French Food Lover's Le Puy Camino

Arrive at your leisure in the historic town of Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the most important starting points of the Way of St James in France. Known for its striking location and long pilgrim tradition, Le Puy is the gateway to the Le Puy Camino (GR65) - and the beginning of our journey together. In the mid-afternoon, meet your guide and fellow travellers at the hotel before heading out for a guided walk through the old town. You’ll explore the cobbled laneways and impressive Cathedral of Le Puy, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that has marked the departure point for pilgrims for over 1,000 years. There’s time this afternoon to collect your pilgrim passport and enjoy your first taste of the region’s charm. This evening, get to know the group over a relaxed welcome dinner. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request.

For those who are up early, the pilgrim mass at the Le Puy Cathedral is a memorable way to begin the journey. Held just after sunrise, it’s a tradition that has welcomed walkers for centuries. Even if you're not religious, it’s a moving moment, watching pilgrims ready to take their first steps on the Way of St James. After breakfast, we gather picnic supplies and begin walking from the cathedral steps, following the bronze scallop shells through the old town and beyond. The route opens quickly into rolling countryside, passing small chapels and panoramic ridge trails. Our first stage brings us to St-Christophe-sur-Dolaison, where we take a short transfer to St-Privat-d’Allier for a relaxed picnic lunch with a view. This afternoon’s walk follows the GR65 through quiet rural landscapes. The final section includes a rocky descent into the valley, which we’ll take at a steady pace. We finish in Monistrol d’Allier, where our driver meets us for the transfer to tonight’s accommodation in the small village of Le Malzieu-Ville. At our family-run hotel and restaurant, we’re treated to simple, hearty fare and a warm welcome. Transfers: 31.5km, 65 minutes Walk: 15.5km

This morning we transfer to Nasbinals, where we begin our walk across the Aubrac Plateau, a vast, windswept landscape. Formed by volcanic activity and shaped by centuries of pastoral life, it offers a striking, minimalist beauty unlike anywhere else. Lunch is served in a traditional buron, one of the stone huts once used by shepherds and cheesemakers. We’ll enjoy regional dishes like aligot and charcuterie - hearty, warming and true to this rugged place. After lunch, we continue our walk to Saint-Chély d’Aubrac, then transfer to Laguiole, where we visit the museum of the town’s most iconic craft, the handcrafted Laguiole knives, still made using traditional methods. Dinner tonight is a proud celebration of Aubrac produce, prepared with deep connection to the land. Transfers: 103km, 2hrs Walk: 16km

This morning we visit a local dairy cooperative, where cheesemakers continue the long-standing tradition of producing Tome, a versatile, creamy cheese that’s central to many regional dishes, including aligot. We’ll see the cheesemaking process up close and learn how this humble ingredient speaks to the rural culture of southern France. After gathering picnic supplies, we transfer to Espeyrac and rejoin the Le Puy Camino. Today’s walk is peaceful and scenic, with stretches along quiet roads and rural tracks. The final section includes a steeper descent on a stony path, which we’ll take at a steady, comfortable pace as we approach Conques, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Conques’ narrow streets, timber-framed houses and the impressive Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy have welcomed pilgrims for centuries. There’s time to explore at your own pace, wandering the cobbled laneways or simply soaking up the atmosphere at a local café or bar. We’ll return to the abbey tomorrow for a guided visit. Transfer: 50km, 1hr Walk: 12km -350m, +265m

This morning we explore Conques in more depth, with a guided tour of its most treasured landmark, the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy. Inside, we’ll learn about its stunning Romanesque architecture, carved tympanum, and striking stained-glass windows by artist Pierre Soulages. The stories of medieval pilgrims and relics come to life here in one of the Camino’s most iconic sites. From Conques, we transfer to a small winery, where a team of young winemakers is continuing a local tradition with fresh energy and deep respect for the land. The visit is casual and welcoming, far from the usual tourist circuit. In their cosy tasting room, we’ll share a relaxed lunch paired with their wines. After lunch, we continue on foot along a gentle section of the Le Puy Camino, making our way toward Figeac, a riverside town with a long scholarly history and an inviting atmosphere. It’s the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, who famously deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs. There’s time to explore its elegant squares and alleyways or unwind at one of its many friendly wine bars. Tonight’s hotel blends comfort with a touch of modern style and outdoor pool, the perfect way to finish the day. Walk: 10km

This morning we visit a small truffle orchard, where oaks and hazel trees provide the ideal conditions for cultivating one of France’s most prized delicacies. Our host has spent her life in the truffle world, continuing a tradition passed down through generations of her family. With the help of her trained truffle hound, she’ll demonstrate the traditional practice of cavage, hunting for truffles hidden beneath the soil, followed by a tasting of this earthy, aromatic ingredient. Following a riverside picnic, we continue our journey with a walk along a scenic section of the Le Puy Camino, finishing in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, this hilltop village truly feels like stepping back in time. From here, we transfer to Cahors, a historic town on the Lot River known for its medieval bridge and deep red AOC “black wines”. The town’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times and even predates Bordeaux. This evening we visit a château estate for a wine tasting followed by a Michelin-noted dinner, a chance to experience the region’s cuisine at its most refined. Transfers: 3hrs Walks: 9.7km

A relaxed morning to visit the Cahors produce market, held in the square beside the cathedral. Stalls overflow with flowers, cheese, crusty breads, charcuterie and colourful spices, while locals chat beneath striped awnings. Next, we transfer to Lauzerte, a hilltop village known not just for its beauty, but for its galleries, quirky sculptures and art installations. From here, we set off on a short walk along the trail, passing vineyards, quiet roads and sweeping countryside views. We end our day in Moissac, set beside the Canal de Garonne, where we take a guided tour of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site for its Romanesque cloister. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant, just a short walk from our accommodation. Transfer: 55km, 1hr Walk: 5.6km