France

Chemin St. Jacques Hiking 8 Days - Aumont Start
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who, for over a thousand years, travelled through France on their way to the shrine of the Apostle James the Elder at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Follow the Grande Randonnée (GR) 65, a long distance walking path, that follows first 200 km of the Way of St. James from Le Puy to Conques. Cross the rugged countryside of the Auvergne and the Massif Central, through picturesque towns and past the roadside crosses, chapels, and looming fortresses that marked the way for the faithful in centuries past.

Day 1
Arrive in Aumont-Aubrac, a charming town that dates back to Roman times. It lies on the ancient Via Agrippa that connected Lyon and Toulouse. Be sure to visit the church of St. Etienne, which was once part of a 12th-century monastery.


Day 2
Enjoy a day rambling through woods and across beautiful pastures and moors before climbing to Montgros, near the cross- country ski centre of Nasbinal.

Day 3
This is your last day on high plateaus. Pass through Aubrac where the Brothers Hospitalier once kept an estate in order to protect the pilgrims. Arrive at the pretty town of Saint-Chély-D’Aubrac.

Day 4
Walk through remote country to the fortified town of Saint-Côme-d’Olt, designated one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Day 5
Enter the Lot River Valley; visit wonderful old towns like Espalion and Saint-Pierre de Bessuéjouls on your way to Estaing, another Plus Beau Village.

Day 6
Beautiful canyon scenery and simple villages mark the route to Espayrac graced by an old stone cross and the church of Saint-Pierre.

Day 7
A short day’s walk takes you to Conques, clustered around the huge abbey church of Ste-Foy, where the relics of Ste. Foy, a Christian martyr, once drew thousands of pilgrims. Conques itself is a magical destination in a dramatic setting.

Day 8
Explore Conques before departing for home or other destinations.