Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay, Golinhac, Conques, Livinhac Le Haut, Figeac, Cajarc, Limogne En Quercy, Lalbenque, Cahors, St-Privat-d'Allier, Lascabanes, Lauzerte, Moissac, Auvillar, Flamarens, Lectoure, La Romieu, Armagnac, Montréal Du Gers, Eauze, Saugues, Nogaro, Aire Sur L'adour, Miramont-Sensacq, Fichous-Riumayou, Sauvelade, Aroue, Saint Palais, Ostabat-Asme, St Jean Pied De Port, Les Faux, Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, St-Chely-d'Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing
The trip was well organised from the start. The app was excellent and provided all the information that was needed as well as getting us safely from one place to another.
The communication with the company was also very good, especially in the planning stages where we amended some of the stays and distances travelled. The variety of accommodation places was interesting and each stay had its own character. Breakfasts did vary a lot, some much better than others.
Aumont-Aubrac, The Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay, Golinhac, Conques, Cahors, St Privat D’Allier, Saugues, Les Faux, Nasbinals, St Chely D’Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing
A classic walk through the old Armagnac region and the Gers with its landscape dotted with bullrings, bastides and castles interspersed with fields of sunflowers and corn. Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, along the Via Podiensis, the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Six stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
This stage between Lectoure and Aire sur l'Adour takes you through the heart of the Armagnac region. Leaving the limestone coloured landscapes surrounding Lectoure, the trail weaves through the Gers with its open farmland interspersed with historic villages dominated by their cathedrals and churches, bullrings and bastides. Markets with an abundance of local products and fields of corn and vines lay testament to the areas deep connections to the land and the strong gastromomic traditions of the region.
The final stage of the picturesque French Way of St James through Basque country and the foothills of the Pyrenees. Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, along the Via Podiensis, the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Six stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
Walking from Aire sur l'Adour offers an insight into the contrasting Béarn and Basque regions of France which have a unique culture, language and cuisine. The landscape is inspiring as you walk between woods and open fields, past a multitude of chapels and historic sights and take time to absorb the history of the villages passed, once resting points for thousands of pilgrims during the Middle Ages. Arriving into St Jean Pied de Port through the Porte Saint-Jacques is a highlight and a rewarding end to the journey along the Via Podensis.
Aire-sur-l'Adour, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Way of St. James, Aire Sur L'adour, St Jean Pied De Port, Miramont-Sensacq, Fichous-Riumayou, Arthez-de-Béarn, Sauvelade, Aroue, Saint-Palais, Ostabat-Asme
Cross the rolling hills of the Tarn et Garonne region between the historic towns of Cahors and Lectoure. Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, along the Via Podensis, the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Six stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
This part of the journey takes you across limestone plateaus cut by small valleys, then on to the plain of the Garonne. The trail is lined with ancient stone walls. After Moissac the landscape changes to rolling hills and lush valleys where fields of corn and sunflower are intermingled with plum orchards.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
The Way of St. James, Southern F
The Way of St. James, Southern France, Le Puy-en-Velay, Pau , Saugues, Laguiole, Conques, Figeac, Cahors, Moissac, Montréal-du-Gers, St Jean Pied De Port
I enjoyed my walk along the Stevenson Trail very much. All the arrangements put in place worked out well and apart from a few showers on the first day and a deluge on the last day the weather was great.
The Way of St. James, Southern France, Le Puy-en-Velay, St Jean De Gard, Arlempdes, Pradelles, La Bastide Puy Laurent, Le Bleymard, Le Pont De Montvert, Florac, St Germain De Calberte
French Camino went smoothly. The baggage transport and accommodation could not be faulted. The owners of each house we stayed in were great hosts, not to mention excellent chefs. The walk itself was well marked and the app that they provided was very accurate. Would use them again!!!!
The walk was very satisfying. It was tougher than we expected however. Especially the Le Monastier to Le Bouchet. The app worked well for the most part. I would say all accommodation was good with the exception of one where the hotel room was very small and the staff not that helpful.