The Way of St. James, The Le Puy Way GR65

The Chemin de St Jacques – also known as the Vía Podensis or GR65 – from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The 730km (454 mile) route is suitable for most walkers with a basic level of fitness.

In terms of scenery Le Puy Way is the most interesting, as it starts in the high plateau of the Massif Central, with its treeless grasslands and drystone walls, then drops suddenly to follow the valley of the river Lot, where there is a succession of fairy-tale villages.

Le Puy Way also known as Via Podiensis or Chemin du Puy in French, starts in the spectacular town of Le Puy-en-Velay, in central France. It follows the GR65 trail and is the most popular of the Camino de Santiago routes in France. Both the Geneva Way and the Cluny Way join the Le Puy route at Le Puy-en-Velay. The Le Puy Camino route is a superb hike taking in stunning countryside and some of the most beautiful towns in France. The volcanic landscapes of Velay, the peaceful Aubrac plateau, the beautiful towns of Conques, Cahors and the Lot Valley, the splendid vineyards of Armagnac brandy and the outstanding Pyrenees Mountains are some of the highlights on the Le Puy Way. The route joins up with the French Way, the famous, Camino Francés, in Saint Jean Pied de Port, on the French side of the Pyrenees.