The pilgrimage route to Santiago has been travelled for over years by foot, donkey and more recently by bike. Offering an incredible diversity of scenery and passing through some of the prettiest villages in France, this is an epic cycling route with a spiritual theme. With some steep climbs, followed by fast descents, this trip is ideally suited to fit cyclists keen to extend their experience to an iconic route. At night your hosts in the guesthouses and small hotels will ensure that you are well fed and immersed in their particular region with its culinary specialties.
Read 2 reviews. Expand all Collapse all. Arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay. Capital of Haute-Loire and located in the southeast of the Massif Central, it's an ancient town surrounded by a volcanic landscape which is dominated by rocky peaks rising from the valley floor. We recommend that you allow at least half a day to explore. Warm up your cycling legs and climb the steps for views over the town and surrounding area.
You can also visit some of the many museums and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre Dame. Make sure you purchase your pilgrim passport to have it stamped throughout your journey to St Jean Pied de Port. Meals: Nil. Starting from the cathedral, the route ascends quickly to leave the town of Le Puy. The ascent of the Saugues plateau will be the last difficulty of this stage.
Overnight in Saugues which is famous for its mushrooms! Saugues is a small town famous for its English Tower and its Mushroom Fair. From Aumont-Aubrac, located in "Terre de Peyre" meaning land of stones , the route goes through pine groves before reaching the Aubrac plateau, covered with pastures as far as the eye can see. Just after Nasbinals, famous for the "transhumance" at the end of May , you pass the highest point of the Way of St James col d'Aubrac, at m. This stage takes place in very hilly Aveyron.
It's one of the shorter stages, but one of the most challenging. Leaving Estaing and the Lot valley, there is a very steep ascent to Campuac. Continue towards Espeyrac, a nice village with its ruined castle dating from the Middle Ages. Then, a spectacular route takes you downhill towards Conques, jewel of Romanesque art and a must on the Via Podiensis!
