The first steps of the Camino in France.
Join Spanish Steps on the Le Puy to Figeac Camino walk, following the historic Via Podiensis, one of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes in France.
Our journey begins in the extraordinary setting of Le Puy-en-Velay, deep in the volcanic heart of the Auvergne. Rising from a fertile green basin, dramatic volcanic spires hold some of France’s most striking religious monuments, including the Chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe and the revered Black Madonna, from where pilgrims have begun their journey for over a thousand years.
From here, we walk west along the Via Podiensis, one of the most celebrated pilgrimage routes in Europe. The landscape unfolds in ever-changing rhythms: quiet pine forests, the deep gorge of the Allier River, and the wide, open horizons of the Aubrac plateau — a remote and timeless world of wind, sky, and silence.
As we descend from the highlands, the scenery softens into the gentle beauty of the Lot Valley. The river winds through rolling countryside, guiding us toward a landscape rich in history, culture, and village life. Along the way, we pass through some of the most beautiful medieval villages in France, including the UNESCO-listed stretch between Saint-Côme-d’Olt and Estaing.
Our journey leads us finally to Figeac, a town long connected to the pilgrim tradition. In the Middle Ages, it welcomed travelers from across Europe, and its historic streets still reflect that legacy. It is also the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, who first deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphics — a reminder that this region has always been a place of discovery.
Beyond the walking, this journey is deeply rooted in local life. We experience the flavors and traditions of the region — from Aubrac lamb and rustic village cooking to local wines and specialties such as aligot. Evenings are shared, relaxed, and grounded in the rhythm of the places we pass through.
This is not simply a walk through France.
It is a journey through landscapes shaped by pilgrimage, history, and time — walked at a pace that allows it all to be truly experienced.
