Aumont-Aubrac is a typical village of the area. You will see the transition between the rounded hills of the Allier département and the high plateau of the mythic Aubrac, and its endless austere and inspiring volcanic lands. The town has always been strongly linked to the Camino, as back in the mediaeval times this is where pilgrims coming from east on the Via Podiensis rested before facing the upcoming stark and isolated lands of Aubrac.

As we leave Aumont-Aubrac, we start our way towards the inspiring Aubrac high plateau, walking on walled tracks with endless flat grassland surrounding us. Typical Aubrac cows grazing there bring a hint of life between the sporadic sleepy villages and farmhouses. The walk ends up in Nasbinals, a charming village with a Romanesque church.

Today, the Camino reaches one of its highest points as we climb up to 1,370m before walking down to the historic hamlet of Aubrac, a legendary stage on Via Podiensis. The whole walk between Nasbinals to Saint-Chély d’Aubrac is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. This section, though challenging, is one of the most unique of any Camino.

Soon after crossing over the Saint-Chély Bridge, we leave behind the typical scenery of the Aubrac to enter chestnut and beech woods. After this, we enter more populated areas and we reach the mediaeval Saint-Come-d’Olt, often claimed to be one of the prettiest villages of France. It is then a nice stroll, climbing up a bit before getting down to the charming village of Espalion on the banks of the Lot River.

Along the walk there are many well-preserved treasures from the past, part of the reasoning this whole are is on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. First, we head to the beautiful Romanesque church of Béssuéjouls and its upper chapel hidden in the 11th Century steeple. Then, we reach Estaing, a mediaeval village topped by an impressive castle. We then continue along the Lot River, before climbing up to Montégut. The Camino then runs through woods and countryside before reaching yet another pretty village, Golinhac.

Countryside and peaceful woodland will be our backdrop all day long during this easy walk. We have some time to wander around the charming village of Espeyrac on the bank of the river and to admire the old castle in Sénergues. Finally, we arrive in Conques, one of the nicest towns on the whole Le Puy route, to rest for the evening!

After breakfast we bid you farewell. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Conques does not disappoint. The mediaeval houses, surrounded by the mountains and forests, give it a fairytale feel. Conques is a lovely place to recuperate after your long walk.