All roads lead to Santiago de Compostela! After a bit of training, try the adventure departing from Villefranche de Rouergue and explore the landscapes of the Aveyron gorges.
Walk the Camino de Santiago
of Compostela
From Conques to Toulouse
On the Conques-Toulouse route, take the Camino de Compostela in West Aveyron. From Peyrusse-le-Roc to Laguépie, hike in the heart of unspoiled nature between causses and gorges of Aveyron.
| Towns & villages | km | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Peyrusse-le-Roc – Villeneuve d'Aveyron | 16,1 | 4h |
| Villeneuve d'Aveyron – Villefranche-de-Rouergue | 13,1 | 3:30 |
| Villefranche-de-Rouergue – Najac | 23,4 | 6:15 |
| Najac – Cordes-sur-Ciel | 26 | 6:30 |
Aveyron bastide towns and gorges: the stages of the journey
Peyrusse-le-Roc – Villeneuve
This 16 km stage begins remarkably with the ruins of the medieval town of Peyrusse-le-Roc , a must-see village during the Middle Ages thanks to its numerous markets and fairs. Today, wonderful vestiges remain, starting with its two iconic towers perched atop their rocky outcrop. After this journey back in time, you continue your route and can see the 14th-century Château de Marinesque in the village of Naussac . You then reach the source of the Diège River in the Montaris marsh . This natural environment boasts exceptional flora and fauna. You can observe numerous bird species, such as the grey heron and the common moorhen. The final stretch of this stage follows the dry-stone walls, typical of the Causses landscape , leading to the fortified town of Villeneuve d'Aveyron.
Villeneuve–Villefranche
The fortified town of Villeneuve boasts magnificent murals in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , which you can admire before continuing your journey. They depict Saint James and the miracle of the hanged man being freed, but above all, the pilgrims themselves. Along the way, you'll discover local heritage sites such as caselles (small stone huts) and dovecotes. This 13 km stage takes you to the ancient fortified town of Saint-Rémy and its castle before continuing on to the fortified town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue . You'll need to summon your courage to climb to the heights of Villefranche to admire the view of the collegiate church , the Chapel of the Black Penitents , and, in the distance, the Saint-Sauveur Charterhouse . Take the time to visit these marvels before setting off again!
Villefranche-Najac
You leave Villefranche, following the banks of the Aveyron River before climbing slightly higher. From this vantage point, you'll explore farm tracks and discover the natural and historical features of the Aveyron Valley with the help of interpretive panels scattered along the way. You'll learn about the mines and the major railway construction between Najac and Monteils from 1853 to 1858. Throughout these 23 km, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the Villefranche fault . The approach to Najac is particularly breathtaking, with a stunning view of the fortress perched atop its rocky outcrop! Don't miss a visit to the Governor's House , an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre, to learn more about the wonders you'll encounter along the way.
Najac – Laguepie
This stage, approximately 15 km long, is the one that delves deepest into nature. You will first cross the Saint-Blaise bridge in Najac, where you might spot canoes on the Aveyron River . This 13th-century bridge was the first crossing point for merchants and pilgrims entering the town of Najac. You then climb through the forest before descending to the banks of the Aveyron, which you will follow to Laguépie . The river is particularly beautiful here, and you can take the opportunity to dip your toes in the water. You can then choose to stop in Laguépie or continue on to Cordes-sur-Ciel.
To have
Practical information to prepare your way to Compostela
Prepare your way to Santiago de Compostela as well as possible thanks to the practical information below. Where to buy and have your credential stamped? Where to sleep and where to eat? We answer all your questions.
What is a credential?
Also called credential or crential, the credential is the pilgrim's passport. Its origin comes from the letter that the bishop gave to those who wished to undertake the road to Santiago de Compostela by way of identification and protection.
Where can I buy my credential?
Even today, the credential allows you to be recognized as a pilgrim. It is necessary to access many accommodations in France and Spain.
You can obtain it from a pilgrim association near you or the order online.
Where can I get my credentials stamped?
In Villeneuve:
- at the Tourist Office, Place des Conques
In Villefranche-de-Rouergue
- at the Tourist Office, Guiraudet promenade
- at the Chapel of the Black Penitents, bd Haute Guyenne
- at the Chartreuse St Sauveur, Av. Vezian Valletta
- at the Collegiate Church, Notre Dame Street
- at the Fleurines hotel, bd Haute Guyenne
- at the House of Siloam, 7 rue Mailhes
To Najac
- at the Tourist Office, 25 Place du Faubourg
- at the AAGAC leisure center, The Païsserou
- at the Governor's House, 1 castle street
What are the right reflexes to adopt on the GR?
Here are 9 essential and very simple actions to adopt for hiking while preserving the environment: hiker's charter.
Other useful links to find out more about the Camino de Santiago de Compostela:
- site of the Association of Bas Rouergue towards Compostela
- site of French Agency for the Ways of Santiago
- site of Santiagooo
My accommodation on the way
To help you choose your accommodation, the French Agency for the Camino de Santiago has established a "Camino de Santiago Welcome in France" label . To be part of this network, accommodation providers must:
- be located less than 2 km from a road to Compostela;
- offer overnight accommodation and be open at least 6 consecutive months per year between March and October;
- be declared at the town hall and comply with the legislation in force relating to its activity;
- be a member or partner of the Tourist Office to which the municipality of residence is attached.
Entertainment on the way to Santiago de Compostela
The French Agency for the Ways of Compostela places people at the heart of its mission, by animating and preserving the cultural heritage crossed by these emblematic paths. Each year, municipalities, associations and artists mobilize to bring to life the essence of the Ways of Compostela through a program rich in meetings, artistic creations and solidarity initiatives.
A European cultural itinerary
The Routes of Santiago de Compostela, the first cultural route recognized by the Council of Europe in 1987, bear witness to a shared memory across the continent. Since the Middle Ages, these routes have shaped European identity by fostering the circulation of ideas, know-how, and the arts. Combining built heritage—churches, bridges, hospitals—with intangible traditions, these paths tell a story of encounters and cultural transmission. Even today, pilgrims and hikers enjoy an enriching experience along these routes, far beyond their final destination. Preserving this heritage means perpetuating a living symbol of European unity and cooperation.
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