Chavanay to Le Puy en Velay

Bienvenue! Chavanay is a small village at the foot of the lush Rhone vineyard country. Relax here and sample some of the famous Rhone wines before you start your journey along the Geneva Way, or Via Gebennensis, to Le Puy en Velay.

Today is a beautiful walk that will introduce you to the mountain ranges of Pilat. The day will take you through the vineyards of the region before you start your gentle ascent up the mountains. You will pass the Croix de Sainte-Blandine before descending to the village of St Julien Molin Molette. Climbing out of this village you will cross the Col du Banchet before descending to Bourg Argental. Be sure to visit the Saint André Church here.

The walk today is shorter but heads gently uphill. Initially leaving Bourg Argental you will follow a disused railway track. Climbing steadily past fields and through woodlands, some steeper climbs will come as you approach your stopover for the day at Les Setoux, a quiet little village filled with old stone houses.

A welcome reprieve from the path ascended yesterday, this undulating stage is much easier. Walking over fields, on forest paths, and down quiet country roads, you will amble your way to Montfaucon en Velay. This quiet, picturesque village makes for a pleasant place to stop for the night. Take the opportunity to visit the Notre-Dame Church where there are 12 famous paintings by Abel Grimmer representing the life of Christ.

Another pleasant day of walking waits along the rolling hills of Velay. Arriving at Tence, you will cross the Le Lignon brook on an old stone bridge. Then, slowly ascend to St Jeures, passing the graveyard before arriving into the town. Here you can sample the famous ‘Red Pearls of the Monts du Velay’ (red berries) as well as other local gastronomic delights.

Today’s route is more populated with small towns and villages than other sections of the Geneva Way. The walk to Araules is typical of the last few days, but after this you have a climb up to Raffe across fields and woodlands. The reward for this ascent is a panoramic view of the volcanic-shaped landscape before you. Your final stop for today is St Julien Chapteuil. Here, be sure to visit the church of Saint Julien which will provide you with an elevated view over the surrounding countryside.

Today is your final day on the Geneva Way. With some gentle ups and downs, the walk today is predominantly descends into Le Puy en Velay via country tracks. Traverse woodlands and quiet country roads before coming into a more built-up area at Brives-Charensac. The rest of your route to Le Puy will be more built up. To complete your trip, be sure to make your way up to the cathedral atop a volcanic hill. Take time to wander around this historical and picturesque town, and sample the local gastronomy.

Au Revoir! Congratulations on having completed the Geneva Way! 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 is also worth a visit for its picturesque location.