On our second section of Via Podiensis, the Camino runs between Aumont-Aubrac and Conques. The area the Camino crosses is almost legendary on the Via Podiensis or Le Puy route as it goes through the austere high Aubrac plateau, an isolated landscape fairly unique in French topography home to green and dormant volcanoes. The second half of the walking holiday enters the livelier Lot valley, with the constant sight and sound of the river a relaxing companion.
Nasbinals
Este encantador pueblecito está situado alrededor de la iglesia de Sainte-Marie de Nasbinals. Una joya del arte románico en Aubrac, con su llamativo campanario octogonal, la iglesia también ha sido reconocida como Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Relájese en este típico pueblo de campo francés mientras disfruta de la belleza de su entorno.
Saint-Chély d'Aubrac
Después de caminar a través de los bosques, se abre un valle donde se sitúa la ciudad de Saint-Chély d’Aubrac en el claro y entrará en la ciudad por el viejo puente, como muchos peregrinos lo han hecho por siglos. Este puente de peregrinos, que está en la lista del Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO, está coronado por la cruz de Saint-Chély. En la ciudad, no deje de visitar la iglesia de San Eligio con sus dobles tribunas y su retablo del siglo XIV.
Conques
Catalogado como uno de los pueblos más bellos de Francia, no decepciona. Las casas medievales rodeadas por las montañas y los bosques le dan una sensación de estar en un cuento de hadas. La principal atracción es la Abadía que fue construida entre los siglos X y XII y ha estado recibiendo peregrinos desde entonces no sólo en el camino a Santiago de Compostela sino también para venerar las reliquias de Sainte Foy. El Tímpano del Juicio Final sobre la puerta principal es considerado una de las mayores obras de arte del siglo XII. Sus 124 figuras, las cuales representan tu destino si terminas en el infierno, es realmente un espectáculo para ver.
AUMONT-AUBRAC
CONQUES
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
AUMONT-AUBRAC
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.
Day
25.9 km
AUMONT-AUBRAC NASBINALS
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.
Day
16 km
NASBINALS ST CHELY D'AUBRAC
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.
Day
22.7 km
ST CHELY D'AUBRAC Espalion
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.
Day
26.5 km
Espalion GOLINHAC
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.
Day
20.4 km
GOLINHAC CONQUES
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!
Day
km
CONQUES
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.
Getting to Aumont-Aubrac, France
To get to the start of this Camino, the closest airports are in Lyon or Rodez. We can organise airport transfers for you to get you from the airport to your first accommodation, or you can travel on public transport.
Fly into Lyon
Fly into Rodez
Getting home from Conques
From the end of this walk, the closest airports are Rodez. We can organise airport transfers for you to get back to the airport at the end of your pilgrimage, or you can travel on public transport.
Fly from Rodez
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| Off season | |
| February | Off season |
| March | Off season |
| April | Good time |
| May | Popular time |
| June | Popular time |
| July | Good time |
| August | Good time |
| September | Popular time |
| October | Good time |
| November | Off season |
| December | Off season |