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Arrival at Nasbinals (overnight and dinner).
Nasbinals - St Chely d'Aubrac 17 km/10.65 miles. Altitude at departure: 1180m/3894ft.
This section begins on the high plateau of the Aubrac. In loco horroris et vastae solitudinis... (in this place of horror and profound solitude), words once engraved on the pediment of the monastery at Aubrac, which well express the fears of the pilgrims of the past. Today we may tramp these sumptuous pastures with a light heart; and just before the village of Aubrac, we cross a pass at 1360m/4480ft to leave the Lozere department and enter the Aveyron.
Altitude at arrival: 808m/2666ft. 6 hours.
St Chely - Espalion, 22 km/13.75 miles or St Chely to St Come 16 km/10 miles. Altitude at departure: 808m/2666ft
The trail continues via the old bridge, crossing the Boralde de St Chely (792m/2614ft) for the first time. Then come to L Estrade on the plateau before going down again to cross the river once more. Then it climbs up to La Rozere and reaches the Lot Valley at St. Come d 'Olt (385m/1271ft), where the church has a strange, spiralling bell tower. After crossing the Lot there are two possibilities for getting to Espalion: follow the valley along a little road, or steeper paths.
Altitude at arrival: 342m/1129ft. 6 hours.
Espalion - Estaing, 11 km/7 miles or St. Come - Estaing 17 km/10.6 miles. Altitude at departure: 342m/1129ft
This section is a formality, without any difficulty. Some might care to wander slowly along the Lot Valley, taking in the region s varied architecture - especially the church at Bessuejouls (335m/1106ft) - whilst others may prefer to get to Estaing more quickly to get to know this beautiful town dominated by its unusual castle.
Altitude at arrival: 320m/1056ft. 3 hours 30.
Estaing - Espeyrac, 25 km/15.6 miles. Altitude at departure: 320m/1056ft.
Today the route continues along the Lot Valley before climbing above the Lot gorges to reach the Rouergue plateau. A cross with its little stone pilgrim awaits us at the entrance to the Golinhac (650m/2145ft), ancient resting place on the St. James Way. Finally we come to Espeyrac via Les Albusquies and Campagnac (593m/1957ft).
Altitude at arrival: 369m/1218ft. 6 hours.
Espeyrac - Conques, 13 km/8.1 miles. Altitude at departure: 369m/1218ft.
A short stage, which is all to the good as the arrival at Conques, after walking through fields and woodland, is magical. The medieval quarter is visible only at the last moment to the pilgrim coming from the east; and the town extends away in tiers of pointed roofs overlooked by the three towers of Basilica Sainte Foy. It is worth devoting as much time as possible to the discovery of this enchanting town.
Altitude at arrival: 280m/924ft. 3 hours 30.
End of the trip after breakfast.
£550 pp sharing
Single room supplement - £95Supplement for person walking alone £30
Book This Walk
Arrival:Aumont Aubrac train station or St Christophe train stationDeparture:Conques does not have a railway station - the nearest is at St. Christophe, or Rodez. Some bus services to Rodez (Monday to Friday) or a short taxi ride.
Rodez has an airport with flights from London Stansted and a station with trains to Toulouse and Paris.
4 to 5 hours walking a day. Easy route with 150 to 450 m of altitude change per day.
Your luggage is transferred from accommodation to accommodation every day.
6 night in hotel 1* or 2*Half board - double room
This tour is available to groups of 2 or more.
There are departures every day between May 1st and October 30th.