Via Turonensis
In short: Via Turonensis: from Paris to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Length: just over 1,000 km from Paris, duration: 6 to 7 weeks. Best time: April to October.
Overview
The Via Turonensis is one of the four great French routes of the Way of St James. It starts at the Tour Saint-Jacques in Paris and runs via Orléans, Tours, Poitiers and Bordeaux to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It takes its name from the tomb of St Martin in Tours, itself a major pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages.
The route is flatter than the Via Podiensis. It runs through the Loire Valley, past châteaux, and through the wine region around Bordeaux. Because many sections are on asphalt and the network of gîtes is thinner, far fewer pilgrims walk here.
This is a good choice if you want to walk in France in peace and without mountains. Knowing some French helps a lot on this route.
Main stops: Paris, Orléans, Tours, Poitiers, Saintes, Bordeaux, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Through the Loire Valley and the Landes
From Paris the route largely follows the GR 655. As far as Tours the Loire and its châteaux shape the route, then it continues through Poitou and Saintonge with their Romanesque churches. After Bordeaux come the Landes, a huge pine forest with long, straight paths.
Who the long route is worth it for
The flat route is physically easier than other French routes. The long stretches in the Landes test your mind instead. If you don't want to walk it all, take just the section from Tours to Bordeaux. Trains reach most larger towns quickly.
Planning your stages
How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 1000 kilometres, with one rest day a week.
| Per day | Walking days | With rest days |
|---|---|---|
| 15 km | 67 | 78 |
| 20 km | 50 | 58 |
| 25 km | 40 | 46 |
Who is this route for?
This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.
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 58 days that comes to roughly 3,500 to 4,650 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Via Turonensis?
just over 1,000 km from Paris, 6 to 7 weeks.
When is the best time to walk Via Turonensis?
April to October.
Is Via Turonensis suitable for beginners?
This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.
What does Via Turonensis cost?
Budget about 60 to 80 euros a day, so 3,500 to 4,650 euros for about 58 days, without travel and gear.
