Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bonneval walks

The twenty-third stage of the Way of St James. This stage crosses the territories of five municipalities in the Aveyron. The landscape is mostly rural and natural, occasionally passing through woods and copses. The route is also dotted with several heritage sites of interest, such as the village of Estaing with its bridge and its towering castle, before reaching the Golinhac plateau, which offers mid-mountain landscapes

This is a stage of the Way of St James starting from the pretty village of Estaing. I recommend visiting this magnificent village and its castle. You can also enjoy a drink by the Lot river. A plaque in memory of President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing can be found at the entrance to the village. This stage is moderately difficult with a lot of road and some elevation gain, so bring something to drink and protection from the sun.

This fourth stage follows theGR® 65 Way of St James in reverse; it is one of the most beautiful stages of the route, listed in its entirety as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a steady, shaded climb, the path crosses the Aubrac plateaus, passing through the exceptional site of Aubrac.

The twenty-second stage of the Way of St James. On this stage, which is all downhill, you leave the Aubrac plateau to reach the Aveyron region, on the banks of the Lot, passing through the village of Saint-Côme-d’Olt, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, which has managed to preserve its character over the centuries. You arrive in the town of Espalion, which has grown up on the banks of the Lot, and you will notice on the hillsides the old terraces once planted with vines and fruit trees.

A beautiful short stage combining roads and paths. Moderate difficulty in terms of distance and elevation. Very good signposting with red and white GR®65 markings. Take advantage of the village crossings to visit the churches and fill up your water bottles at the fountains.

The twenty-fourth stage of the Way of St James. On this stage, you leave the Golinhac plateau, which offers mid-mountain landscapes, and after passing through several villages nestled in a lush green setting, you cross Senergues, an ancient village perched on a granite spur, and continue along a path dotted with remarkable buildings and sumptuous landscapes before arriving at Conques-en-Rouergues and its abbey church steeped in history.

Wooded ridges, fast-flowing streams rushing down from the plateau, terraced vineyards blending with the red soil, rocks, houses and the ancient town of Villecomtal: a hike full of contrasts.