Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors

9 days

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Cycle the first section of the Le Puy Camino on this 9-day self-guided pilgrimage

Cycle the first section of the Le Puy Camino e on this 9-day self-guided cycling pilgrimage.

The Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors cycling tour invites cyclists to complete the first section of the legendary Le Puy Camino, also known as the Via Podiensis, over 9 spectacular days. The Le Puy Camino is an ancient pilgrim route of southwest France, unfolding from Le Puy of the Haute-Loire to the Pyrenees in St. Jean Pied de Port. This pilgrimage route is the most popular French section of the legendary Camino de Santiago, which leads pilgrims to the sacred site of Santiago de Compostela.

The first section of the Le Puy Camino takes cyclists from the steps of the 12th-century Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral in Le Puy in the Haute Loire to the spellbinding Lot Valley. Over 9 unforgettable days, cyclists will navigate scenic routes through the idyllic French countryside enjoying stays in iconic overnight towns like Conques, Estaing, Figeac and more. Enjoy some of southwest France’s most beautiful natural landscapes as you pedal your way through the Monts du Velay, the Célé valley, the Haut-Allier gorges, and more.

Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey sure to have a lasting impact. Book your spot on the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors today!

Prices

From $1,195USD

9 days

Difficulty

Self-Guided

Hotels, B&Bs

No Booking or Credit Card Fees
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Is this tour for me?

We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable riding distances of up to 80km in a day on a hybrid or e-bike (which would make the tour a bit easier). The route is a mix of flat and hilly terrain, however, the trip does include steep and extended ascents of up to 750 m. Training and cycling experience are required.

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Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Accommodation
Included
FAQ
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Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive in Le Puy, the capital of the Haute-Loire, where your pilgrimage commences. Le Puy is situated in the southeast of the Central Massif and affords visitors spellbinding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Settle into your accommodations here and prepare for your first exciting day of cycling the Le Puy Camino tomorrow!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Le Puy
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Cycle from the Notre Dame Cathedral to Saugues

Your pilgrimage starts at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Le Puy where you’ll set out on bike towards Saugues in the morning. The first leg begins in the Monts du Velay, where you’ll alongside fields of green lentils before riding downhill towards the scenic Haut-Allier gorges.

Then, cycling the Plateau de la Margeride, you’ll dive into a final climb of the day to Saugues.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saugues
Distance: 46km, 1050m ascent, 625m descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Chapels and Hamlets to Aumont-Aubrac

Depart Saugues this morning and return to the beautiful Margeride plateau, which will take you into the Truyère Valley. Admire St. Roch Chapel and the delightful miniature hamlets of Le Rouget, St Alban sur Limagnole, and Les Estrets on the way.

Finally, arrive in Aumont-Aubrac, found at the heart of lovely Lozère!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aumont-Aubrac
Distance: 44km, 800m ascent, 730m descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Cycle Villages to Estaing

Hop on your bike and set out through gorgeous forests of pine this morning as you approach the Aubrac Plateau. You’ll find yourself cruising at a lofty altitude of about 1000 meters, affording you mesmerizing views of the surrounding pastures.

Ride through the villages of Aubrac and Nasbinals, then settle into the saddle for a pleasant downhill stretch to Saint Côme d’Olt, one of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). Press on into the spellbinding Lot Valley, continuing the route to today’s destination, Estaing.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Estaing
Distance: 78km, 655m ascent, 1375m descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Cruise to Conques

Say farewell to Estaing as you depart the Lot Valley this morning, embarking on a steep ascent to Campuac. Continue through the lovely village of Espyrac, home to spectacular well-preserved castle ruins dating to the Middle Ages.

Continue to Sénergues, also home to an enchanting castle, before sailing downhill to Conques.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Conques
Distance: 36km, 680m ascent, 440m descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 River Dourdou de Conques and the Célé Valley

A pleasant stretch unfolds this morning as you pedal alongside the River Dourdou de Conques, which eventually meets the Lot River. Follow the Lot to Livinhac-le-Haut where you’ll reach the Célé Valley.

Riding through the picturesque green valley, you’ll soon arrive at Figeac, which is perched on the Célé River. Known for its deep roots in art and history, there are several historical sites of importance to explore in Figeac.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Figeac
Distance: 43km, 430m ascent, 740m descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Quercy Villages to Bouziès

Return to the Célé Valley today, where the majestic scenery never gets old! Cycle riverside, encountering several small Quercy villages like Espagnac and charming Marcilhac, with its ancient Benedictine abbey ruins.

Arrive in Conduché, then cross the bridge to today’s destination, Bouziès.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bouziès
Distance: 54km, 80m ascent, 150m descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8 Final Ride to Cahors

This morning you’ll join other eager pilgrims on the trail as you trace the Lot to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, another Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Pause here if you’d like to take in the idyllic village perched on a rock.

Exit the valley with a steep climb, complete with spectacular views of the countryside, and press on to Aujols. Finally, you’ll ride towards Flaujac-Poujols, then continue on a final descent to the medieval town of Cahors, where this section of the Le Puy Camino concludes.

Congratulations, you’ve now completed the first section of the Le Puy Camino! Spend the evening celebrating your accomplishment with other fellow pilgrims, enjoying your final night of the tour in beautiful Cahors!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cahors
Distance: 35km, 540m ascent, 550m descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Departure

Your tour comes to an end this morning. Check out and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now

The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:

Departure on April 1^st –30^th, 2024:

Single room: $1,650 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,195 USD
Sharing a triple room: $1,225 USD

Departure on May 1^st – June 30^th, 2024:

Single room: $1,675 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
Sharing a triple room: $1,225 USD

Departure on July 1^st – August 31^st, 2024:

Single room: $1,725 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
Sharing a triple room: $1,275 USD

Departure on September 1^st – 30^th, 2024:

Single room: $1,675 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
Sharing a triple room: $1,225 USD

Departure on October 1^st – 31^st, 2024:

Single room: $1,650 USD
Sharing a double/twin room: $1,195 USD
Sharing a triple room: $1,225 USD

Book Now

Accommodation on the Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors tour

This tour is based in hotels and B&Bs. Hotels are 2-star and 3-star. All accommodations offer basic conveniences that can make your stay more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Night 1

See Tripadvisor Reviews

Hôtel Bristol (Le Puy en Velay) ★★★

Hôtel Bristol in Le Puy en Velay is a comfortable accommodation providing guests with a convenient and pleasant stay while exploring the historic city and its cultural landmarks.

Night 2

Hotel La Flore in Saugues

This charming B&B adorned in blooming flowers welcomes guests with open arms, providing a relaxing, tranquil stay in Saugues.

Night 3

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Hôtel Prunières in Peyre en Aubrac

Hotel Prunières is a delightful small hotel which boasts a qauint coffee shop and comfortable guest rooms. With several excellent restaurants within walking distance, guests can enjoy authentic dining experiences during their stay here.

Night 4

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Hotel Auberge Saint Fleuret in Estaing ★★

Set on the beautiful riverbanks of the famous River Lot, this historic hotel is located just a stone throw from the impressive Chateau d'Estaing. Guests will enjoy charming rooms with traditional décor and access to an excellent in-house restaurant during their stay here.

Night 5

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Hotel Cdh Castellou in Conques

Gorgeous mountain scenery envelops this charming Bed and Breakfast that features cozy guest rooms with hardwood floors and antique décor.

Night 6

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Hôtel le Quatorze in Figeac ★★★

A charming heritage building sets the tone for this pleasant hotel set within the pretty old town section of Figeac. Guests can enjoy the cozy lounge complete with a fire place and a lovely garden terrace.

Night 7

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Hôtel Les Falaises in Bouziès ★★★

Guests will encounter the beauty and allure of the Lot Valley during their stay here and can also enjoy several convenient amenities like an outdoor swimming pool and elegant restaurant.

Night 8

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Hôtel Brit le France in Cahors ★★★

Located near the town center, this welcoming hotel offers several modern amenities such as room service and an excellent breakfast buffet.

What’s Included in the Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors Tour?

Meals

8 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 8 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Le Puy and after the tour in Cahors are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the locations along the route.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (up to 13kg per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.

Also Included

Digital route notes and maps
GPS App
Tourist information on all places of interest
Tourist city tax
24/7 emergency phone support

Not included

Travel insurance
Flights
Guide services
Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Visas is required

Optional Extras

Bike rental
Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
Optional activities or excursions
Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)

Frequently Asked Questions about Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors

How hard is the Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Cahors tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding distances of up to 80km in a day on a hybrid or e-bike (which would make the tour a bit easier). The route is a mix of flat and hilly terrain.

I’ve never been on pilgrimage! What is different about this type of tour?

A pilgrimage is when someone embarks into an unknown place, sometimes in search of personal transformation or to connect with nature. Some pilgrimages are closely aligned with major religions, and others are more about taking on a new challenge and enjoying a new experience. There are several famous pilgrims’ routes that have been used for thousands of years, often with a sacred site as the destination. Some of the world’s most famous pilgrimages are The Way of St James (France and Spain), Sanctuary of Atotonilco (Mexico), and Mount Kailash (Tibet).

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to tour?

8 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included on this tour.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Le Puy to start this tour?

Fly into Le Puy Airport (LPY). You can arrange your own private transfer from the airport to your first accommodations or book a private transfer as a supplement in advance during the booking process.

Where does the Cycle the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to tour end?

The tour ends in Cahors. The closest airport to Cahors is the Brive Airport (BVE). You can reach the airport by train, which takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes. Bikes are hybrid or e-bikes.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for France?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?

The best time to travel to southwest France for this cycling tour is from April through October. For cooler weather, visit April-May or September-October. For hotter weather, visit in July and August.

S-Cape France

With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.

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Map of Cycle the Le Puy Camino-Le Puy to Cahors