Le Puy-en-Velay is the historical starting point of the Via Podiensis, and this is where archbishop Gothescalk departed from, in 950 AD, to become the first ever pilgrim to reach the tomb of the apostle St James in Santiago de Compostela. Le Puy-en-Velay has always been an important sanctuary city as it is home to the mysterious Black Virgin, which has drawn pilgrims from all over Europe since the Middle Ages. But the appeal of Le-Puy-en-Velay goes beyond historical and cultural – the city also worth a visit for its picturesque location. Indeed, set between the Auvergne dormant volcanoes and the Rhone Alpes valley, the lively old city charms visitors with the great views it offers over the surrounding low mountains.

Starting at the Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, modern pilgrims feel a certain emotion when walking down the stairs that have been the starting point of thousands of pilgrim journeys to Santiago for the last millennium. The day is spent through the rounded green mountains of the Velay massif, offering beautiful scenery all day long, before reaching Saint Privat D’Allier.

This is a short enough walk but the regula ascents and descents make it the most demanding stage of this first section. The rewarding side of this walk is that it offers wonderful views over the Velay massif and the Gévaudan plateau, and we also pass through picturesque villages and hamlets before arriving in Saugues.

Today, we leave Saugues and its Tour des Anglais to continue up to reach Le Sauvage, a farm domain perched on top of a hill dating back to the times of the Knights Templars. The Camino then continues to enter the La Lozère département at the Saint-Roch Chapel and we conclude our day in Les Faux.

From Les Faux, we reach Saint-Alban sur Limagnole and its Roman church. Then, it is a steep climb up to Grazieres-Mages. We then start our way down to the tiny village of Les Estrets through peaceful wood and farmlands. Finally, we reach Aumont-Aubrac, gateway to the mythic Aubrac high plateau.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. You can visit the Tourist Information Centre, situated in the House of the Priory, with its beautiful vaulted cellar or see the Church of Saint-Etienne, which has significant Romanesque and Baroque influences after many restorations. Or, if you want to relax, you can wander the old streets and enjoy some local wine and cheese.