Via Podiensis · GR65
The Way of St James
The Via Podiensis, the most travelled of the Ways of St James, sets off from Le Puy-en-Velay, right next to Cayres. A prime stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
The Via Podiensis, or “Le Puy route”, is one of the four great French routes to Santiago de Compostela. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it starts from the cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay and crosses the Aubrac, the Lot and Gascony before reaching the Pyrenees.
From the very first stages, the route crosses the Velay plateau, right next to Cayres. The gîte is perfectly placed to welcome pilgrims at the start of their journey, or those who wish to set off well rested from the area.
Setting off from Le Puy-en-Velay
Every morning, the traditional pilgrims’ blessing takes place in the cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy before the great departure. The town, listed and magnificent, is worth a visit in its own right: its cathedral, the Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe rock and the Notre-Dame de France statue.
Le Puy-en-Velay is about 25 km from the gîte, easily reached to get to the starting point or to pick up a pilgrim along the way.
A stopover for pilgrims
The gîte is an ideal stop: single-night stays gladly accepted, very early self check-in thanks to the key box, and advice on the stages ahead. Walkers find peace and comfort here to recover.
Whether you walk the whole route or just a few stages, we help you organise your passage through the area.
Walking in the Velay
The first stages from Le Puy cross high plateaus, characterful villages and unspoilt nature. The white-and-red waymarking of the GR65 is continuous and well maintained.
The mountain climate calls for suitable gear: the weather can change quickly, even in summer. We are happy to advise you on current conditions.
At a glance
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GR65 · Via Podiensis
The great Way of St James from Le Puy-en-Velay.
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Pilgrim stopover
One night accepted, very early self check-in possible.
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Close to the start
Le Puy-en-Velay ~25 km, on the first stages of the route.
A pilgrim on the way to Compostela?
Stop over at the Gîte de Cayres, peaceful and close to the start in Le Puy-en-Velay. Book your night direct.