Chemin du Puy
The GR 65, one of the principal French Ways of Saint James, running from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port through the Auvergne, Quercy, and…
Route overview
The Chemin du Puy, also known as the Via Podiensis or GR 65, is one of the four principal French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. It runs approximately 740 kilometres from Le Puy-en-Velay in the Massif Central to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the foot of the Pyrenees, where it joins the Camino Francés across Spain. The route is the most scenic of the French Camino paths, crossing the volcanic highlands of the Auvergne, the limestone causse country of the Quercy, the vine-covered hills of the Lot, and the rolling farmland of the Gascony Béarn. It passes through remarkable medieval towns including Conques, Figeac, Cahors, and Moissac, each with significant Romanesque architecture. The trail is well waymarked with the scallop shell symbol and the GR markers. It is served by an extensive network of gîtes d'étape, small inns, and refuges. The walking is moderate in difficulty with some long days but no technical alpine sections.
The GR 65, one of the principal French Ways of Saint James, running from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port through the Auvergne, Quercy, and Gascony regions.
Trail facts
- Country
- France
- Region
- South-West France
- Distance
- c. 740 km
- Typical duration
- 4–5 weeks
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 15,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- April–October
- Trail type
- Pilgrimage route
Safety context
Some causse sections are exposed with limited shade. River crossings after rain should be checked. The Pyrenean approach at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port can be affected by mountain weather.
The full route takes four to five weeks. Accommodation in popular villages books up in summer. Some road walking connects rural sections.
Highlights
Le Puy-en-Velay cathedral Conques abbey and medieval village Figeac medieval centre Cahors Valentré bridge Moissac abbey cloister Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port mountain gateway Volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne Quercy limestone causse
Why find a buddy
Four to five weeks of pilgrimage walking through medieval France — a trail partner shares the long journey, the historic towns, and the cultural experience of one of Europe's oldest walking routes.
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.