Cycle the Full Le Puy Camino

Cycle the Full Le Puy Camino Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive

Arrive in the lovely capital of Haute-Loire, Le Puy! Your pilgrimage begins in this picturesque town, located in the southeast of the central massif and completely enveloped in a lunar-like volcanic landscape.

Le Puy, the starting point of the Le Puy Camino, also known as the Via Podiensis, is an important pilgrimage site and home to the Romanesque cathedral, Notre Dame. Settle into your accommodations here, and prepare for your long-distance pilgrimage journey beginning tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Le Puy
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Cycle the Monts du Velay and the Haut-Allier Gorges to Saugues

Your pilgrimage on two wheels begins at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Le Puy. Set out through the beautiful Monts du Velay, where you’ll take in the famous fields of green lentils before descending the plunging Haut-Allier gorges.

Continue the route, riding to the Plateau de la Margeride, then a final ascent to Saugues. Saugues is steeped in legends, most famously the mysterious Beast of Gévaudan. Enjoy an overnight stay in this charming town, which is also known for its delectable mushrooms.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saugues
Distance: 46km, 1050m of ascent, 625m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Cycle the Margeride Plateau and the Truyère Valley to Aumont-Aubrac

Say farewell to mythical Saugues this morning as you set out to return to the Margeride plateau, which guides you into the Truyère Valley. Along the way, you’ll take in St. Roch Chapel and the delightful small hamlets of Le Rouget, St. Alban sur Limagnole, and Les Estrets. Arrive at your accommodations in Aumont-Aubrac, located in the heart of Lozère.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aumont-Aubrac
Distance: 44km, 800m of ascent, 730m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Cycle the Aubrac Plateau through Villages to Estaing

Rise ready to seize another exciting day on this classic pilgrim route! This morning, you’ll set out through fragrant groves of pine, entering the Aubrac Plateau. Riding at an altitude of around 1000 meters, you’ll enjoy sprawling pastures in all directions from this vantage point.

Cruise through the villages of Nasbinals and Aubrac, then enjoy a joy ride of 30 kilometres downhill to Saint Côme d’Olt, known as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Continue through the idyllic Lot Valley, pressing on to tonight’s stop in Estaing.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Estaing
Distance: 78km, 655m of ascent, 1375m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Cycle Campuac, Espyrac, and Sénergues to Conques

Today’s ride is short but challenging. Depart Estaing, leaving behind the Lot Valley, as you tackle a steep ascent to Campuac. Then, ride to the pretty village of Espyrac, where you’ll take in castle ruins from the Middle Ages. Press on to Sénergues, also home to an enchanting castle, before continuing downhill towards Conques.

Spellbinding Conques is bound to be a highlight of the tour. It’s considered a treasured jewel of Romanesque art and is a world-famous stop on the Le Puy Camino.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Conques
Distance: 36km, 680m of ascent, 440m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 Cycle the River Dourdou de Conques and the Célé Valley to Figeac

Set out this morning to trace the gorgeous River Dourdou de Conques, which connects with the Lot River. Trace the Lot to Livinhac-le-Haut and enter the Célé valley.

Navigate the lush green valley to the pretty town of Figeac situated on the Célé river. The town is known as a hub of art and history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore during your time here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Figeac
Distance: 43km, 430m of ascent, 740m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Cycle Quercy Villages to Bouziès via Conduché

This morning, you’ll find yourself back in the marvellous Célé valley, where the breathtaking scenery never gets old. Pedalling the road that traces the river, you’ll ride through several typical Quercy villages, like Espagnac, Saint Sulpice, and Marcilhac, with its fascinating Benedictine abbey ruins.

Reach Conduché, where you’ll be greeted by the familiar Lot river again, as you continue the route across a bridge to lovely Bouziès.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bouziès
Distance: 54km, 80m of ascent, 150m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8 Cycle the Lot to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Aujols, and Cahors

Today, you’ll share your route with other pilgrims on foot, allowing plenty of opportunity for chatting and reminiscing on the journey thus far.

Follow the Lot to reach Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, where you can hop off your bike to explore the pretty village perched on a rock, also labelled one of the most beautiful villages in France! Depart the valley with a challenging climb that will reward you with superb views of the countryside as you ride to the village of Aujols. Continue towards Flaujac-Poujols, then sail downhill to the medieval town of Cahors, where you’ll rest your head tonight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cahors
Distance: 35km, 540m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Cycle to Lauzerte via Labastide-Marnhac

The Valentré bridge will lead you out of Cahors this morning as you ride towards the village of Labastide-Marnhac, where again you’ll join several determined pilgrims on foot. Navigate small tracks and narrow roads to Lascabannes. Leaving the Lot department, you’ll enter the Tarn et Garonne and continue up to Lauzerte.

Lauzerte is etched into the hillside and overlooks stunning vineyards and green valleys. Spend some time exploring here, checking out the village’s idyllic upper valley, full of medieval wonders and a lovely town square.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lauzerte
Distance: 39km, 285m of ascent, 185m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 10 Cycle to Auvillar via Moissac

Dive into Day 10 with an exhilarating downhill ride to Moissac, revelling in the fresh country air. You’ll soon enter the gorgeous Lomagne (hunchback Gascogne) area, which straddles the Tarn et Garonne and the Gers.

Continue to Auvillar, constructed on a peninsula and another of the most beautiful villages in France. Check out the town’s famous circular market, which dates to 1824.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Auvillar
Distance: 47km, 245m of ascent, 370m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11 Enter the Gers Department and Cycle to Condom

Departing the Tarn et Garonne area this morning, you’ll set out into the Gers department. Enjoy taking in several quaint villages along the way, including Flamarens, Miradoux, Marsolan, and more!

Riding through the expansive open countryside of the Gers, you’ll soon reach the Armagnac town of Condom, famous for its Gothic cathedral built in the Languedoc style.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Condom
Distance: 59km, 555m of ascent, 590m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 12 Cycle to sur l’Adour via Eauze

This morning, you’ll ride through one of the most ancient walled towns of Gascogne, Montréal-du-Gers, as you ride to the capital of Gascogne, Eauze. Pause in beautiful Eauze to take in the impressive steeple of St. Luprece and the multitude of quaint half-timbered houses here.

Back on your bike, continue to sur l’Adour, where you’ll find your accommodations in Aire.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aire
Distance: 79km, 220m of ascent, 240m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 13 Cycle the Béarn Area to Arzacq and Maslacq

Enjoy a peaceful route through plots and cornfields as you ride towards Troussin, Latrille, and then Miramont-Sensacq.

Entering the Béarn area, you’ll enjoy a pleasant stretch through chestnut and fern forests as you enter the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, arriving in the tiny village of Maslacq.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Maslacq
Distance: 67km, 660m of ascent, 655m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 14 Cycle to Saint-Palais via Navarrenx

Today’s ride is split between the Béarn and beautiful Basque country, in the heart of the Pyrenees. Cruise through the fortified village of Navarrenx, then cross the Gave d’Oloron, taking time to admire the castles of Montgaston and Joantho along the way.

Arrive in St. Palais, which marks your entry point into the Lower Navarre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saint-Palais
Distance: 48km, 380m of ascent, 415m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 15 Cycle to Saint Jean Pied Port to Complete the Le Puy Camino

Your final day of cycling unfolds in the beautiful Basque country, where you’ll revel in the typical white houses and half-timbered architectural style. Cross the Col des Palombières, enjoying exceptional views, then descend to Jaxu before continuing your descent through Bustince-Iriberry, and Saint-Jean-le-Vieux.

In the distance, you’ll fix your gaze on “the gate of Saint-Jacques,” which marks the entrance to St. Jean Pied de Port. Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port, where your momentous pilgrim journey comes to an end. Be sure to explore the fortified citadel as you celebrate the completion of the full Le Puy Camino.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. Jean Pied de Port
Distance: 34km, 385m of ascent, 255m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 16 Depart

This morning following breakfast, your tour comes to an end. It’s recommended to book an extra night in St. Jean Pied de Port to allow enough time to explore the beautiful village before departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast