The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
The GR® 65 "Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela": itinerary, stages, accommodation... everything you need to know
Where can I find accommodation on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela from Aubrac to Conques in Aveyron? Do I need to book in advance? What are the villages to visit and the stages not to be missed? How should you prepare? Find out all our top tips for organising your adventure on the GR65.
Aveyron: 5 days on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
The Pilgrim' s Way to Santiago de Compostela, also known as the Camino de Santiago, is an ancient Christian pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Since the Middle Ages, thousands of pilgrims have taken this route to the tomb of the apostle James the Greater, whose relics are kept in Compostela Cathedral.
In France, four major historic routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, including the route from Le Puy en Velay through Aveyron to Spain. The Chemin du Puy (the Via Podiensis, now the GR65) is the oldest and most popular of the Jacobean routes.
The Aveyron section of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela covers 102 km, from theAubrac plateau to the picturesque villages of the Lot Valley. The stage between Nasbinals and Saint-Chély d'Aubrac is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes, before continuing on to the abbey of Sainte-Foy de Conques.
Stages near Espalion :
- St-Chély-d'Aubrac – Saint-Côme-d’Olt : 24 km
- Saint-Côme-d'Olt – Espalion: 6 km
- Espalion - Estaing : 14 km
- Estaing – Golinhac : 14 km
- Golinhac – Conques : 21 km
- Conques – Decazeville : 18,5 km
- Decazeville – Figeac : 27 km
Your accommodation in Espalion, on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
Just 1.5 km from Espalion, on the road to Estaing, our holiday village in Aveyron invites you to stop off and recharge your batteries, for one or more nights, before setting off again for your next destination. We offer fully-equipped flats with kitchen, bathroom, WC and terrace. Whether you book in advance or at the last minute, you'll always be welcome!
Set in six hectares of parkland in the Lot Valley, you'll find comfortable self-catering or half-board accommodation, with plenty of activities to help you recharge your batteries on the Via Podiensis. In July and August, there's a swimming pool to relax in after a day's walking on the GR65. And to stay connected, free WiFi access is available at reception.
Accommodation rates for pilgrims (on presentation of credentials) :
- One night's accommodation in a studio: €50
- Overnight stay for 4 people: €75
- Half-board: €44
Additional services :
- Tumble dryer: €3
- Washing machine: €3
- Sheet hire: €6
Don't forget to visit the following sites on your journey from the Aubrac plateau to the Lot valley:
- the Pont des Pèlerins (Pilgrims' Bridge) over the Boralde at Saint-Chély d'Aubrac,
- the Pont Vieux at Espalion,
- the bridge over the Lot at Estaing,
- the bridge over the Dourdou at Conques,
- Conques Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Advice on preparing your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
When to set off and book accommodation
To guarantee accommodation on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela in Aveyron, it is advisable to book as early as possible, especially during the summer season from May to September. As a general rule, most pilgrims complete their itinerary between April and October.
From April onwards, the number of pilgrims increases. In the off-season (September), the flow of pilgrim hikers diminishes, but the days are still beautiful and fairly long. If you haven't found accommodation in Aveyron before you leave, don't worry, you'll always be welcome at our Village Vacances "Aux Portes des Monts d'Aubrac", even at the last minute!
What to bring: good equipment is essential for a successful pilgrimage
Pack a light rucksack with hiking clothes suitable for all weather conditions (cap, sunglasses and sun cream for protection from the sun, poncho in case of rain), comfortable hiking boots, walking poles for longer hikes, a hiking guide, a water bottle and a first-aid kit.
Don't forget the basics, such as a headlamp and toiletries. And don't forget a shell to hang on your rucksack!
The credencial: this booklet bearing the pilgrim's name can be collected from a pilgrimage association or from Le Puy-en-Velay cathedral, for example. This precious pass gives access to the gîtes reserved for pilgrims.
Click on the themes below to find out more about our services:
- holiday villages for families, couples and groups of friends
- the holiday centre for classes, camps, training courses and seminars
- the Roc de l'Arche campsite for camping enthusiasts, with mobile homes and pitches for tents, caravans and camper vans.
