James. There is no need to make an extra trip to collect it — it will be sent to you together with your travel documents before your departure.

L’Autre Chemin has developed numerous partnerships with guesthouses and small traditional hotels to offer you comfort and authenticity, ensuring that each stage is an opportunity to discover the architecture, the art of living, and the gastronomy, as well as a moment of exchange and encounters. Note: The stages along the trail are determined by the walking pace that we feel is most appropriate. We strive to offer you stages that offer comfort, discovery, and authenticity in hotels, guesthouses, cottages, or unusual accommodations. However, the Camino Trail offers a range of amenities. Generally, bathrooms are integrated into the rooms, but they may be located on the landing or shared in some accommodations.

Half Board

When you choose a half-board trip, which generally includes a set-menu dinner and breakfast, we invite you to let us know about any food allergies or special dietary requirements you may have. Please note that breakfast may be either continental or international, depending on the accommodation.

The establishments should normally be able to accommodate the needs of travellers:

  • with confirmed food allergies (allergies involving the immune system and potentially causing severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock), such as allergies to honey, nuts, shellfish, etc.
  • vegetarians (Due to the complexity and significant constraints this places on accommodation providers, we are unfortunately unable to organise trips catering for a vegan diet.)
  • following a diet for religious reasons

For food intolerances (digestive difficulties in processing certain foods, with symptoms that are purely digestive, such as lactose or gluten intolerance) and other dietary restrictions, we will inform the accommodation providers in advance. However, some establishments may find it difficult to accommodate all dietary requirements, which are becoming increasingly common. We therefore thank you in advance for adapting your food consumption to the meals provided during your stay and, if necessary, bringing any additional foods or supplements you may require, such as gluten-free bread.

Please note: Additional charges may apply for special diets, depending on the policies of individual accommodation providers.

By train

The town of Le Puy-en-Velay has a train station that takes you right to the city center, close to your first hotel and all the sights and shops. In short, it’s very pleasant to take the train from home to begin your hike in Le Puy. Psst, even if the journey may seem long, when you arrive via Saint-Etienne, the tracks run alongside the wild Loire Valley, a truly beautiful sight!

By car

Le Puy is accessible by road, notably via two main roads: the RN88 from Saint-Etienne/Lyon or Aubenas/Mende, or via the RN102 (Clermont-Ferrand). There are suitable parking lots on site, but we’ll explain everything in your travel guide!

  • Paris: 515km
  • Lyon: 134km
  • Marseille: 300km
  • Toulouse: 350km
  • Montpellier: 250km

Where to park in Le Puy?

  • Breuil underground car park – Place du Breuil  – Closed Sundays and public holidays – 7 days: €60 – Reservations: +33 4 71 02 03 54

Le Puy above-ground car parks – Rates: €10/week and €20/month. Subscriptions must be reserved and paid in advance at the Mobilité-en-Velay commercial center. Tel. +33 4 71 02 60 11 (open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) – Height limit 2.20 m & length 5.50 m maximum. These car parks are served by a free shuttle or the urban transport network.

    • Bertrand de Doue Parking: Parking without video 
    • Estrouilhas Parking: Parking without video 
    • Quincieu Park and Ride Parking: Parking without video 
    • Montredon Park and Ride Parking: Parking without video (free bus service to the city center)
    • Dunant Parking (free bus service to the city center)
  • Train Station Parking: Video-monitored parking – €6 / 24 hours
  • Carmes Parking: Video-monitored parking – €40 / week – Reservation: +33 7 68 10 76 81
  • Foch Parking – 6 avenue du Maréchal Foch – Video surveillance – 7 days: €40 – Reservation: +33 7 68 10 76 81
  • Saint-Jacques Parking (Center served by bus) – 13 bis de Roderie – Aiguilhe – Video surveillance – Reservation: +33 4 44 43 97 43 – 7 days: €35
  • La Malle Postale – Parking at 7km from Le Puy – Drop-off and pick-up guaranteed – 7 days / 7– 7 days: €30 – Reservation: 04 71 04 21 79

Prices given for information purposes only, subject to change without notice

 

Whether you’d like to book your leisurely hike on the Camino de Santiago or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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