27TH OF APRIL - 4 MAY 2025
8 Day French Camino Highlights Walk

The tour begins with a meeting at the Hotel Carlton Lyon-MGallery by Sofitel in Lyon. Then, we transfer to Christophe-de-sur-Dolaison, near Le Puy, via a 2-hour drive. We walk through the Camino, visiting Le Puy's volcanic outcrops and chapels. After lunch, we check into our hotel, Le Regina. In the afternoon, we can join a sightseeing tour or explore the town at leisure. The old city is a maze of small streets with pastel-painted buildings and shops selling lace. Dinner is at a local restaurant with French wines.

Before breakfast, guests can attend a 7am mass at the old 12th-century cathedral. After breakfast, we transfer to St-Privat-d'Allier, a small village with stunning mountain views. We then walk to Rochegude, a hilltop village with old stone houses. After lunch, we transfer to Le Vernet, a village with 4.5km of walk to the French town of Saugues. After exploring the castle and town, we transfer to our accommodation. We stay at the historic Le Chateau D'Orfeuillette, a 4-star hotel with modern interiors and a Michelin star restaurant.

This morning, we enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Chateau before continuing our walk from Nasbinals to Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac. The walk crosses the Aubrac plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic granite landscapes, lakes, beech forests, and green hillsides. We pass through Pascalet, Aubrac, Belvezet, and Del Sail before reaching Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac. We stop for lunch and then transfer to the luxurious Château de Labro, a 55-minute stay in a historic castle with grand interiors, gourmet restaurant, and swimming pool.

We’ll then transfer to Fontromieu (40 mins) where we recommence our walk through the peaceful countryside as we pass the village of St Marcel and walk through the forest descending into one of the prettiest medieval towns in the whole of France, the beautiful town of Conques. The track into Conques is a stony path with a steep descent but worth it with spectacular views over the town.

Our accommodation tonight is the centre of Conques at the Hotel Saint Foy. Situated opposite the abbey, this old 17th-century hotel, has terraces and pretty private gardens to relax after a day’s walking. Tonight enjoy dinner indulging in wonderful meals by the chef featuring local fresh produce and wines.

Easier Option. For those not wanting to join the afternoon walk, travel with our driver to Conques with free time to explore this magnificent medieval town.

After breakfast, we visit the cave paintings of the Spotted Horses, one of France's oldest, over 29,000-year-old sites. We then walk to St Cirq Lapopie, a moderately challenging route, and then transfer to Cahors, a city with a rich Celtic history and Roman City monuments. We stay at Chateau Mercues, a 13th-century castle overlooking the famous vineyard. The chateau is set among gardens and has an outdoor swimming pool. If you prefer, you can explore Cahors with a driver.

After breakfast, we explore Pont Valentre and Auvillar, a beautiful village on the Garonne River. We drive to Larresingle, where we walk to Montreal, crossing Pont d'Artigues and visiting the old Chapel de Routges. We then visit Montreal de Gers, a charming town with medieval houses, and then transfer to La Monastère De Saint Mont for dinner.

After breakfast, we transfer to Aire-sur-l'Adour to explore the town, which has a Roman settlement. We then embark on a walk from Gamarthe to Saint Jean Pied De Port in the Pyrenees, crossing a bridge and enjoying stunning views. The town is a popular pilgrimage spot, and our final night is spent at Les Chemins D'Elika, an old coaching inn. We will celebrate our journey with fellow travelers and those starting the Camino Francés route into Spain.

After breakfast we farewell everyone and those departing here will be transferred to Bayonne. (1 hour drive). Airport drops off at Biarritz airport are also available (4kms from Bayonne).

​

Direct flights operate throughout the day from Biarritz to Paris France (1 hour 20 min flight).

For those wanting to continue their trip please see our longer versions of this walk into Spain.