Santiago de Compostella Trail from Espalion to Conques

In between the Auvergne in the North, the Pyrenées in the South, the Ardèche in the East and the Dordogne in the West flows the Lot. This river has since long intrigued the pilgrims from all over the world to go to Santiago de Compostella.

On foot through the Middle Ages, as you follow the footsteps of the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella.

Via scenic villages alongside the Lot, such as Estaing and Entraygues, you'll end your pilgrimage in the centuries-old Conques.

Very divers walk, where you'll find the path of the river Lot alternated with densely forested hills and open landscapes on the plains.

Conques

Conques is possibly one of the most visited tourist attraction of Aveyron, well-known and frequently visited for its Abbey de Sainte-Foy. Along the route of Saint James de Compostella, the pilgrim route to Spain, Conques abbey contains the most incredible collection of Renaissance and medieval gold work in all of western Europe. Some was created in the abbey's workshops as far back at the 9th century. Among the treasures are gold-plated relics encrusted with gemstones and crystal. A statue of the Roman Emperor Caracalla is believed to be from the 5th century.

The abbey church is Romanesque dating from 1050 and under construction until 1135.

The medieval sculptures adorning the church number some 250, one depicting
Conques

The church cloister only has two remaining sections from the 12th century, but many of the carved capitals were preserved and can be found in the refectory and the Treasury II.

For a plus **/*** package of this walk you go to H39B-plus

For a start in le Puy en Velay surf to H39A

For a walk from Conques to Rocamadour and Moissac surf to H39C

Planning a trip?

https://www.tourisme-aveyron.com/fr

Getting there:

1. Train schedules from Paris direct to Rodez. Summer schedule from June

2. Train schedules from Paris with TGV via Toulouse to Rodez. Summer schedule from June 

3. Train schedules from Toulouse. Summer schedule from June

To travel to Rodez from England you can fly Ryanair to Rodez.

To get in Espalion from Rodez you can take the bus at 12:30, 17:30 or at 18:30h. Not on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. (Bus company Verdier, tel: 0562 189 494 and Bus SNCF. Costs: €5,- .)

Return: Back to Rodez, Toulouse and Paris

To go back from Conques to Rodez and Espalion:
Conques - Rodez: (By bus company Tourisme Aveyron Cars)
08:15 AM leaving Conques. Arrival in Rodez 09:30 h AM. Costs 6 EUR. (on Tuesday also at 15:00 h leaving from Conques).

Train from Rodez directly to Paris (not TGV): 11:50h arrival in Paris at 18:50 h.