The Via Podiensis
A Timeless Journey Through the Heart of France
​Stretching 750 kms (500 miles) from the ancient cathedral town of Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees, the Via Podiensis stands as one of Europe's most magnificent pilgrimage routes.
Also known as the Chemin du Puy or GR 65, this historic path has guided seekers and wanderers for over a thousand years, offering a journey that transcends mere walking.
Each step along this remarkable route unveils France at its most authentic and breathtaking.
The path winds through medieval villages tucked into hillsides, across the volcanic landscapes of the Velay, through the dramatic gorges of the Lot Valley, and over the expansive limestone plateaus of the Causses.You'll discover villages classified among "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), walk beneath centuries-old stone bridges, and rest in monasteries that have sheltered pilgrims since the Middle Ages.
The Via Podiensis is more than a long-distance trail—it's a living museum of French history, architecture, and culture.Each region along the way offers its own distinct character: the raw beauty of the Aubrac plateau, the medieval splendor of Conques, the pastoral charm of the Lot Valley, and the rolling hills of Gascony. Local markets burst with regional specialties, while historic churches and abbeys stand as testament to the route's spiritual heritage.
We know this path intimately.
Robert first walked the Via Podiensis in 2011, pioneering our exploration of this remarkable route.
He then started a Facebook group to celebrate this wonderful path.
Kate, being French, spent many holidays in the regions of Le Puy,
the Lot Valley, and the Pyrenees.
She completed the pilgrimage in 2015 and then brought her native French fluency and cultural insights to the Facebook group, which she joined in 2014.
Together, Robert and Kate walked the Le Puy route in 2019.
Our love and passion for the Via Podiensis has led us to create some valuable tools for anyone looking to embark on this unique Camino.
Beginning with Rob's Camino guides (main route and variants), you'll find all the essentials you need to feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
You'll find them here:
Kate's video guide:
Our Free guide where you'll find all the answers to the most common questions people have in our facebook group: