The first stages of the GR 65, towards Santiago de Compostela leaving from Le Puy-en-Velay, will make you go through unforgettable landscapes: the Velay and its volcanoes, the wild gorges of Allier, the plateaus of Margeride and Aubrac, the valley of Lot… Below, an example of stages to link up Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques:
1st stage from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d’Allier
Le Puy-en-Velay
Distance 23.5 km, 6 hours of walk.
From the steps of the cathedral of Le Puy-en-velay, to the charming village of Saint-Privat-d’Allier, don’t forget to turn around to admire the view on the Marian city. Arriving in Saint-Privat-d’Allier, you will overlook the impressive gorges of Allier and its river, still wild.
2nd stage from Saint-Privat-d’Allier to Saugues
Distance 19 km, 5h30 of walk.
Passing by the chapel of Rochegude and its promotory, enjoy the stunning view on the gorges of Allier. You will cross this river, which is still wild, in Monistrol-d’Allier before going back on the other bank and reach Saugues, at the doors of the Margeride. It’s a difficult stage with a strong uphill slope (425 m of ascents in about 5 km).
3rd stage from Saugues to the Domaine du Sauvage
Distance 19.5 km, 4h50 of walk.
At the heart of the gorges of Allier
A gently stage, after the gorges of Allier, which will lead you to the land of the Beast of Gévaudan and in Margeride. We advise you to do this stage by passing by the Domaine du Sauvage, place history-filled and gathering today a group of farmers and producers… A good way to combine hiking and gastronomy.
4th stage from the Domaine du Sauvage to Aumont-Aubrac
Distance 26.5 km, 6h45 of walking
By this stage, you will go from the territories of Margeride to the huge plateaus of Aubrac, region known for its livestock farming and its flora, remarkable during spring. Between Lozère, Cantal and Aveyron, you will be charmed by these green deserted landscapes.
5th stage from Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals
Distance 24.5 km, 6h15 of walk.
At the heart of Aubrac, you will reach Nasbinals and its church from the 14th century. Here, numerous hiking trails, endless grazing which have often maintain their stone rim, which – back then – allowed the rotation of the pasturelands.
The “buron” of the Sauvage
6th stage from Nasbinals to Saint-Chely-d’Aubrac
Distance 17 km, 4h15 of walk.
During this stage, you will go by the Aubracn formerly described as “”a place of horror and vast solitude”, and where the winter is among the most rigorous with its 1300 m of height. But if walk here during the nice season (it’s what we advise you to do…) some landscapes of an unbelievable beauty will present themselves to you.
7th stage from Saint-Chely to Espalion
Distance 25.5 km, 6h30 of walk.
In the land of Olt, at the foot of the plateaus of Aubrac, you will walk along the river Lot which possesses remarkable gorges and meanders. Here, a soft climate awaits for you, as evidence, the vineyard plantations. Saint-Côme-d’Olt and its medieval village center is listed among the most beautiful villages of France.
8th stage from Espalion to Golinhac
Conques, medieval village
Distance 27 km, 6h45 of walk.
It’s a long stage that is waiting for you, with views on the Lot and the crossing of the village of Estaing, remarkable by its Saint Fleuret church and its castle (15th – 17th century) and its statue of Saint François which takes center stage on the old bridge of Estaing.
9th stage from Golinhac to Conques
Distance 26km, 6h30 of walk.
A weighty stage but with a spectacular arrival! Conques, of which the abbey-church and the pilgrims’ bridge are listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The abbey of Sainte-Foy-de-Conques possesses the richest treasure of Middle-Age currently retained, with, notably, a golden reliquary statue from the 9th century…
