The Way of Saint James
Camino de Santiago
Set off to discover history, nature—and above all, yourself. The GR®65 Way of Saint James is much more than just a trail; it’s a true journey.
For centuries, millions of pilgrims, but also ordinary hikers have followed these paths, driven by faith, the desire to travel, or a personal quest for meaning and reconnection with themselves.
Between wild nature, exceptional heritage, and living traditions, the Upper Allier invites you to experience one of the most beautiful stages of this legendary journey. In our stunning gorges, along the Via Podiensis, everything begins—or continues—with wonder.
Let yourself be guided by the trail markers, the singing of birds, and the quiet strength of these landscapes. Take your time, taste local products, breathe history. And above all, walk… towards Compostela, towards yourself.
The Way begins here, in the living heart of the Haut-Allier.
Via Podiensis
A spiritual, cultural and human journey
Since the Middle Ages, millions of pilgrims have traveled the routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain to pay their respects at the tomb of the apostle. Among the four major French routes, the Via Podiensis, which begins at the cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay, is one of the oldest pilgrimage paths to Santiago de Compostela. It is also one of the richest, both in terms of spiritual significance and the diversity of its landscapes and cultural heritage. Its name comes from the Latin podium (Le Puy), and it was mentioned as early as the 12th century.
A path of faith, but also of culture, encounters, and personal growth, this route remains today one of the most popular and cherished.
It is in Le Puy-en Velay,in the heart of the Haute-Loire, that many pilgrims take their first steps. As they leave the town, the path leads hikers on an unforgettable journey through the authentic landscapes of the Haut-Allier region.
This is a land of contrasts: deep forests, crystal-clear rivers, wild gorges, and wide-open plateaus… Each stage is a living painting, bathed in light and silence. The trails wind through hamlets, pastures, and breathtaking panoramas.
Here, walking means reconnecting to the essential.
All along the way, the local heritage tells the story of people and past centuries. Romanesque churches, medieval bridges, stone crosses, and old mills line the route. In Saint-Privat-d’Allier, Monistrol d’Allier, or Saugues, every stop is a dive into local history and rural hospitality.
A majestic entrance onto the Camino
The stages of the Via Podiensis
The first stage of the Way of Saint James stretches from Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques or Figeac, covering a distance of 252 kilometers, typically completed in 10 to 12 days of walking.
After exploring Le Puy-en-Velay and its rich historical treasures, the route leads you through the gorges of the Allier, reaching Saugues by the third stage, then across the wild landscapes of the Margeride, and onto the vast and windswept plateau of the Aubrac. Your pilgrimage will end in Conques or Figeac, nestled in the valley of the Lot… unless you want to continue on the way.
In the Haut-Allier, hospitality is a long-standing tradition. Guesthouses, cottages, family-run accommodations, village cafés — the locals are keen to share their territory and their know-how.
Whether you're a seasoned pilgrim or a casual weekend hiker, a believer or simple lover of walking, the Camino through the Haut-Allier Gorges adapts to all kinds of travelers. Alone, in a group, or with family, everyone can find their own pace, their own rhythm, and their own inspiration on this path.