Key places along the Camino

Depending on the route you choose, you will pass through some remarkable places. Here are a few highlights.

Le Puy-en-Velay

Le Puy-en-Velay is the starting point of the most popular route across France. It is often considered the European capital of the Camino de Santiago, largely because its bishop was the first French pilgrim to walk to Santiago, back in the 10th century. Before you set off, take time to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the statue of Notre-Dame de France, the Chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, the cloister and the Hôtel-Dieu.

Conques

This small village on the Le Puy Way is one of the most beautiful in France. Its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses date from the medieval period. The Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a magnificent carved tympanum depicting the Last Judgement, a treasury, and stained-glass windows by Pierre Soulages.

Figeac

On the Le Puy Way, Figeac is the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, the man who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs. The town has a lively medieval centre, the Champollion Museum of World Writing, the Place des Écritures with its reproduction of the Rosetta Stone, and the Place Carnot, known for its local produce market.

Cahors

Still on the Le Puy Way, Cahors is known for the Pont Valentré, a 14th-century fortified bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town has fine half-timbered houses, a historic market square, and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint-Étienne with its two great domes and remarkable cloister. The city also has 25 hidden gardens tucked away behind its streets.

Arles

The starting point of the Arles Way, this city in Provence is famous for its Roman amphitheatre, dating from the 1st century AD. The old town has charming streets, the remains of the Roman theatre, the Réattu Museum, the Van Gogh space, and the Abbaye de Montmajour nearby.

Toulouse

Known as the "Pink City", Toulouse sits on the Arles Way. Its highlights include the Capitole, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Jacobins convent, and the elegant Hôtel d'Assézat in Renaissance style. Walk along the banks of the Garonne for a fine view of the city.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

This classic Basque town is one of the essential stops on the Le Puy Way. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and red shutters give it a distinctive character. It is classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Highlights include the citadel, local food shops, and the Porte Saint-Jacques, the symbolic gateway for pilgrims crossing into Spain.

Monte del Gozo, Spain

Five kilometres from Santiago de Compostela, on the Camino Francés, Monte del Gozo is the last viewpoint before the city. From here, you can see the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for the first time.