Walking the Via Podiensis from Aumont Aubrac to Conques
The Via Podiensis or Le Puy Route was taken for the first time in 950 AD when the archbishop of Le Puy-en-Velay walked to the tomb of Saint James, opening the first non-Spanish route to Santiago. Along Via Podiensis, modern walkers enjoy varied, incredible landscapes and a rich medieval architectural heritage, as the Camino runs through some of the most typical rural French areas, and crosses towns and cities full of history.
Via Podiensis begins in Le Puy-en-Velay, a city set in a volcanic landscape, 130 kilometres South West of Lyon, in France. It continues through south-western France to the foothills of the Pyrenees, where this Camino joins up with the French Way.
On our 2nd section of Via Podiensis, the Camino runs between Aumont-Aubrac and Conques. The area the Camino crosses is almost legendary on Via Podiensis or Le Puy Route as it goes through the austere high Aubrac plateau, an isolated landscape, home to green and dormant volcanoes. The second half of the walking holiday enters the livelier Lot valley. The many ups and downs during the walk make it demanding but we have split the days in short enough stages so it is feasible for anybody with a reasonable level of fitness. It is also a high rewarding section, with stunning views and beautiful villages!