About Us

We specialise in walking holidays across France and beyond. Our office is in Saugues, in the Haute-Loire, on the Way of St James, one of the early stages on the Le Puy Way.

We celebrated our 35th anniversary in 2023. Claudie and René Izing founded the company in 1988. From its early days as an association, Walks in France (then known as La Pèlerine) quickly became a specialist in self-guided walking holidays, particularly on the Way of St James from Le Puy-en-Velay. Our aim has always been simple: to make walking as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, with reliable logistics and carefully selected accommodation.

Our agency

The story of Walks in France is inseparable from the Way of St James. To this day, the Camino de Santiago routes remain at the heart of what we do. We were one of the very first organisations to support pilgrims setting out on this trail. Transferring luggage from stage to stage, booking all the accommodation along the route: this is what makes the Camino accessible to everyone, especially for those taking their first steps.

With over 35 years on the trail, Walks in France is now the leading specialist in organising Camino de Santiago walking holidays, and a trusted name in self-guided walking holidays across France and beyond.

Plus d'informations : Our agency

Our Story

  • 1988 to 1992: It all started in 1988 with the Association Foyer du Ventouzet in Lozère. We began with cross-country skiing and walking holidays in the Margeride and the Aubrac, and took our first steps on the Way of St James.
  • 1992 to 2000: The association was renamed La Pèlerine. The Way of St James opened up new destinations, but we chose to focus on what we did best: self-guided walking holidays. That decision became our identity and our strength.
  • 2000 to today: La Pèlerine became a fully licensed travel agency in 2000. Since then, our range of walking holidays has grown steadily, in France and abroad, with trips to Vietnam, Morocco and India. Over the years, we have become highly specialised in the Camino de Santiago routes across France and Spain, one of Europe's best-known long-distance walks.

Where We Are

  • 1988 to 2009: Our office was in Romagnac, a tiny hamlet of just seven people in the Haute-Loire.
  • 2010 to today: We moved to Saugues, one of the early stages on the Way of St James, just after Le Puy-en-Velay. Our office is on the village square, and we are always happy to welcome you, whether you need information, want to talk through your plans, or simply need help putting your trip together.

With over 35 years of experience, Walks in France remains committed to personal service and warm hospitality. You only have one thing to think about: enjoying the walk.

Saugues may feel like the middle of nowhere, but we are right here, ready to help.