Many paths lead to Santiago de Compostela from France, four of which have existed since the Middle Ages: the Via Turonensis from Tours, the Via Lemovicensis from Vézelay, the Via Tolosane from Arles and finally the one in this Collection, the Via Podiensis or the Way of Le Puy.

These four routes all meet at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the Pyrenees, where the last part of the pilgrimage on the Camino Francés, or French Way, begins.

Along the way, you’ll often see the scallop shell that symbolises the pilgrimage. It was a symbol of Christianity long before the cross; the first Christians were buried with a shell, as Saint Peter was a fisherman. This showed that they belonged to this new religion.

Once you’ve arrived in Santiago de Compostela, you continue to Finisterre, a rocky cape in the Atlantic Ocean. Here, it’s customary to burn your old clothes and wear new ones so that your transformation becomes reality. At the end of this final stage, you become a new man or woman.

Among the paths mentioned above, one of the most popular is, without doubt the Way of Le Puy (Voie du Puy). This route is much loved by pilgrims and travellers for its beauty. The way the landscapes evolve is particularly impressive, with uniquely diverse terrain and something to marvel at everyday.

The route starts in the Auvergne and passes through the Margeride, the Gévaudan, the Aubrac, the incredible village of Conques, the upper Lot Valley, the beautiful town of Cahors and its Valentré bridge, the fertile hills of Gascony, the Landes and the Basque country. The Bishop of Put-en-Velay curated the route – he was the first non-Hispanic pilgrim to set out on a Camino de Compostela.

The hiking route from Le Puy is popular so it can get quite busy. For this Collection, I propose a more original adventure – a cycling route which passes through the same places.
This means you can complete the itinerary faster – in ten days rather than in more than a month. Each day, around 20% of your ride is on gravel roads that add a little spice and more fun. A gravel bikepacking Tour is the best way to make the most of this 700-kilometre (434 mi) adventure.

Thanks to ample accommodation and places to eat, you don’t need to worry about finding a bed or food. However, I still recommend booking as early as possible, especially in summer, so that you’re not unpleasantly surprised. The best time to do this expedition is between May and October. The route isn’t possible too early in spring, too late in autumn or in winter.

Le Puy-en-Velay, the starting point, and Saint-Jean-pied-de-Port, the final destination, are well served by TER trains that take bicycles for free.

Although you’ll be travelling on the roads of south-west France, don't forget that you’re leaving from the Auvergne and that the weather can be quite rough in these mountains, so remember to take the right gear.

Have a good ride!