Page 5 - Camino de Santiago - UTracks

French Way of
St James:
Via Podiensis
Le Puy-en-Velay - St Jean Pied de Port, 740km
Of the four main pilgrimage routes in France to St Jean Pied de Port, where pilgrims would connect with the Camino Francés, the Via Podiensis, also known as The Way of Le Puy or more simply, the French Way of Saint James, is by far the most popular.
Once the word had spread across Europe
that the apostle of St James’ relics had been discovered in Santiago, a pilgrimage to the
site became a rite of passage. The journey at times rivalled a trip to Jerusalem or Rome, and pilgrims from as far as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic made their way through France to St Jean Pied de Port.
While the earliest recordings of pilgrims on this way dates back to 950AD, the popularity of the Via Podiensis today can be traced back to more recent times when the long distance GR65 hiking route was created in the 1970s. As more modern day travellers began to seek ways to Santiago, the French Way of St James stood out as the most spectacular, taking in some of the most scenic parts of France.
The Via Podiensis begins in Le Puy-en-Velay and travels across the high plateaus of the Massif Central, the volcanic highlands of Velay, through rustic villages, past impressive castles, quaint villages, a myriad of monuments and through picturesque French countryside. For today’s travellers, the Via Podiensis provides one of the most beautiful of all the ways. Unlike the Camino Francés, it avoids major cities and towns.
STAFF TIP
Kate Baker
General Manager UTracks
Route: Le Puy to Aumont
Highlight: I travelled in October and enjoyed the spectacular autumn colours of the Central Massif virtually to myself.
Meal Highlight: Being in France the food is wonderful – from the Puy lentils dishes speci c to the region to the impressive gourmet meal in the small town of Saugues.
Training/Fitness Tip: Start at least three months in advance, and aim for three 1-hour sessions a week. A month before
Why the French Way of St James
• Enjoy walking through wild French countryside; volcanic highlands, mountains, forests, and picturesque rural valleys
• Discover beautiful UNESCO listed medieval towns such as Conques, Espalion and Estaing
• Experience the grandeur of stunning towns such as Figeac, Cahors and Moissac.
• Nourish yourself with fabulous French cuisine
• Walk without the crowds on a less trodden Camino experience
your trip – even earlier if you can - put a day walk each weekend into the mix to build the endurance you’ll need for this walk.
Gear Tip: On the at sections, you can transfer from boots to runners, so have enough room in or on your daypack to attach/pack your boots.
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