From Conques to Cahors, this third section links two of the prettiest cities of the whole Le Puy route. Leaving the cobbled streets of Conques, the Camino runs through the gentle hills of the Aveyron region before continuing into Le Lot on the far side of the river. This gentle section of the Via Podiensis allows for ample exploration away from the daily hike. Walking along wall-lined tracks on the high plateaux, drinking coffee on shaded terraces in peaceful villages, sightseeing at UNESCO World Heritage sites, these are part of the daily experiences pilgrims can enjoy during this section.
Conques to Cahors
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
On this particular section of the Le Puy Camino there is a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Starting in Conques with its Romanesque abbey, then leaving the town on the Pont sur le Dourdou, continuing then on the section from Montredon to Figeac is an entire route listed as a World Heritage site, as are the sections between Faycelles and Cajarc, and Lalbenque to Cahors.
Cajarc
Nestled in the Lot Valley, on a bend in the river, Carjac has both a beautifully preserved built heritage and natural environment. Take time to visit the simple yet beautiful Saint-Etienne church, then wander round to what is today the Tourist Information Center but in a bygone time was once a neo-Gothic chapel. Heading down by the river you could visit the old railway station that is now a railway museums with model trains, or marvel at the suspension bridge spanning the River Lot. For those with an interest in modern art, you can visit The Maison des Arts Georges and Claude Pompidou, which is in homage to the statesman who had a holiday home here.
Cahors
Discover a wealth of history, as well as the beauty of the Lot Valley, in Cahors – stop that many pilgrims say is worth an extra night stay. Although it has Roman origins, the town really bloomed in the Middle Ages and continues to do so to this day. Wander the mediaeval streets with their red bricks, grey limestone, and ochre-coloured sandstone creating a wonderful backdrop for photos. A visit to the cathedral is a must; nestled in the centre of the town, this national monument is a great example of the transition between the late Romanesque and early Gothic architectural traditions.
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CONQUES
CAHORS
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
1
km
CONQUES
If there is any place that has always been linked to the Le Puy Camino, Conques is surely one of them. Its UNESCO World Heritage Romanesque abbey has drawn pilgrims since the 9th Century as the church is home to the relics of Sainte-Foy. Nowadays, this mediaeval village set on the banks of the river Dourdou is still a popular place along the Camino and the scenery surrounding the town adds even more interest.
Day
2
18.7 km
CONQUES DECAZEVILLE
Once across the UNESCO World Heritage bridge over the river Dourdou, the day starts with a steady climb up to the chapel of Sainte-Foy. We then continue through woodlands and green hills, through the village of Noailhac and Saint-Roch chapel before reaching Decazeville. Here, we will stop to stay the night.
Day
3
29.4 km
DECAZEVILLE FIGEAC
As we leave the Aveyron region to enter Le Lot, we a change in the landscape and feel the influence of the Les Causses high plateaux as we approach Figeac. Between Montredon and Figeac, we also walk on a whole stretch listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our destination for the night is Figeac, which has been recognised as one of the 18 Great Sites of Occitania, a historic region spanning the South of France and parts of Spain and Italy.
Day
4
30.2 km
FIGEAC CAJARC
There are many ups and downs during this long walking day but it also means lots of beautiful views. Leaving the pretty town of Figeac, we quickly go up to the high plateaux. The rocky ground preserves the wilderness of the landscape, and dolmens, shepherds’ stone shelters, and stone crosses are the only regular sights encountered. The leg of the Camino between Faycelles and Cajarc is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. We eventually arrive in Carjac, a pretty village on the banks of Le Lot River.
Day
5
17.4 km
CAJARC LIMOGNE EN QUERCY
Today is a peaceful walk as the Camino runs through the quiet woodland and farmland of La Causse. It is a relatively easy walk where we can take our time to admire the surrounding wildlife and to wander through scattered isolated hamlets. The small town of Limogne En Quercy is our stop for the night.
Day
6
20.9 km
LIMOGNE EN QUERCY LALBENQUE
We continue our way through the natural park of Les Causses, mainly along flat forest tracks. More dolmens and old shepherds’ shelters can be seen today and after a very pleasant and enjoyable walk, we arrive in Lalbenque. When you are looking for a meal in the town, why not try the local delicacy: the highly esteemed black truffle!
Day
7
17.9 km
LALBENQUE CAHORS
Today again, the area covered by the Camino is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. We will come across a good few ‘caselles’, the typical shepherds’ stone shelters and we also pass through a scattered hamlets. As we approach Cahors, we can enjoy great views over the mediaeval town, before reaching the final destination of this section. Cahors is known for its fine gastronomy, including regional specialties of foie gras and truffles.
Day
8
km
CAHORS
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. If you wish to stay longer, you can wander the mediaeval streets with their red bricks, grey limestone, and ochre sandstone creating a wonderful backdrop for photos. A visit to the cathedral in the centre of town is also a must.
How to Get There
Getting to Conques, France
To get to the start of this Camino, the closest airports are in Rodez or Toulouse. 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 Toulouse
Fly into Rodez
Getting home from Cahors
From the end of this walk, the closest airports are Rodez or Toulouse. 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
Fly from Toulouse
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