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 | km | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Peyrusse-le-Roc – Villeneuve d'Aveyron | 16,1 | 4h |
| Villeneuve d'Aveyron – Villefranche-de-Rouergue | 13,1 | 3h30 |
| Villefranche-de-Rouergue – Najac | 23,4 | 6h15 |
| Najac – Cordes-sur-Ciel | 26 | 6h30 |
Aveyron bastide towns and gorges: the stages of the journey
Peyrusse-le-Roc – Villeneuve
This 16 km stage begins remarkably thanks to the ruins of the medieval city of Peyrusse-le-Roc, a must-see village in the Middle Ages with its many markets and fairs. Today, we find marvelous vestiges of it, starting with its two iconic towers planted on their rocky outcrop. After this dip in time, you continue your way and will be able to see, in the village of Naussac, the marinesque castle dating from the XNUMXth century. You will then reach the source of the Diège on the marsh of Montaris. This natural environment is made up of exceptional flora and fauna. You will be able to observe there in particular numerous species of birds such as the gray heron or the water hen. The end of this stage continues along the dry stone walls, typical of the caussenard landscape to get to the bastide town of Villeneuve d'Aveyron.
Villeneuve–Villefranche
La bastide of Villeneuve houses magnificent murals in Holy Sepulcher Church that you will be able to admire before resuming the path. They represent Saint-Jacques and the miracle of the Hanged Man, but above all of the pilgrims themselves. On the way, you will discover the local heritage such as caselles and dovecotes. This 13 km stage takes you to the old fortified town of Saint-Rémy and its castle before continuing towards the bastide town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue. You will have to arm yourself with courage to climb to the heights of Villefranche in order to admire the view of the collegiate, the Chapel of the Black Penitents and far away Saint-Sauveur Charterhouse. Take the time to visit these wonders before setting off again!
Villefranche-Najac
You leave Villefranche following the banks of the Aveyron before regaining a little height. From up there, you will walk along the agricultural paths and discover the natural and heritage features of the Aveyron valley using the interpretive panels scattered along the way. In particular, you will learn about the mines and the major railway works between Najac et Monteils from 1853 to 1858. Throughout these 23 km, you will have magnificent views of the Villefranche fault. It is in particular the arrival on Najac which amazes with a magnificent view of the fortress perched on the rocky peak! Do not miss the visit of the Governor's House, Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center, to learn more about the marvels encountered along the way.
Najac – Laguepie
This stage of around 15 km is the one that goes the furthest into the depths of nature. You will first cross the St. Blaise Bridge in Najac where you may be able to spot canoes navigating the Aveyron river. This XNUMXth century bridge was the first place of passage for merchants and pilgrims to enter the town of Najac. You then go up through the forest to go down again on the banks of the Aveyron which you will follow until Laguepie. The river is particularly beautiful at this location and you can take the opportunity to soak your feet. You can then choose to stop at Laguépie or continue your way to Cordes-sur-Ciel.
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
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 CARI
- site of Santiagooo
My accommodation on the way
To help you choose your accommodation, the Agence française des chemins de Compostelle has set up a label “Home Chemins de Compostela in France”. To be part of this network, hosts 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.
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