Via Podiensis

In short: Via Podiensis: from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Length: around 750 km, duration: 4 to 5 weeks. Best time: May to October.

Overview

The Via Podiensis is the best known of the four French routes of the Way of St James. It starts in Le Puy-en-Velay, where a pilgrim blessing is given in the cathedral every morning, and runs over the Aubrac plateau, through the Lot valley and Gascony to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Parts of the route are UNESCO World Heritage, including Conques with its Romanesque abbey church. The gîtes cost more than Spanish albergues but often offer a shared dinner and breakfast. Expect much higher daily costs than on the routes in Spain.

The route is busy in France, above all in May and September, so book your bed one or two days ahead. Knowing some French helps a lot.

Main stops: Le Puy-en-Velay, Aubrac, Conques, Figeac, Cahors, Moissac, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

The classic among the French routes

Bishop Godescalc of Le Puy set out for Santiago as early as the 10th century. Today the Via Podiensis mostly follows the long-distance trail GR 65 and is marked in red and white. It is the most walked Camino route in France.

After Le Puy the route crosses the bare high plateau of the Aubrac. For many, Conques with the abbey church of Sainte-Foy is the most beautiful place on the route, and later come Cahors with the Pont Valentré and the cloister of Moissac.

Accommodation on the way

You stay in gîtes d'étape, often with half board and a shared dinner. Unlike in Spain, most pilgrims book by phone one or two days ahead. In May and September beds get tight in the small towns.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 750 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 60 to 80 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 44 days that comes to roughly 2,650 to 3,500 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in France, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.