From €1355 / pers
with luggage transfer

A hiking trip in the footsteps of Jean-François Régis - "God's Walker" and Brother Bideau from Velay to Haut-Vivarais
Distance
207,5km
Duration
11 to 12 days
Steps
Stages from 15km to 27,5km
Epilobes et Massif du Mézenc

The Saint-Régis Trail

Hike with peace of mind and experience the Saint-Régis Trail. Far from the long treks and well-known trails, travel the paths of the magnificent Saint-Régis Trail, which will take you through the basin of the urban area of ​​Le Puy-en-Velay, to the high volcanic plateaus of Mézenc, and to Haut-Vivarais before returning via the forests of Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid to reach Haut-Lignon and the peaks of the Meygal massif. An incredible journey in the footsteps of Saint-Régis, “God’s Walker,” who settled in Le Puy-en-Velay in the 12th century to continue his mission of supporting the poor. There, he founded the Bon Pasteur refuge and supported the lacemakers. He died of pneumonia in Lalouvesc, which then became a place of pilgrimage.

The Chemin de Saint-Régis (GR430) is a circular hike in Le Puy-en-Velay that will take you to discover the plateaus of Velay, Mézenc, Haut-Vivarais, Haut-Lignon and the magnificent Meygal massif. Throughout the route, you will be accompanied by calvaries, chapels and mission crosses, testifying to the spiritual heritage of God’s walker.

Find our tips for preparing your hike.

Bonus: The L’Autre Chemin agency is located in Le Puy-en-Velay at 5 rue Grangevieille, which allows us to easily meet you upon your departure and provides us with in-depth knowledge of the trail.

What we like: A trail far from the crowds of the main routes, the variety of landscapes, the atmosphere, and comfortable accommodations.

Two packages to choose from:

  • 12-day package including the last night in Le Puy (overnight stay & breakfast) – Your luggage will be delivered to your hotel
  • 11-day package without a last night in Le Puy-en-Velay – Your luggage will be collected at the end of the hike from our luggage carrier at 5 p.m.

[WEBRESA]

The benefits of your trip:

  • You travel independently and follow the provided travel guide
  • Take advantage of our guidance app to download to your smartphone (guidance, tourist information)
  • Your accommodations are proposed with half-board (except the last night in Le Puy-en-Velay booked with B&B basis for the 12 days tour)
  • Your luggage is delivered at each stop (one bag max. 13kg/person)

© Valday Tourist Office – Ludivine LHOPITAL

Your journey
Parcours du chemin de Saint-Régis

Your itinerary:

  • Elevation gain 5,485 m Loop hike & self-guided hike
  • Moderate intensity route – 5 to 7 hours of walking per day (note a long stage on day 6 – possibility of adding an extra day)
  • Accommodation: in a private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or alternative accommodation)
  • What’s the climate like? See our Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The stages of the Chemin de Saint-Régis are given for information purposes only and may be modified depending on accommodation availability.

Les rues pavées du Puy-en-Velay
Day 1 : Your arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay

A free day exploring the town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
It's wonderful to stroll through its narrow streets and discover the Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral, the statue of Notre Dame de France, and the Saint-Michel rock topped by its chapel dating from the 10th century...

Discover:
> The Cathedral and its Cloister
> Statue of Notre Dame de France
> The Rochet and the Saint-Michel Chapel
> The narrow streets of the upper town
> The Hôtel-Dieu and its exhibitions
> The Polignac Fortress
> The Puy de Lumières event, which illuminates the monuments in July and August
> The immersive show Terre de Géants
> Bobbin Lacemaking Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)
> The Crozatier Museum

Ensemble conventuel du Monastier-sur-Gazeille - Place du Couvent
Day 2: Le Puy-en-Velay - Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille : 19km -5h -D+ : 690m

A warm-up stage takes you to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, which offers a chance to gain some altitude and beautiful views of the Le Puy urban area and the Loire Valley.

Discover:
• Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
> Saint Chaffre Abbey
> Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church
> Circular fountains and wash houses
> Museum of Popular Beliefs
> School Museum
> European Cultural Space (exhibitions)
> Recoumène Viaduct - Photo SCHAPPELLER

Etang des Barthes de Freycenet-la-Tour
Day 3: Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille - Moudeyres : 15km - 3h30 - D+405m

While Monastier-sur-Gazeille was made famous by the writer Robert-Louis Stevenson, you can continue in the footsteps of Saint-Régis - GR430 to discover Freycenet-Latour and the Etang des Barthes before reaching the thatched cottage village of Moudeyres.

Discover:
• Freycenet-Latour
> 11th-century church
> Etang des Barthes

• Moudeyres
> The Perrel Brothers Museum
> The village and its thatched roofs
> The two houses of La Béate

Grand bleu sur le lac volcanique de Saint-Front
Day 4: Moudeyres - Fay-sur-Lignon : 17km - 4h15 -D+385m

Hike across the volcanic highlands of Mézenc! Meadows and mountains as far as the eye can see, a chance to discover the Mézenc fin gras farms and their characteristic homes.

Discover:
• Saint-Front
> The typical highland village – Saint-Front
> The 12th-century Romanesque church – Saint Front
> The volcanic lake

• Fay-sur-Lignon:
> The Saint Régis fountain
> The Place du Foiral
> Various producers: honey, trout, jams

Balisage du Chemin de Saint-Régis
Day 5: Fay-sur-Lignon - Saint-Agrève : 18km - 4h30 - D+245m

Your path leads you to the far reaches of Haute-Loire, before crossing into Ardèche as you reach Saint-Agrève.

Discover:
• Saint-Agrève
> Mont Chiniac
> The Miraculous Fountain
> Bon Guéret Animal Park
> Lacour Castle (2km away)

intérieur de la basilique de Lalouvesc
Day 6: Saint-Agrève - Lalouvesc - 27,5km - 7h -D+885m

You'll leave Saint-Agrève and follow the banks of Lake Devesset, a magnificent setting, before climbing back up through forests and gorse. Discover Rochepaule to reach Lalouvesc, a hilltop village offering magnificent views of the Alps.

Discover:
• Devesset
> Swimming and water sports
> Former Commandery of the Order of Malta

• Rochepaule
> Charming village

• Lalouvesc
> Saint-Régis Basilica and its crypt
> Saint-Régis Chapel with the recumbent statue of the Saint
> Sainte-Thérèse Couderc Chapel
> Saint-Régis Fountain
> Saint-Régis Museum
> Saint Ignace Chapel
> Pilgrims' Park

troupeau de vaches en Haute-Loire
Day 7: Lalouvesc-Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid : 20km - 5h30 -D+680m

The trail takes you back to Haute-Loire to reach the high forests of Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid.

Discover:
• Saint-Pierre-sur-Doux
> The church's coffered ceiling
> The panoramic view

• Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid
> Gastronomy
> The village and the church
> The Haut-Plateau springs (Spa and wellness)

Randonner seule sur les GR
Day 8: Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid - Montfaucon : 26km - 6h45 - D+ 730m

You descend from the wooded highlands to reach Dunières, its tower and its 12th-century Romanesque church. Dunières is now a stop on the Via Fluvia, and further on, you reach Montfaucon and its church with 12 Flemish paintings.

Discover:
• Dunières
> Vélorail du Velay
> 12th-century Romanesque church
> Thematic tour: "In the footsteps of our past" - Industrial interpretation

• Montfaucon
> The Mirandou Garden, a barefoot sensory discovery
> Notre-Dame Church, which houses 12 paintings by Grimmer

La rivière du Lignon à Tence
Day 9: Montfaucon - Saint-Jeures - 25km - 5h30 -D+ 595m

Return to the GR430 and pass through the village of Montregard, where Saint-Régis saved the village from the plague. Enjoy the incredible panorama as you reach the village of Tence. You then cross the Lignon River to reach La Joux and then Saint-Jeures.

Discover:
• Tence
> The Chapel of the Penitents
> The banks of the Lignon

• Saint-Jeures
> Church

le village de Queyrières dans le Meygal
Day 10: Saint-Jeures - Saint-Julien-Chapteuil- 25km - 6h -D+650m

A day to reach the Meygal Massif under the watchful eye of the Lizieux peak, then the Testavoyre peak. You'll soon reach Queyrières and its magnificent phonolitic rock before embarking on a beautiful descent into the heart of the volcanic peaks and the Suc de Chapteuil.

Places to discover:
• Araules
> Church of Notre-Dame d'Araules

• Queyrières
> Volcanic phonolitic chimney

• Monedeyres
> The church built by the locals and never consecrated

• Saint-Julien-Chapteuil
> Romanesque church
> The Mills of Neyzac
> The Suc de Chapteuil

L'église de Saint-Julien Chapteuil
Day 11: Saint-Julien-Chapteuil - Le Puy-en-Velay : 19km - 5h -D+220m

The final leg of this route to Le Puy-en-Velay, you will take the GR 65 and 430 trails together to cross the Loire at Brives-Charensac to reach the capital of the Haute-Loire region, where :

- For the 12-day stay: you will spend the last night of your trip
For the 11-day stay, in this case you can collect your luggage from the carrier around 5 p.m.

Discover:
• Saint-Pierre-Eynac
> The Romanesque church
> The basalt rocks

• Saint-Germain-Laprade
> Château du Bourg
> Remains of the former Doue Abbey

• Brives-Charensac
> The bridges spanning the Loire
The 13th-century Chartreuse Bridge, the 12th-century Old Bridge in the center of Brives-Charensac, of which only two arches remain, and the Gallard Bridge, used by cars.

Le Puy-en-Velay a nice devanture ont Saint-James way
Day 12: Le Puy-en-Velay

End of agency services after breakfast (for the 12 days hike)

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 (except the last night in Le Puy-en-Velay booked with B&B basis for the 12 days tour)
  • Tourist taxes
  • Luggage transport (maximum 13 kg/person)
  • Your digital travel and guidebook
  • The guidebook (1 copy per 3 travelers)
  • Telephone assistance

Available options:

  • Multi-risk cancellation insurance
  • Single room

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

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 connection.

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 Saint-Régis Trail offers a variety of accommodations. Generally, bathrooms are integrated into the rooms, but they may be located on the landing or shared in some accommodations.

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 on Sundays and public holidays
    7 days: €60 / 14 days: €100
    Reservation: +33 (0)4 71 02 03 54

  • Le Puy-en-Velay Agglomeration Car Parks – Open-air city car parks
    Rates: €10 per week and €20 per month
    Subscriptions must be booked and paid in advance at the Mobilité-en-Velay customer service desk
    Tel: +33 (0)4 71 02 60 11
    (Open Monday to Friday, 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–18:00)
    Height limit: 2.20 m – Maximum length: 5.50 m

  • Bertrand de Doue Car Park – Non-video-monitored parking
    (near the train station)

  • Estrouilhas Car Park – Non-video-monitored parking

  • Quincieu Park-and-Ride – Non-video-monitored parking

  • Montredon Park-and-Ride – Non-video-monitored parking
    (city centre served by free bus)

  • Dunant Car Park – City centre served by free bus

  • Train Station Car Park – Remotely monitored
    €6 / 24 hours

  • Carmes Car Park – Remotely monitored
    €40 / week
    Reservation: +33 (0)7 68 10 76 81

  • Foch Car Park – 6 Avenue du Maréchal Foch
    Video surveillance
    7 days: €30
    Reservation: +33 (0)7 68 10 76 81

  • Saint-Jacques Car Park – City centre served by bus
    13 bis de Roderie – Aiguilhe
    Video surveillance
    Reservation: +33 (0)4 44 43 97 43
    7 days: €35

  • La Malle Postale – Car park located 7 km from Le Puy
    Drop-off and pick-up included – 7 days a week
    7 days: €30 / 15 days: €50
    Reservation: +33 (0)4 71 04 21 79

Rates are given for information purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

 

Whether you want to book your full version of the Chemin de Saint-Régis hiking trip or ask us any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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