The Chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, perched high on a volcanic rock in Le Puy-en-Velay. From Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of this remarkable 750 km walk across France. Some journeys begin long before we take the first step. Perhaps you've seen photographs of pilgrims crossing the Aubrac plateau, heard someone describe the medieval village of Conques, or found yourself looking at a map of France and won

Planning to walk the Camino from Le Puy-en-Velay? Discover 10 things we've learned from walking the Via Podiensis (GR65), from pacing yourself and navigating rural France to enjoying the freedom of walking your own Camino.

Planning to walk the Via Podiensis (Le Puy Route)? Discover firsthand tips on daily stages, accommodation, terrain and services from Robert and Kate, who have walked this beautiful Camino many times. Plus, find out how to make planning easier with Robert's practical digital guide.

For 13 years, we’ve been helping English-speaking pilgrims plan and walk the Via Podiensis (GR65) from Le Puy-en-Velay. Here’s what thousands of questions, shared experiences and our own journeys along the route have taught us about walking the Camino through France.

Where can you buy food, refill your water or find a pharmacy on the Via Podiensis? A practical guide to shops, cafés, opening hours, Sundays and Mondays — and how to plan ahead without overplanning.

How many kilometres should you walk each day on the Via Podiensis? There is no simple answer. The same stage can feel completely different depending on terrain, fitness, weather and how you choose to experience it. I walked from Conques to Livinhac-le-Haut three times — and each time taught me something different about planning a Camino.

How difficult is the Via Podiensis really? The Le Puy Route is challenging, but you don't need to be an experienced hiker to walk it. Discover what makes the route demanding, how to prepare, and why finding your own pace may be the most important thing of all.

After 11 years of walking the Camino, I've learned that no matter how carefully you plan, there are things you can only discover once you start walking. If your gîtes are booked and your Camino is getting close, here's what I wish I'd known before my first steps — and what the journey has taught me since.

The Le Puy Route has guided pilgrims for centuries. Do you really need a GPS app—or could looking up be one of the greatest gifts of the pilgrimage?

Wondering whether to book gîtes on the Via Podiensis? Learn when to reserve accommodation, how far ahead to book, and the strategy we recommend.

A simple Camino walk. A Facebook group. An unexpected love story. Discover how Rob's Guide for the Via Podiensis grew from a single sheet of paper into a trusted resource for pilgrims around the world.

Wondering when to walk the Via Podiensis? This season-by-season guide explores weather, crowds, landscapes, and trail conditions on the Le Puy route to help you choose the best time for your Camino through France.

Walking the Via Podiensis is surprisingly affordable for a month-long adventure in rural France, but daily choices make a big difference to your final budget. A pilgrim who favours simple gîtes and self‑catering can walk comfortably on around 35 € per day, while those choosing demi‑pension, café stops, and the occasional private room should plan closer to 60 € per day. Over roughly 35 days, that means most walkers will spend somewhere between 1,200 € and 2,200 €, plus extras

Planning to walk the Via Podiensis (Le Puy Camino, GR 65)? Discover why Rob Forrester’s Walking the Via Podiensis Made Simple – 2026 is the best guidebook for pilgrims. With flexible sections, detailed maps, elevation profiles, gîte listings, and practical advice, it helps you plan confidently, walk freely, and enjoy every step of the Camino.

xOn a warm day on the Via Podiensis, I met Amina—a stranger who became a Camino angel. With her kindness, warmth, and two bottles of water, she gave me the invisible “Camino fuel” to continue my journey. This story is a reminder that the simplest gestures can lift weary hearts and make the Camino unforgettable.

Discover three quiet rules for walking the Camino in France on the Via Podiensis (GR65). Learn to trust the waymarking, find your bed, and embrace every step of this transformative journey.

Discover how to pack light and walk happy on the Via Podiensis. From clothing and footwear to toiletries, tech, and clever hacks like Savon de Marseille and laundry sheets, this guide helps pilgrims carry only what they truly need — making your Camino journey more comfortable, joyful, and mindful.

Planning your stages on the Via Podiensis? Learn how to walk with flexibility, listen to your body, and enjoy the rhythm of the Camino Le Puy.

Pilgrim and writer Kate Forrester shares soulful, practical insights from the Camino de Santiago’s Via Podiensis in France. Through Camino Way of Life, she invites others to walk with lightness, curiosity, and presence — preparing well, letting go, and discovering the quiet transformations the Camino offers.

Compare the Le Puy Camino (Via Podiensis) and the Camino Francés: terrain, culture, accommodations, costs, and tips for walking to Santiago de Compostela. Discover which route suits your pilgrimage style.